The municipality of Stangvik (historically spelled Stangvig) encompassed much of the area surrounding the Trongfjorden and the smaller fjords that branch off of it such as the Ålvundfjorden, Stangvikfjorden, and Todalsfjorden.

On 1 January 1886, the Møklegjerdet farm (population: 29), just west of Glærem, was transferred from Stangvik to Surnadal.

On 1 January 1897, the Sjøflot farm (population: 27), also just west of Glærem, was transferred from Stangvik to Surnadal.

The first element is derived from the genitive case of the word stǫng which means "staff" or "pole".

[7] The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Stangvik was made up of 21 representatives that were elected to four year terms.