Haugalandet

Name and etymology

The name Haugalandet came into use in the 19th century, likely introduced by Ivar Aasen, who used it in the poem "Haraldshaugen", written after his visit to Haraldshaugen and published in Folkevennen in 1853. Around 1900, the name became more widespread, particularly within the Nynorsk movement, the temperance movement, and the labour movement, which often used the form Haugarlandet, while the bourgeoisie in Haugesund preferred the term Haugesund halvø (Haugesund Peninsula). From the 1970s onward, Haugalandet has been used in public administration and regional planning.