Because Green Island is formed from volcanic rock, it used to be called "Fire Island," but in 1949, its name was changed to Green Island after the verdant pastures that cover it. A well-known popular song, "Green Island Serenade," gave the island a certain romantic cachet.
綠島，因島嶼為火山岩，早年被稱為「火燒島」，民國三十八年改以島上終年牧草長青而命名「綠島」，一首廣為流傳的流行歌曲「綠島小夜曲」，為它敷上了浪漫純情色彩。