Pronunciation: [zˈɛtlənd] (IPA) 
Zetland is a word that is commonly misspelled as Zetland or Zetlund due to its unusual pronunciation. The correct spelling is actually Zetland and is pronounced as /ˈzɛtlənd/. The word is believed to be originally derived from the Old Norse words ‘sett’ and ‘land’ meaning ‘land of the settler’ or ‘land of the people who lived at the head of the sea loch’. Today, Zetland is used to refer to the Shetland Islands in Scotland.
Zetland is a noun that typically refers to a geographical region or an archipelago located in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. It can also refer to a specific island within the Shetland Islands or an individual from the Zetland region.
Geographically, Zetland represents the northerly archipelago composed of around a hundred islands, lying around 160 kilometers northeast of the Scottish mainland. It encompasses the main islands of Mainland, Yell, Unst, Whalsay, and others. Zetland is known for its rugged coastlines, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
In a broader sense, Zetland can also be used as an adjective to describe anything related to the Shetland Islands or its culture. This includes the local dialect, traditions, cuisine, crafts, or specific features unique to the area. The word Zetland may sometimes be used interchangeably with "Shetland" to refer to the same geographical location, especially during informal conversations or amongst locals.
Furthermore, as a noun, Zetland can denote a native or inhabitant of the Shetland Islands. It refers to someone who is born or lives in the Zetland region, known for their distinct cultural heritage and close-knit communities. The term can also be used in this context for various organizational, historical, or sociopolitical references specifically related to the inhabitants of Zetland.
The word "Zetland" is the anglicized form of the Old Norse term "Hjaltland". "Hjalt" means "hilt", referring to the hilt of a sword, while "land" means "land" or "country". Therefore, "Hjaltland" can be translated to mean "land of the hilt" or "land of the sword". Over time, this name evolved to "Zetland" and eventually became "Shetland", the name by which the Scottish archipelago is known today.
