During the 1960s, there were many municipal mergers across Norway due to the work of the Schei Committee.

One possibility is that it comes from the word Gýja which is likely the old name for the local Gylandselva river.

The other possibility is that it comes from the word gýgr which means "female troll" or "giantess".

[5] The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Gyland was made up of representatives that were elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the historical composition of the council by political party.