Populating Unique Values into new List

I have a column that contains numerous repeating text values. I wanted to know if there is a way to create a list within the same worksheet that can automatically be populated with each unique value, then total them in an ajacent cell. example

data:
thomas
thomas
john
james
thomas
james
jane
john

intent:
thomas 3
john 2
james 2
jane 1

Use the advanced filter feature to get the unique list.

1. Go to Data in the main toolbar-Filter-Advanced Filter
2. In the List range box, enter the range you want to query
3. In the Copy To box, enter the cell where you want the list to start
4. At the bottom, tick the box that asks Unique Values Only
5. This should generate a unique list for you.

To get totals:

Assuming your unique list starts in cell B1 and goes to B20, in cell C1 enter this formula and fill down to C20.

=COUNTIF($B$1:$B$20,B1)

Let me know if that works.