So how did it get its name “Greenland” when it’s not really green? It actually got its name from Erik The Red, an Icelandic murderer who was exiled to the island. He called it “Greenland” in hopes that the name would attract settlers.
Why do they call Greenland and Iceland?
How Did Iceland Get Its Name? … He gave Greenland its name because he felt it would attract new settlers to the large island. Thus, Iceland and Greenland were both given names that are essentially misnomers, as Iceland is very green, while Greenland is covered in ice.
Who gave the name Greenland and why?
Erik the Red gave Greenland its name over 1,000 years ago and ushered in the country’s Viking era. Eirikr rauði Þorvaldsson (approx. 950-1003 AD) was named Erik the Red primarily because of his red beard and hair, but perhaps also because of his fiery temper.