> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://parabola.io/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Split names > Use the **Split names** step to split a full name value into smaller parts (first, middle, last, etc.). ## Input/output Your input data should consist of a column of full names. Input table with a single column of full names

Input table with a single column of full names

Your output will have multiple new columns of your names, separated into their parts, depending on the parts of the name you chose to split. Output table with new columns for first name, last name, and other selected name parts

Output table with new columns for first name, last name, and other selected name parts

## Custom settings First, select the column that has the names you'd like to split by selecting it in the **Column to Parse** dropdown. Column to Parse dropdown selecting the source column of full names

Column to Parse dropdown selecting the source column of full names

Next, pick the category that you want your full names broken down into by selecting them in the **Choose Parts of Name** dropdown. Choose Parts of Name dropdown for selecting which name components to extract

Choose Parts of Name dropdown for selecting which name components to extract

You can select multiple parts in this dropdown, including *Salutation*, *First Name*, *Middle Name*, *Last Name*, *Suffix*, and *Full Name*. Multiple name parts selected including Salutation, First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, and Suffix

Multiple name parts selected including Salutation, First Name, Middle Name, Last Name, and Suffix

If you select a part that does not exist in a name, the row's column will appear blank. Output where rows missing a particular name part show a blank in that new column

Output where rows missing a particular name part show a blank in that new column

## Helpful tips * Names ending in a comma may not be parsed. * Names such as "Mister" may be parsed as the salutation, as opposed to the name. ## Related steps * [Split column](/product/transform/split-column) — split arbitrary delimited columns when names aren't involved. * [Combine columns](/product/transform/combine-columns) — reassemble first, middle, and last name parts into a single field. * [Change text casing](/product/transform/change-text-casing) — normalize the casing of name parts after splitting. * [Find and replace](/product/transform/find-and-replace) — clean up unusual characters before parsing names. * [Clean data](/product/transform/clean-data) — strip whitespace and standardize name formatting.