3 Easy ways to get First Name from Name!

Let's start with a simple example:

Here we have a name list.

We need First name as output in Column E.

1. Using Text-to-Columns

Step 1: First of all we will select the data, which we want to delimit.

Step 2: Then, go to Data tab in excel and select Text to Columns.

You will this pop-up window.

Step 3: Click on next.

Step 4: Check on Space and click on next. Tab is selected automatically.

Step 5: Change the destination, where you want output.

Select the Last name in Data preview, which you do not want in output.

Check on "Do no import column [skip].

Click on Finish

Your output is here.

2. Using Function

Will start with same example:

If you see in Cell E2, I have typed Formula in E2: "=LEFT(D2,FIND(" ",D2)-1)"

Now, what is the reason behind typing 1 in formula?

We will understand in next Image.

If you see, I have new formula where I haven't mention "-1". Length of the text is 7, which includes "Space" as well. That's the reason we put "-1" to remove space.

3. Using User Defined Function (UDF)

We will start with same example.

Here we will create our own defined function using Macro.

Step 1: Press Alt+F11

You will see this window (VBE).

Go to Insert and click on Module.

Step 2: Type above mentioned code or Copy & Paste from here.

Function FirstName(Rng As Range)

    Spce = WorksheetFunction.Find(" ", Rng)
    x = ""
    For i = 1 To Spce - 1
        Vlue = Mid(Rng, i, 1)
        x = x & Vlue
    Next i
 
    FirstName = x
 
End Function

Your Defined function is ready : FirstName

Step 3: Type your function in Cell E2.

You will get your desired output.

Download the file : FirstName.xlsm

Thanks for learning, will come soon with new post.

To learn better please do the same for Last name and post in comments below. 

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