2.2.6 How to write formal names in Norwegian
Formal names are to be written in Norwegian in accordance with the rules for pronouncing and spelling compound Norwegian words (cf. NOU 1983, no. 6, p. 65; the Crown Prince Regent`s decree of May 31st, 1957). Compound names which can be pronounced as one word are also to be written as one word, using an initial capital letter and without hyphenating the individual components of the name. Even long compound names should preferably be written as one word, but may exceptionally be divided into their several parts using an initial capital letter for the proper name, only. Such long compound names may, for example, consist of two geographical names and a final unit or type term. The geographical names are to be linked by a dash, and the last component is to be added using a hyphen, e.g. Peru -- Chile-grøfta (the Peru -- Chile Trench), Fongen -- Hyllingengabbrokomplekset (the Fongen -- Hyllingen Gabbro Complex), Hardanger -- Ryfylkedekkekomplekset (the Hardanger -- Ryfylke Nappe Complex).
It is important to note that the definite articles -en, -a,
-et, -ene at the end of geographical names are usually omitted in compound names. A genitive s can be inserted between the components of the compound name.
Even though the general rule is that the definite article of a geographical name is omitted when names are compounded, this should not be followed if the compound name thereby becomes unrecognizable as being related to the original geographical name. Such abbreviations may also lead to direct misunderstanding as regards the origin of the part formed by the geographical name. The -en ending of some geographical names is not the definite article, but a derivative of the old ending -vin, as in Løten, Løken, Farmen, Sinsen, Bleiken, Horgen, Hverven, Bergen, etc. In such words the -en ending is to be retained in compound names.
Hypothetical cases: A formation named after Roa should be called Roaformasjonen (the Roa Formation) and not Roformasjonen; a granite at Grua should be called Gruagranitten (the Grua Granite) and not Grugranitten; a gabbro on Leka is best referred to as Lekagabbroen (the Leka Gabbro) and not Lekgabbroen; an ice-front stage at Dalen should be called Dalentrinnet (the Dalen Stage) and not Daltrinnet, since Daltrinnet derives its name from Dal; a gneiss named after Fana should be called Fanagneisen (the Fana Gneiss) and not Fangneisen, and so on. On the other hand, we have Rendalsformasjonen (the Rendalen Formation) and not Rendalenformasjonen, Oslofjordforkastningen (the Oslofjorden Fault) and not Oslofjordenforkastningen, and so on. Other examples are given in Section 2.2.10.
If doubt arises concerning how names are to be spelt, advice should be sought from the Norwegian Language Council (Norsk språkråd) and the State Adviser on Geographical Names (Statens navnekonsulent).