'Alderney' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'Aldernay,' where 'aldar' meant 'old' and 'ey' meant 'island.'

'Aldernay' transformed into the French word 'Auregnais,' and eventually became the modern English word 'Alderney' through Middle English.

Initially, it referred to the island itself, but over time it also came to denote the breed of cattle originating from the island.