The island was discovered by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) during helicopter reconnaissance flights from East Ongul Island in the 1969–70 season.

The name "Kaname-jima" (chief or important island) was given by JARE Headquarters in 1972.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from "Kaname Island".

Geographic Names Information System.

This Queen Maud Land location article is a stub.