It is clear from the evidence compiled by the Placenames Branch that Windy Arbour is a relatively modern name, having replaced the anglicised placename ‘Glassons’ in the 18th century. ‘Glassons’ appears to be derived from Na Glasáin; the translation ‘Greenland’ is also found in the evidence, implying that Na Glasáin referred to green lea-fields or the like.

Windy Arbour seems to be a development from ‘Windy Harbour’ (“a place sheltered from the wind”): harbour is attested in English-language placenames (cf. Coldharbour in Kilkenny, Coolharbour in Wicklow and Wexford, etc.; Coldharbour is also common in England as a fieldname). However, it is interesting to note that the word arbour once had the meaning “grass plot, lawn, garden” in English; it cannot be ruled out that arbour is a translation of Irish glasán in this case. (Conchubhar Ó Crualaoich, Aindí Mac Giolla Chomhghaill)