Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 10:5

"Of these were the isles of the nations divided in their lands, every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations." — Genesis 10:5 (ASV)

Isles of the Gentiles. —The word rendered “isles” means any maritime region. As there were no Gentiles at this time, the phrase should be translated “the coast-lands of the nations.”