Getting names right is key to receiving accurate enrichment results. Many users upload names alongside additional data, but if the formatting is off or inconsistent, it can prevent our system from returning matches—even if the data exists.
Why It Matters
Swordfish relies on names as one of the main identifiers when searching for contact information. If the structure is unclear or cluttered, it can limit results or return none at all.
Clean Data = Better Results
In the data world, the saying goes: Garbage in, garbage out. Clean, well-structured names help maximize your match rate.
Here’s what to avoid:
No titles: Remove professional titles like Dr., Prof., CPA, etc.
No prefixes: Skip personal prefixes like Mr., Ms., Mrs., etc.
Avoid suffixes: Try not to include Jr., Sr., III, etc.
No single-letter first/last names: First and last names should be at least two characters—avoid initials, dots, or punctuation in these fields.
Initials allowed only in middle name: If you must include an initial, place it in the middle name field only.
Structuring Names Correctly
Whether you’re uploading a Full Name column or using separate First and Last Name fields, the way you structure names matters. Clean formatting helps the system correctly parse and identify each person.
Guidelines:
Use 1 or 2 spaces in full names:
1 space = First + Last
2 spaces = First + Middle + Last
Use dashes for compound names:
If someone has a double first name (like Anne-Marie) or a hyphenated last name (like Lopez-Garcia), include the dash to keep it intact.
Examples
| Full Name | Parsed As |
|---|---|
| Anne-Marie Johnson | First: Anne-Marie / Last: Johnson |
| Michael James Carter | First: Michael / Middle: James / Last: Carter |
| David J Miller | First: David / Middle: J / Last: Miller |
| Carla Lopez-Garcia | First: Carla / Last: Lopez-Garcia |
Taking time to format names properly will greatly improve the success rate of your file uploads. If you’re unsure how to structure your file, feel free to email us at [email protected]—we’re happy to help.