Splitting a “Full name” column into first and last name sounds easy until you hit names like Dr. John Paul Smith Jr., García, María José or Ludwig van Beethoven. SPLIT() and “Split text to columns” break on every space. Split Names is a Google Sheets add-on that understands how names are built.
How to split full names in Google Sheets
- Install Split Names from the Google Workspace Marketplace (Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons, search “Split Names”).
- Select the column with names and open Extensions > Split Names > Split names.
- Tick the parts you want: title, first, middle, last name, suffix, nickname.
- Check the live preview and click Split names. New columns are inserted next to the original – nothing is overwritten.
In a hurry? Quick split: first + last name in the menu does it in one click.
Example
| Full name | Title | First | Middle | Last | Suffix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. John Paul Smith Jr. | Dr. | John | Paul | Smith | Jr. |
| Smith, John Paul | John | Paul | Smith | ||
| LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN | Ludwig | van Beethoven |
What it handles
- “Last, First” order
- Titles: Mr., Mrs., Dr., Prof., Ing., MUDr. and more
- Suffixes: Jr., Sr., III, PhD, Ph.D.
- Nicknames in quotes: Robert “Bob” Jones
- Surname particles: van, von, de, de la, da
- Fix capitalization: JOHN MCDONALD → John McDonald
- Header row detection
Free vs Pro
The free version splits up to 100 rows per run. Pro splits any number of rows for a one-time payment – no subscription: get Split Names Pro.
FAQ
Can’t I just use SPLIT()? SPLIT breaks on every space, so middle names, titles and “van der” surnames end up in the wrong columns. Split Names recognizes them.
Is my data safe? The add-on only accesses the spreadsheet you open it in and names never leave Google Sheets. Privacy policy · Terms
