Farm names were often used as part of Norwegian names, in addition to the person's given name and patronymic or inherited surname. Some families retained the farm name, or toponymic, as a surname when they emigrated, so in those cases tracing a surname may tell you specifically where in Norway the family was from. This tradition began to change in the mid to late 19th century, and inherited surnames were codified into law in 1923.
Farm names were often used as part of Norwegian names in addition to the person's given name and patronymic or inherited surname Some families retained the farm name or toponymic as a surname when they emigrated so in those cases tracing a surname may tell you specifically where in Norway the family was from This tradition began to change in the mid to late 19th century and inherited surnames were codified into law in 1923