How to quickly combine the first and last names into one cell in Excel?

While dealing with large datasets, sometimes users find that the first and last names of persons are stored in different columns. But, to process the information combine name or full name is required. For this type of case, the user needs to add the data from both columns to a single column. This article briefs three common examples to perform this same task. The first example allows users to use concat() function to achieve the same task. The second example allows the user to use the flash fill feature, to fill out the remaining name.

It is very important to note that the flash fill feature will allow the user to generate new values by using the previous data values. So, to obtain more accurate and precise results, users need to provide two to three samples. The next example describes the use of kutool to combine both columns. Another important point to note here is that the kutool allows the user to insert space, commas, separators, and many more such options while adding the data. To obtain more clear information refer to the third example of this tutorial.

Example 1: To combine the first name and last name into the same cell by using the user-defined formula in Excel

Step 1

In this article, the user will understand the process of combining the first and last names from two separate columns. This same task can be done in three different ways. But here will be using the concat() function. Before moving further understand the data provided on the Excel sheet. The sheet contains the first name and last name. Both these column data should be combined to generate the required result that is the complete name and save the obtained result to the “Combined name” column.

Step 2

Go to the D3 cell, and type formula “=CONCAT(B3, C3)”. Consider the below-provided image for reference −

Step 3

Press the “Enter” key to display the required result. Consider the below-provided image for reference −

Step 4

Drag the fill handle to copy the same formula for other cells. Consider the below-depicted snapshot for proper reference −

Example 2: To combine the first name and last name into the same cell by using the flash fill feature in Excel

Step 1

In the example, the user will understand the use of the flash fill feature. This feature is based on Artificial intelligence. It reads the provided data and accordingly generates the result. Another important considerable point is that this feature is available in the latest versions of Excel only. The older version of Excel does not provide this feature. To understand more precisely consider the below provided steps.

Step 2

In the “combined column” cell, type the complete name output as done below. For this example, the first name is “Suraj”, and the last name is “Aggarwal” and in the combined output column write the data as “Suraj Aggarwal”.

Step 4

Open the data tab, and under the data tool options, click on the “flash fills”. the possible key combination is ctrl+E. consider below provided snapshot for reference −

Step 5

After pressing the above guided flash fill option or using the key combination “ctrl+ E”, user can easily create further data values.

Example 3: To combine the first name and last name into the same cell by using the kutools in excel

Step 1

Consider the below given excel spreadsheet below. The opened Excel sheet contains two main columns. Here, the first column contains the initial name, and the last name column contains the last name.

Step 2

Click on the “Kutools” tab, and select the “Combine” option as depicted below −

Step 3

The above step will open a “Combine Columns or Rows” dialog box. In the opened dialog box, click on the first radio button “Combine Columns”. In the second label “Specify a separator” click on the “Space” radio button. in the options label click on the “Merge the combined cells ” options. Finally, click on the “OK” button.

Step 4

The above step will combine the result and modify the two available columns to a single modified column that contains the combined name from both columns.

Conclusion

All three examples perform the same task. The main purpose behind the demonstration of all the possible examples is to make the user aware of the maximum number of possible ways to perform the same task.