Karasjok is a Norwegianized form of the S�mi name K�r�johka. The
meaning of the first element is unknown and the last element is johka
which means "river".
The municipality was part of the old Kistrand
municipality until 1866. The name of the municipality was Karasjok until
1990, when it was changed to K�r�johka-Karasjok.It was the third
municipality in Norway to get a Sami name. In 2005 the name was again
changed, such that either K�r�johka or Karasjok can be used.
The
coat-of-arms is from modern times. They were granted on 27 June 1986.
The three flames are chosen as a symbol for the importance of fire to
the local (nomadic) Sami people. The fire brings both heat and thus
survival during the harsh winters, but it is also a major threat, both
in the tents as well as in the large pine forests. The fire is also the
point around which people gather and it is a guard against dangers. The
flag contains three flames also because K�r�sjoga-Karasjok is a place
where three peoples live: the Sami, Norwegians, and Kvens
