I frequently find my searches more difficult because I do not understand or appreciate the different spellings and form of first names. The common names (or nick-names) compound the problem.
This is increasingly difficult when trying to identify people that have migrated to a new country with many different languages, alphabets, accents and spellings. The traditional handwriting practices compound the problem. A prime example is an 1800's U.S. census where a Norwegian is answering a census questions posed by a first generation German that is required to make an entry in English (American?) that will be recorded and published. I found a "family " name of Ondell that was somehow trandlated into Ollendorf.
Are ther any source that may give a curious person some ideas of spelling variations and "nick names" or common names as a first name. Family names are diffferent problem that relate to the unique root language.
Another problem is that the first/given name may be altered or abandoned during immigration.
This is a universal problem for anyone doing genealogy and trying to "bridge" the gap that occurred during migration to a new country with radically different languages, accents and habits.
Are there any sources to minimize the challenge?
Thanx (American term) for any help!!
Dick
Edited by - Richard Schumacher on 30/01/2008 23:15:33
A single organized source of hints for name and spelling variations? Good luck in finding. Sounds pretty futile. The minute we tried to organize one another huge group of useages completely new and "creative" would be found.
There are many many articles and book chapters which have been written with titles like "Spelling for Genealogists". Those can give you thoughts and ideas but few are written from the viewpoint of one trying to track Norwegian specific names. You read the article on this website, re-reading it is good idea -- http://www.norwayheritage.com/norwegian-names.htm Study all the other good online advice about Norwegian naming practices and patterns.
Think "sounds-like" and be flexible, stubborn and creative in your detective work.
If YOU decide to start this desired resource database of spelling variations found in genealogical research efforts be sure and let me know. I've seen some wild examples through my years in this hobby.
I was just looking for something to build my research upon. I have plenty of time and have only been fighting this Norwegian battle for 10-15 years, so a little more time will not hurt.. Fortunately, there is some similarity with Swedish names. As I mentioned, the main problem is the transition after/during immigration. To my eye and ear, some of the similarities to others are not apparent to me. I was fortunate with 1/4th of my ancestora that came from the Ringebu area and settled in an area with many others from the same area. Unfortunately, the 1/8th from some other area of Norway has required much more work, time, travel and pleasure.
The link you provided was a very good reminder and pointed out the similarities with the double given names within the German practices.
I will just have to apply my experiences in other countries to my Norwegian ancestors. At least it is not as difficult as the Russian and Spanish genealogy. My grandchildren from two wives (good friends) are going to have a very interesting ancestry when it is close to completion (if ever). - over 12,000 individuals including siblings so far!
Edited by - Richard Schumacher on 31/01/2008 04:30:58
Some Norwegian sites: Johan I Borgos: Norwegian First Names Statistics Norway: First names statistiics Digitalarkivet: search in censuses If you search in 1900 census for first name contains "risto", you will find all variations in spelling of Kristoffer. Before 1900 the pronunsiation of names were rather consistant, but the spelling varied a lot. Familysearch has a very good soundex in their searching system of norwegian names. If you search for Kristoffer, you will also find Christopher, Kristofer, Krestoffer etc. That is fine, because these names were regarded as one name, witn one pronunsiation, just spelled in differant ways. And before 1900 the owner of the name did not own the spelling. When you moved to another parish, the pastor there might use another way of spelling your name. So when they emigrated to USA, they were prepared to see their name spelled in differant ways. They preferred a spelling that made the Americans pronouce their name most like it was in Norwegian. In Norway one name is spelled Knud (Danish tradition) or Knut. In USA many used the spelling Knute. There are no "standard" short names or nicknames in Norway like in America.
Norwegian first names
Posted - 30/01/2008 : 23:11:55
