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Advanced Name Separation Tool – User Guide
This guide explains how to use the Advanced Name Separation Tool to parse and format names into their components.
1. Introduction
The Advanced Name Separation Tool helps you parse and format names into their components (first name, middle name, last name, prefixes, and suffixes). It can handle various input formats and allows you to customize the output format.
Key Features:
- Split names into first, middle, and last names
- Detect and handle prefixes (e.g., “Dr.”, “Mr.”) and suffixes (e.g., “Jr.”, “PhD”)
- Support for special characters in names (e.g., “Zoë” → “Zoe”)
- Multiple output formats (e.g., “Last, First” or “First Initial Last”)
- Remove duplicates and trim extra spaces
- Export results to CSV, Excel, PDF, or copy to clipboard
2. How to Use the Tool
Step 1: Enter Names
Paste or type names into the input box.
Supported formats:
- One name per line:
John Doe Jane Smith
- Comma-separated:
John Doe, Jane Smith, Michael Jordan
- Last Name, First Name format:
Doe, John Smith, Jane
Skip First Row: Check this if your input has a header row (e.g., “Full Name”).
Step 2: Select Input Format
Choose how your names are structured:
- First Name + Last Name (default) – e.g., “John Doe”
- Last Name, First Name – e.g., “Doe, John”
Step 3: Configure Processing Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Output Format | Choose how names should appear in results (e.g., “Last, First” or “F. Last”) |
| Capitalization | Normal (John Smith), UPPERCASE, lowercase, or Title Case |
| Auto-detect suffixes | Handles “Jr.”, “Sr.”, “III”, etc. |
| Auto-detect prefixes | Handles “Dr.”, “Mr.”, “Prof.”, etc. |
| Convert special characters | Replaces accented letters (e.g., “Zoë” → “Zoe”) |
| Trim extra whitespace | Removes unnecessary spaces |
| Remove duplicate names | Filters out repeated names |
| Combine first + middle names | Merges middle names with first names (e.g., “John Michael” instead of “John” + “Michael”) |
| Separator for full output name | Choose a delimiter (default: , ) |
| Name order detection | Auto-detect or force a format |
Step 4: Process Names
Click “Process Names” to generate results.
- Reset All – Clears all inputs and settings
- Clear Input – Only clears the name list
3. Understanding the Results
The results table shows:
| Column | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Name | The name as entered |
| First Name | Extracted first name |
| Middle Name(s) | Extracted middle names (if any) |
| Last Name | Extracted last name |
| Suffix | Extracted suffix (e.g., “Jr.”) |
| Prefix | Extracted prefix (e.g., “Dr.”) |
| Full Output Name | Formatted name based on your settings |
Exporting Results
Use the buttons above the table to:
- Copy (to clipboard)
- Download as CSV, Excel, or PDF
- Print the results
4. Examples
Example 1: Basic Name Separation
Input:
John Doe, Jane Smith
Settings:
- Input Format:
First Name + Last Name - Output Format:
Last Name, First Name
Result:
Doe, John Smith, Jane
Example 2: Handling Special Characters
Input:
Zoë Adjo Selasi Adzaku
Settings:
- Convert special characters: ON
- Output Format:
First Name + Last Name
Result:
Zoe Adjo Selasi Adzaku
Example 3: With Prefixes/Suffixes
Input:
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Settings:
- Auto-detect prefixes/suffixes: ON
- Output Format:
Last Name, First Name
Result:
King, Martin Luther (Prefix: Dr., Suffix: Jr.)
5. Troubleshooting
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Names aren’t splitting correctly | Check if the input format matches your data (e.g., “Last, First” vs. “First Last”) |
| Special characters not converting | Enable “Convert special characters” in settings |
| Duplicate names in results | Enable “Remove duplicate names” |
| Extra spaces in output | Enable “Trim extra whitespace” |
6. Need Help?
If the tool isn’t working as expected:
- Double-check your input format
- Try different Name Order Detection settings
- Ensure special characters are supported (e.g., “François” → “Francois”)
For further assistance, contact support.
Ready to Use?
Start processing names now with the Advanced Name Separation Tool!
