Imagine living in an era of high mortality when people traditionally named children to honor relatives. In Norway, there were some frequently used names such as Ole and Lars. Now if Ole Larsen married Anna Larsdatter, they could have 2 sons named Lars Olsen , one to honor each grandfather. They would probably have a son named Ole Olsen, to honor the dad. If Ole had a brother named Lars Larsen, they could have a son named Lars Olsen, to honor the uncle. If Ole died and Anna married a man named Lars, they would have a son named Ole Larsen (to honor the dead first husband) and one name Lars Larsen (to honor the father)! Anna's sons would be Lars Olsen, Lars Olsen, Ole Olsen, Ole Larsen and Lars Larsen!!! (Worst case scenario). Dana