> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tonic.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tonic.ai/app/generation/generators/generator-reference/name.md). # Name Generates a random name string from a dictionary of first and last names. You specify the name information that is contained in the column. A column might only contain a first name or last name, or it might contain a full name. A full name might be first name first or last name first. For example, a **Name** column contains a full name in the format **Last, First**. For the input value `Smith, John`, the output value would be something like, `Jones, Mary`. ## Characteristics


Consistency	Yes, can be made self-consistent or consistent with another column. Note that all Name generator columns that have the same consistency configuration are automatically consistent with each other. The columns must either be all self-consistent or all consistent with the same other column. For example, you can use this to ensure that a first name and last name column value always match the first name and last name in a full name column.
Linking	No, cannot be linked.
Differential privacy	Yes, if consistency is not enabled.
Data-free	Yes, if consistency is not enabled.
Allowed for primary keys	No
Allowed for unique columns	No
Uses format-preserving encryption (FPE)	No
Privacy ranking	1 if not consistent 4 if consistent
Generator ID (for the API)	`NameGenerator`

## How to configure To configure the generator: 1. From the name format dropdown list, select the type of name value that the column contains: * First. This also is commonly used for standalone middle name fields. * Last * First Last * First Middle Last * First Middle Initial Last * Last, First * Last, First Middle * Middle Initial 2. Toggle the **Preserve Capitalization** setting to indicate whether to preserve the capitalization of the column value.\ \ By default, the capitalization is not preserved. 3. Toggle the **Consistency** setting to indicate whether to make the column consistent.\ \ By default, consistency is disabled. 4. If you enable consistency, then by default the generator is self-consistent.\ \ To make the generator consistent with another column, from the **Consistent to** dropdown list, select the column. 5. If [Structural data encryption](/app/generation/generators-assign-config/generators-data-encryption-config.md) is enabled, then to use it for this column, in the advanced options section, toggle **Use data encryption process** to the on position. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.tonic.ai/app/generation/generators/generator-reference/name.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.