Etymology
The Copeland Islands most likely derive their name from the de Coupland family, who settled in the Ards along with other Normans in the 12th century. This family also lent their name to other landmarks in the vicinity such as Copeland Water near Carrickfergus and the townland of Ballycopeland in the civil parish of Donaghadee.
The earliest possible recorded name for the islands however may be the Old Norse Kaupmanneyjar (Kaupmann meaning "merchant" and ey meaning "island"), recorded in the Norse Hakonar Saga Gamla, and dated to 1230. It has been suggested that "Kaupmann" developed into "Copman" and then into "Copeland", with the form "Copman" recorded several times in the late 16th century in reference to the islands.
The original Irish name for the islands is unknown, however it has been suggested that the 1570c usage of "Helaine Harrn" may be an attempt at Anglicising the Irish name Oileáin Árann (island of the (kidney-shaped) ridge). The modern Irish name however is a Gaelicisation of Copeland Islands into Oileáin Chóplainn.
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