If first names are in column A and last names in column B, here are three ways to join them.
Method 1: the ampersand (&)
=A2&" "&B2
The " " in the middle adds a space. Without it you would get "PriyaShah".
Method 2: CONCAT
=CONCAT(A2, " ", B2)
CONCAT replaces the older CONCATENATE function. It also accepts a whole range, like =CONCAT(A2:C2), but it does not add separators for you.
Method 3: TEXTJOIN
=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A2:C2)
The first argument is the separator. The second, TRUE, tells Excel to skip empty cells. This is the best choice when some people have no middle name, because you will not get a double space.
Last name first
=B2&", "&A2 gives "Shah, Priya".
Keep the result after deleting the source
The joined result is a formula, so deleting columns A and B will break it. Copy the result column and use Paste Special → Values to turn it into plain text first.
Tidy up messy names
Wrap the formula in PROPER to fix capital letters and TRIM to remove extra spaces: =PROPER(TRIM(A2&" "&B2)).
Worked example
A2 is "Asha" and B2 is "Patel". =A2&" "&B2 returns "Asha Patel". With TEXTJOIN: =TEXTJOIN(" ",TRUE,A2:B2), which skips blanks. Last name first: =B2&", "&A2.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the space between names.
- Extra spaces in the source names. Use TRIM.
- Leaving the formula when you need values. Paste as values before deleting the source columns.
Frequently asked questions
CONCAT, CONCATENATE or &?
All join text. & is shortest and works everywhere. CONCATENATE is old but still works.
How do I split full name back?
Use Text to Columns, Flash Fill or TEXTSPLIT.
How do I add a middle name only if it exists?
Use TEXTJOIN with TRUE so blank cells are skipped.
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