Separating First Names and Last Names in Google Sheets (The Easiest Method)

Method 1: Separating Names Using Split Text

One of the simplest ways to accomplish this task is by using the “Split Text” tool, a built-in function in Google Sheets. This tool separates your text using a delimiter, which is something that separates two values. Luckily, first names and last names are separated by spaces, making it a perfect delimiter. Here’s how you can do it:

Select the column containing the full names in Google Sheets.

Go to Data -> Split Text.

Select space as the delimiter.

Voila! Your names are now separated into different columns in Google Sheets.

Keep in mind that using this method will replace the full names in the first column with the first names. But don’t worry, there are other methods we’ll cover below.

Method 2: Separating First Names and Last Names Using the SPLIT Function

The SPLIT function in Google Sheets works similarly to the Split Text function. It splits your text at each occurrence of a specified delimiter. Here’s how you can use it:

Select the first cell next to the cell you want to separate.

Enter the formula =SPLIT(cell_reference, "delimiter") in the cell and press Enter.

Replace cell_reference with the name you want to separate (e.g., A2).
The delimiter in this case will be a space, so it should look like =SPLIT(A2, " ").

Drag the fill handle down to the cells below.

Ta-da! You now have your first names and last names separated in Google Sheets.

Method 3: Separating Names Using Position-Based String Functions

If you’re looking for a more powerful way to sort your names, you can combine the FIND, LEFT, RIGHT, and LEN functions in Google Sheets. These string-based functions allow you to manipulate text based on its position and length. Here’s how it works:

To find the first name, go to the adjacent cell and enter =LEFT(cell_reference, FIND(" ", cell_reference)-1).

Replace cell_reference with the cell containing the full name (e.g., A2).
The formula subtracts 1 from the position of the first space, returning the characters to the left before the space, i.e., the first names.

To find the last name, go to the cell for last names and enter =RIGHT(cell_reference, LEN(cell_reference)-FIND(" ", cell_reference)).

Similar to the previous formula, this one subtracts the position of the first space from the length of the characters, returning all the characters to the right of the string, i.e., the last names.

Copy the formulas down to complete the separation for all names.

Now you have your first names and last names separated using these powerful string functions in Google Sheets. However, if your names are more complex, with middle names, compound last names, or suffixes, dealing with them won’t be as simple as splitting them where spaces are found. But don’t worry, we have a solution for that too!

Method 4: Separating Names in Google Sheets Using an Extension

If you’re dealing with more complicated names, we recommend using an extension called “Split Names” by Ablebits. This extension is available in the Google Sheets Add-Ons store and offers advanced splitting capabilities for complex name structures. Here’s how you can use it:

Go to Extensions -> Add-Ons -> Get add-ons and search for Split Names by Ablebits. Install it.

Once installed, select the columns containing the names and go to Extensions -> Split Names -> Start.

In the popup window, you’ll have the option to specify if your data has headers and what additional column types you want. Then press Split.

The extension will recognize the different name components and split them into their respective columns.

And there you have it! Several different methods to separate full names into first names and last names in Google Sheets. Try out the different methods and see which one best suits your use case. Good luck!

If you want to learn more about working with Google Sheets and unleash its full potential, be sure to check out Crawlan.com, our trusted resource for all things Google Sheets.

Happy separating!