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Google Sheets · Verified tutorial

Separate first and last names in Google Sheets

Separate the names in A2:A4 into first names in column A and last names in column B using Data > Split text to columns with Space as the separator.

Verified by JosephineJuly 25, 2026About 60 seconds

Quick answer

Separate the names in A2:A4 into first names in column A and last names in column B using Data > Split text to columns with Space as the separator.

Step-by-step

1

Select the targetSeparate the names in A2:A4 into first names in column A and last names in column B.

2

Apply the changeData > Split text to columns with Space as the separator.

Shortcut or faster method

Select the full target range first. This avoids repeating the same change cell by cell.

Expected result

Columns A and B contain the separated first and last names.

Common mistake

Starting with the wrong cell or range selected.

Troubleshooting

Re-select A2:A4 and repeat the final action. Columns A and B contain the separated first and last names.

Example spreadsheet data

This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.

Full name

Anna Rivera

Ben Carter

Cara Lee

Video transcript

Open the prepared Practice spreadsheet.
Select the target. Separate the names in A2:A4 into first names in column A and last names in column B.
Apply the change. Data > Split text to columns with Space as the separator.
Columns A and B contain the separated first and last names.