Order column on close or matching common text

[Taisir]

Column A in the attached sheet contains names extracted from different research papers. I need a VBA or other solution that can order the column in close match of the names. Many of the research papers are written by the same people but they write their names in different manners. Sometimes the name is written in full (first name last name), sometimes in full but first name then last name, sometimes last name and first initials, sometimes adding AL or AL-.

But in all case, then is something common. If I can sort them on close common match, then I can go through each group and unify the names.

Sorry for the lengthy post

All the best Taisir

[dflak]

I can get you out of one condition: the AL- and AL prefix on names. These can be removed with an if statement:

=IF(LEFT([@Name],3)="AL-", RIGHT([@Name],LEN([@Name])-3),IF(LEFT([@Name],3)="AL ", RIGHT([@Name],LEN([@Name])-3),[@Name]))

Sorting on this column should get you close.

To get names that sound similar to each other, there is a thing called a SOUNDEX code and there are algorithms for it on line. However, I think it's based on English phonics and may not do well with Arabic names.

[dflak]

I just thought of one more thing. You can use the sorted table as source data to get a list of unique names.

[Taisir]

I just thought of one more thing. You can use the sorted table as source data to get a list of unique names.

Many thanks dflak for your suggestion.Indeed, I can live and work with your innovative formula. All the best Taisir