Naming places, writing history

This chapter explores the connection between place names and the formation of Icelandic national identity. It examines how place names were seen as markers of historical settlements, reinforcing the continuity of Icelandic history. Despite advances in toponymic studies, the chapter argues there is a gap in the literature concerning the influence of nationalism on place naming practices. Specifically, it highlights how Icelandic nationalism has shaped toponymy, particularly in the nineteenth century when nationalist sentiments fuelled a renewed interest in Icelandic place names. The chapter further examines the evolution of toponymic research and the legal frameworks surrounding place names, along with the cultural significance attached to names deemed worth preserving. It analyses the intersection of academic and public discourse on naming practices, revealing that nationalist acts of (re)naming do not always emerge from radical political change. Instead, nationalists often utilise existing toponymic traditions to promote their ideologies, sometimes disregarding elements that contradict and challenge their narratives. This discussion emphasises the complexities of place naming in the context of nationalism and underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of these dynamics in Icelandic history.