SQL: parse the first, middle and last name from a fullname field

Question

How do I parse the first, middle, and last name out of a fullname field with SQL?

I need to try to match up on names that are not a direct match on full name. I\'d

Answer 1

Like #1 said, it's not trivial. Hyphenated last names, initials, double names, inverse name sequence and a variety of other anomalies can ruin your carefully crafted function.

You could use a 3rd party library (plug/disclaimer - I worked on this product):

http://www.melissadata.com/nameobject/nameobject.htm