Answer

To merge first and last name in Excel, use a text-joining function that combines the contents of two cells into a single cell.

Methods for Merging First and Last Name

Using the Ampersand Operator

Excel joins text with the & operator.

1. Select the cell where the full name should appear.

2. Type the formula:
   =A2 & " " & B2

3. Press Enter.

4. Copy the formula down the column if the dataset contains more rows.

A2 contains the first name, and B2 contains the last name.

Using the TEXTJOIN Function (Windows and Mac)

Excel provides the TEXTJOIN function in newer versions of both Windows and Mac.

1. Select the destination cell.

2. Enter the formula:
   =TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A2, B2)

3. Press Enter.

4. Drag the fill handle down if the list contains more rows.

Using the CONCAT Function

CONCAT works in Excel versions that replaced CONCATENATE.

1. Click the output cell.

2. Type: 
   =CONCAT(A2, " ", B2)

3. Press Enter.

4. Fill down the formula as needed.

Using Flash Fill

Flash Fill detects patterns and produces combined results.

Windows:

1. Type the full name manually in the first target cell (example: "John Carter").

2. Go to the next row and start typing the expected full name.

3. Press Ctrl + E.

Mac:
Flash Fill activates automatically in supported versions.

1. Type the full name in the first row.

2. Start typing the next full name.

3. Accept the suggestion if Excel displays one.

Best Practices

1. Keep an original copy of the first and last name columns before converting formulas to values.

2. Convert formula results into static text when the dataset is ready. Use Copy → Paste Values.

3. Verify spacing to prevent double spaces or missing spaces between names.

If you want, I can show you how to handle middle names, initials, or large datasets.

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