Formula guide · Excel and Google Sheets · Updated May 13, 2026
Split Full Name into First and Last Name
Split names in Excel or Google Sheets with TEXTSPLIT, SPLIT, LEFT, RIGHT, and TEXTAFTER.
Quick Answer
Use TEXTSPLIT in modern Excel, SPLIT in Google Sheets, or LEFT and TEXTAFTER when you need tighter control.
Copyable Formula
=TEXTSPLIT(A2," ")Syntax
=TEXTSPLIT(A2," ")Excel and Google Sheets
Worked Example
| A | B | C |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | First | Last |
| Maya Chen | Maya | Chen |
| Jordan Lee | Jordan | Lee |
Result: Splits the full name into separate cells based on spaces.
Steps
- Clean extra spaces before splitting names.
- Use TEXTSPLIT or SPLIT for simple first-last names.
- Use helper formulas for middle names, suffixes, or compound last names.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming every name has exactly two words.
- Splitting names before removing extra spaces.
- Using a formula that breaks on middle initials or suffixes.
Excel vs Google Sheets Notes
The core idea works in both Excel and Google Sheets, but separators, function availability, and array behavior can vary by account, locale, and version.
Editorial check: This guide was last updated May 13, 2026. Formula behavior can vary by Excel version, Google Sheets rollout, and spreadsheet locale.