The Haugaland was traditionally regarded as part of
Ryfylke, but that term is now used only for the areas further east. The name derives from the Old Norse farm name
Haugar and originally referred to the area surrounding the historic farm and, later, the town of Haugesund. The form
Haugarlandet occurs in older usage, and the peninsula has also been referred to as the
Haugesundshalvøyen (Haugesund Peninsula). 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. ==Municipalities==