Norway Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records/Known Issues

Known Issues
Question #1: The children’s last names do not seem to comply with the Scandinavia patronymic naming system. Are the indexed names correct? Answer #1: When indexing the Scandinavian collections, the indexer is to transcribe “what you see” and not create a surname for the child based on the name of the father if a surname was not actually available for the child on the original record being indexed. Prior to publishing the collection, a surnames-based software computer program was written to decide what the surname should be. In some instances, an error may have occurred, in that the child was given the father's surname instead of using the father's first name plus the word sen or datter (son or daughter), the Scandinavia patronymic naming system. For more detailed information about the Scandinavia patronymic naming system, read the research wikis, Norway Names Personal and Scandinavia: Names.
 * This answer is incomplete and therefore, incorrect. Many of the incorrect surnames are the result of post-processing done after indexing. These records cannot be corrected. Users should not rely on the information found in the index and should always check the index against the original record. Current indexing instructions for Scandinavian projects have indexers enter surnames only when it is given in the record. This helps the index more accurately reflect the record and not contain unsupported conclusions. SvareJM (talk) 14:38, 23 October 2018 (UTC)

Question #2: Batch C42346-1 has a Source Film Number listed as “unknown”? How can I see the image if I cannot view the microfilm? Answer #2: As an alternative to viewing a microfilm from the Catalog for an unknown film number, you can search the digitized parish registers at the following link: http://www.arkivverket.no/URN:kb_read. Be sure to click on English (or the language of choice) from the blue bar at the top. Since Batch C42346-1 is for baptisms from Horten, Vestfold, Norway, on the blue leftside dropdown menu, select the appropriate county (Vestfold), parish (Horten), type of register (Parish register (official)). For example: if you were searching for Otto Christian Hansen (fictitious name) born on 12 January 1872 and baptized on 14 February 1872, then you would choose the year range from the register results (i.e., Horten: 1872-1877, Parish register (official)). From the next screen, select the Type of record (Birth and baptism records) and the specific year (1972 (001)). Otto Christian would be listed on the first page in the original register.

Question 3
Question 3: I think the birthplace given in the record detail page is not correct. How can I verify the correct birthplace? Answer 3: Each record detail page has a source film number associated with the record. By searching the Catalog for the film number, you can then read the Catalog Notes to determine the locality associated with the film. For example, Batch I08645-2 has a birthplace of Kongsberg, Buskerud, Norway. However, its source film number 307075 is associated with the county of Nordland, and not Buskerund. The Catalog Notes state “Contains parish registers from Alstadhaug clerical district which includes Alstahaug, Stamnes (Sandnes/Sandnessjøen) and Leirfjord parishes. Included Herøy, Tjøtta and Vevelstad until 1862 and Vefsn until 1767.” Also, you can refer to Answer #2 for searching the digitized parish registers.

If you encounter additional problems with this collection, feel free to report them at [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the following information:


 * If searching a specific collection: please include the name of the collection; include all search criteria used, including name, event, dates and places.
 * If you are reporting a technical issue: please include your operating system and browser version, such as Windows 7 and Internet Explorer.

Your assistance will help ensure that future revisions will be considered.

Return to the Norway Baptisms - FamilySearch Historical Records article.

Return to the Norway, Baptisms, 1634-1927 collection at FamilySearch.org.