This is a very sticky area of a puzzle. If you have access to any baptismal records that will help. In my own family the eldest male child takes on the name of his father. i.e. My 2 times great grandfather his father was Jacob, as the oldest male in the family he was given the name (last) of Jacobson. At times the name may also come from an area where they lived. By a fjord, after a farm. If the translation ability on a site works that in & of itself can be a big help. Things that get in the way: lack of translation, fire, floods, war. I am also aware of pulp act as its described in Ireland. The country needed more material to make paper and they used old papers to make new paper. You might also check census or tax records, death certificates and various church records. I hope I made this a little more clear than a muddy glass of water. You may also check with groups like the Sons of Norway, other cultural groups. If you have a university that offers a specific cultural center or may have exchange students- they like to be included and help. A lot of times it may also decrease some of their homesickness. Depending on where you live at times the consulate of the country may be able to help as well.
