[2][3] The seaport village of Sogndalsstranda was built up around the Kjelland farm (historically spelled Kielland).

[4] As is typical of older records, this farm is listed in historical records under a number of phonetically similar names: Kollandt in 1563, Kieldeland in 1567, Kuelandt in 1567, Tielland in 1610, Kielland in 1616, Kiedland in 1668 and finally fixing on Kielland since 1723.

This status gave them a monopoly on import and export of goods and materials in the port and in the surrounding district.

On 1 July 1944, Sogndal was merged back together with Sokndal municipality, losing its small seaport status.

[7] The municipality (originally the parish) is named after the Soknedalen valley (Old Norse: Sóknardalr) since the first Sokndal Church was built there.

[9] The municipal council (Bystyre) of Sogndal was made up of 12 representatives that were elected to three-year terms.