In Norway, the archipelago and the area are called Lofoten. There have been many attempts to research the origins and meanings of both the names Lofoten and Ofoten, which have led to numerous theories but no definitive information. Critical examination has not reached any generally accepted and justified interpretation of the name.

According to one explanation Lofoten was the original name of the island Vestvågøya. The first element is ló (i.e., "lynx")