How to split a name column without assuming every name has two parts
A name splitter prepares structured fields from a single displayed name. The useful approach depends on the destination and the conventions represented in the actual data.
Start with the right material.
- What you provide
- a visible name table plus the user's naming convention.
- The intended result
- Split unambiguous full names into requested parts and flag ambiguous cases.
How the workflow works.
Specify the target columns and preserve the original full name. Handle prefixes, suffixes and multi-part names according to supplied rules, leaving ambiguous splits for review.
What to check in the result.
Inspect names that do not fit the chosen pattern. The first word is not universally a given name, and the last word is not always the complete family name.
Import the CSV with a consistent delimiter and inspect text identifiers, dates and amounts before using spreadsheet totals. Keep the original file available while checking any automatic type conversion.
Learn from the worked example.
The downloadable CSV example uses these columns: Original name, Given name, Family name, Review. Compare a complete record with the source before sorting, combining or importing your own output.
The supplied example is illustrative. It is not a recorded run on your data.
Download the example ↓Use it with your own material.
- Open the source you want to work with and activate WebAct on that tab.
- Copy the task from the hero, add any required fields or preferences, and review the proposed actions.
- Compare the first result with your source. Ask for a specific correction or refinement where needed.