The former name Scoresbysund derives from the Arctic explorer and whaler William Scoresby, who was the first to map the area in 1822.
Besides the main town of Ittoqqortoormiit, only one more populated village was located within the former municipality, Itterajivit, 14 km to the west across Rosenvinge Bugt, with a population of only 9 (as of 2005).