How to Reverse Names in Excel

In this blog post, we will learn how to efficiently reverse the order of names in Excel. Often times data input can be incomplete or inputted in a way that requires additional sorting. Excel is a powerful tool that can help with this process. The task may seem daunting at first, but with a few simple steps and a basic understanding of Excel functions, you can quickly learn how to reverse names without breaking a sweat.

Introduction

When it comes to data input, mistakes can happen. One common issue that arises is that names may be inputted in the wrong order. This can be especially frustrating if you have a long list of names to organize and manually switching them all can be incredibly time-consuming. Let Excel help you out! In this blog post, we’ll show you an easy way to reverse names in Excel using a few simple steps.

Step 1: Create a New Column

The first step is to create a new column where we can reverse our names. To do this, right-click on the column letter to the right of the column that contains your list of names, then click “Insert”.

Step 2: Use the Excel Function for Reversing Name Order

Now that we have our new column, we can use the Excel function “CONCATENATE” to combine the first and last names and then reverse them. To do this, first type in “=CONCATENATE” into the cell of the new column where you would like to put the reversed name.

Next, we’ll use the LEFT and FIND functions to extract the first name, followed by a space, and the last name from the original name column. Here’s how to do it:

In the “CONCATENATE” function, type “LEFT” followed by an open parenthesis and the cell where you want to extract the last name.

After the comma, we use the “FIND” function to locate the position of the space between the first and last names. Type “FIND” followed by an open parenthesis and type a space inside the second parentheses. Close the parentheses and add “-1”.

Finally, close the parentheses and add “& ” and then use the “RIGHT” function to extract the first name from the original name column. Type “RIGHT” followed by an open parenthesis and the cell where you want to extract the first name.

Here’s what your formula should look like: =CONCATENATE(LEFT(cell with last name),” “,RIGHT(cell with first name))

Step 3: Sort the Column

After you’ve reversed all your names, sort your new column in ascending or descending order to match your desired format.

Step 4: Copy and Paste

Once your names are in the correct order, you can copy and paste the values into the original name column and delete the column you created when we started.

Reversing names in Excel can be an intimidating process, but it doesn’t have to be! Now that you know the steps involved in reversing names, you can easily sort any list of names you come across. With this new skill, you’ll become a master at organizing data in no time. Happy Excel-ing!

Using Text to Columns to Reverse Names

Another way to reverse names in Excel is to use the “Text to Columns” tool. This is best used when you have a long list of names that need to be reversed all at once. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Convert Text to Columns

Select the column containing your list of names. Then, click “Data” on the top navigation bar. From there, click “Text to Columns”.

Step 2: Choose Delimiter & Column Data Types

When the “Text to Columns” Wizard appears, choose “Delimited” and click “Next”. Then, under “Delimiters”, select “Space” and click “Next” again.

The next screen will allow you to set the data type for each column. Select the first column and choose “Text” from the dropdown menu. Then, select the second column and for data type choose “Text” again and also check “Treat consecutive delimiters as one” before clicking “Finish”.

Step 3: Reverse Name Columns

Now that each name is separated into two columns, we can reverse their order. Add a third column and use the “CONCATENATE” function we mentioned earlier to flip the order of the two columns.

Step 4: Copy and Paste

Copy and paste the values of the third column into the original name column. Then, delete the two columns with the separated first and last names.

Validating Your Data

It’s important to validate your data after you’ve reversed the names to ensure everything is cleaned up properly. Here are a few additional steps you should take:

Cleaning and Deleting Duplicates

Delete any duplicates or unnecessary data that may still exist within your spreadsheet. Use the “Remove duplicates” feature to easily get rid of any duplicated data within your columns.

Find and Replace

You may also find errors in your data where a last name is in the first name column or vice versa. Use the “Find and Replace” function to address these issues. This function enables you to quickly search through your data and replace it with the correct format.

Now that you know how to reverse names in Excel, you can quickly sort large lists of names with ease and without the stress of spending hours sorting them manually. Whether it’s through the “Concatenate Function” or the “Text to Column” tool, you will be able to efficiently get your names in order. Remember to use data validation features like “Remove Duplicates” and “Find and Replace” to ensure your data is fully accurate. Happy Excel-ing!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers that can help you with your Excel journey of reversing names:

Can I reverse names in Excel if they are in different columns?

Yes, you can. It might require additional steps, but one possible solution would be to use the “Concatenate Function” to combine each name into a single cell and then use the steps outlined in this article on that cell.

Can I reverse first and middle initials as well?

Yes, you can. Simply add a space after each initial as you concatenate the names together using the CONCATENATE function. The initials will be reversed in the process.

Can I use a formula to revert names in Excel?

Yes, you can. Use the following formula: =RIGHT(A2,FIND(” “,A2)-1)&” “&LEFT(A2,FIND(” “,A2)-1)

Can I combine the original column with the reversed column?

Yes, you can. Once you have successfully reversed the names, you can copy the reversed column and paste the values into the original column. This will replace the old names with their reordered version.

How do I sort reversed names alphabetically after I’ve organized them?

Select the column containing your reversed names, then select the “Sort A to Z” or “Sort Z to A” button in the “Data” tab on the navigation bar. This will organize your list of reversed names alphabetically either from A-Z or Z-A.