My great-grandfather came to the US from Norway around 1915. He changed his name either before he came to the US or after. I don't know how to spell his old name. Please help me!
2007-04-06 09:41:14 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Genealogy
Hey Katie,
There are several things you can try. Find his passage records, how he came to this country. That might give a clue. Look for similar Norwegian names. Search for his name in Family Search with Exact Spelling off, that will employ a "sounds like" or "Soundex" Calculator. It would help if you gave his last name so we could give it a shot. Look at GENFORUM for the surname that it is now, and maybe someone there will know off hand. Try the surname sites given too.
2007-04-06 09:56:28 · answer #1 · answered by BuyTheSeaProperty 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
first of all find the point of entry of where he came in most likely ellis island was popular as a port of entry. Which was New York, New York. www.ellisisland.com find ship papers. at the point of entry alot of times they could not read the name so they wrote it as the sounded it out in the english language. Or to the best of there english knowledge. Like roach was roch'e and they could not pronouce it and they felt they need an american name. They were so happy to come to the country they accepted the change. If in deed he changed it before he came to the USA. Your need to check this library: The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Genealogy library. www.familysearch.org. find the local library in you area. they have a booklet for 2 bucks that tells you how to right letters to the goverments in that country and where to check for information on norway. ok take care
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2007-04-06 15:24:53 · answer #2 · answered by mary m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1st name or last name? Many immigrants changed their last names to a more English spelling, though the sound may have been similar, and others shortened theirs.
2007-04-06 11:41:07 · answer #3 · answered by Amethyst 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first look up ellis island, they have a website with everyone,s name and date of entry on it. secondly, if you know his place of birth and date of birth get a birth cert copy. best of luck.
2007-04-06 10:03:12 · answer #4 · answered by Del 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am curious why you think he changed his name, and whether given name or surname.
2007-04-06 10:07:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋