Does anybody know if you can actually find out about his name he says his dad found him from a wreckage site off the coast of solitude. I've looked and found nothing.

Was wondering the same thing myself and didn't feel like making a new topic. But I don't know, from my research I don't think that you can yet, maybe a DLC will add extra character quests.

Good Question. Maybem the thing you need is in an unmarked wreck at the bottom of the sea of ghosts.

Anyways, I think this is a spoiler.

There's a boat stranded/sunk on the beach way up north. From Winterhold follow the shoreline to Solitude, you should be able to find it.

It's quite a way from Winterhold, so should take a while to get there.

Good luck.

PS: I also found a boat further north, but near the western border. It is broken in half, and there are two bandits living there. Should be easy to find they have a nice fire going. They have a tent outside - I don't understand why they don't stay inside the remaining cabin.

OK here's some more info:
1. First wreck: The Wreck of the Brinehammer. NW of Dawnstar on the beach/waterline.
2. Second wreck: Orphan's Tear. NW of Hraggstad - a Thalmor fort. Note: There's a major road from the Thalmor Embassy that goes west. Follow it till you get to another road that goes north - you'll get to the fort. From there to the beach.