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How to extract the middle name from a full name in Excel and Google Sheets
Topic:Text manipulationExcel & Google Sheets
=IFERROR(MID(A2, FIND(" ", A2) + 1, FIND(" ", A2, FIND(" ", A2) + 1) - FIND(" ", A2) - 1), "No Middle Name")✓
Verified example
Computed by a real spreadsheet engine on the sample data below.
| Full Name | Middle Name |
| John Michael Doe | |
| Jane Smith | |
| Alice Betty Carol Davis |
=IFERROR(MID(A2, FIND(" ", A2) + 1, FIND(" ", A2, FIND(" ", A2) + 1) - FIND(" ", A2) - 1), "No Middle Name")→Michael
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Step by step
- 1Enter your full names in column A starting from cell A2.
- 2In cell B2, input the formula provided for Excel or Google Sheets.
- 3Drag the formula down to apply it to other cells in column B.
Tips
- Ensure there are spaces between first, middle, and last names for accurate extraction.
- The formula assumes there is exactly one middle name. Adjustments may be needed for multiple middle names.
- Check for locale-specific differences in date formats or decimal separators if issues arise.
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Frequently asked
What if the full name does not have a middle name?
The formula will return 'No Middle Name'. You can customize this message as needed.
Can this formula handle names with multiple middle names?
No, this formula extracts only the first middle name. For multiple middle names, a more complex formula would be required.
Does this work with names that include suffixes like Jr. or Sr.?
Yes, as long as the middle name appears before any suffixes and is separated by spaces.
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