How to Separate the First and Last Names in Microsoft Excel
- George Apostolov
How to Separate the First and Last Names in Microsoft Excel: step-by-step guide
Inside your Microsoft Excel worksheet, find and select the entire column containing the list of names you wish to split.
After that, head over to the top menu bar and click 'Data'.
Choose 'Split Text to Columns' from the given options.
Following that, specify the delimiter you use between the first and last names.
Check the results from the provided preview and then tap 'Apply' to save the changes.
After completing these steps, the first and last names from the selected list will be separated into two columns.
Quick answer: To separate the first and last names in Microsoft Excel, select the name column, click 'Data' in the top menu bar, and choose 'Split Text to Columns'. Next, specify your delimiter, check the preview results, and tap 'Apply' to save the changes and split the names into two columns.
About this Microsoft tutorial
Split first and last names into separate columns in Microsoft Excel by using the Text to Columns feature and specifying your delimiter. This guide shows how to separate the First and Last Names in Microsoft Excel in 6 steps, starting with "Inside your Microsoft Excel worksheet, find and select the entire column containing the..." and finishing with "After completing these steps, the first and last names from the selected list will be s...". The interactive demo above is a click-through copy of the real Microsoft interface, so you can rehearse each step before doing it in your own account.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps does it take to separate the First and Last Names in Microsoft Excel?
6 steps. Each one is listed in order above, and the demo highlights exactly where to click.
Can I try it without changing my own account?
Yes. Clicking through the demo doesn't touch your Microsoft data or settings. Once you know the flow, repeat it in your own workspace.
This tutorial is filed under Microsoft and Excel. Related guides: How to Set up Coda Notifications in Microsoft Teams, How to Share an Excel File in Microsoft Teams Channels and How to Share Coda Docs via Microsoft Teams. Last reviewed 05 Oct 2026.
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