The first element is the genitive case of the local river name Ífa which now called the Frøysåna.

The river name is probably derived from the word ýr which means "yew" (Taxus baccata).

The hammer has a tincture of argent which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used.

Although nothing is found in written sources about Iveland before the 15th century, there is evidence of occupation for thousands of years prior to that.

A King's road (Norwegian: Kongevegen), which allowed horse travel, went in an east–west direction through the area and was in use as early as the 9th century, and perhaps before.

The Setesdalsbanen was a narrow-gauge steam railway built in 1896, which went across Iveland on its route between Vennesla and Byglandsfjord in Bygland.

Large quantities of planks, poles, and timbers were brought by horse to the Iveland station and forwarded by railroad to Kristiansand.

The municipality is bordered in the northwest by Evje og Hornnes, in the northeast and east by Birkenes, and in the south and west by Vennesla.

The municipal council (Kommunestyre) of Iveland is made up of 17 representatives that are elected to four year terms.