Finding first instance of multiple text entries

[jontherev]

Dear Excel Gods,

I have a list of names that are mixed and in no order (and need to stay out of order, so not sorting allowed). I need to parse this list to give me the FIRST instance that each name shows up in the list. The one exception is that the first name, cell A1, will be auto-generated from a different workbook, and it is automatically named Name1.

So, in the example spreadsheet, Name1 (cell E2) must equal “Alice”. The problem arises on Names2-4. Name2 (cell E3) should be David, Name3 (cell E3)=Jerry, and Name4 (cell E4)=Mark. I tried an array formula, {=INDEX(A2:A13,MATCH(TRUE,A2:A13<>Name1),0)}, but it is yielding “Jerry” as Name2, when it needs to be Name3. And, of course, this doesn’t help on Names3-4 at all. Any ideas? I don't think it matters, but just in case, A2:A13 will be data validation lists. Thanks for your time!
Jon

[Fotis1991]

Hello

In E2 and copy down.

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[jontherev]

Wow, looks like I found the right forum. You're awesome, thanks!!!

[Fotis1991]

Yes. You are in the right forum. So.

You are welcome and thanks for the feed back.

As that takes care of your original question, please select Thread Tools from the menu link above and mark this thread as SOLVED,as per Forum Rule #9. Thank you.

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[XOR LX]

"Yes. You are in the right forum."

Amen to that!

[jontherev]

Done. I tried "another forum", but never got much feedback, and had to figure stuff out on my own by googling...which was helpful most of the time, but very time-consuming to find situations similar enough. I'm currently working on a massive character generator for D&D incorporating tons of rules (my OP is actually being used to calculate which Class (or classes) you pick (Fighter, Paladin, etc.)), and then calculating how many levels you have in each class (just figured out this last part, so need to ask how on that one). I'm quite sure I'll be back. Thanks again!