As you create constituents, the name fields populate automatically. Use the different name fields when communicating with constituents. For example, if we have Mr. Clark Joseph Kent Esq. and The Daily Planet:
Name Field | Definition | Formula | Individual | Organization with Primary Contact |
Informal Name | Used as an informal greeting. Typically the first name or a nickname. | First Name | Clark | Clark |
Formal Name | Used as a formal greeting. | Title + Last Name | Mr. Kent | Mr. Kent |
Envelope Name | Used to address the person on an envelope or mailing label. | Title + First Name + Last Name + Suffix | Mr. Clark Kent Esq. | Mr. Clark Kent Esq. |
Recognition Name | The name by which the constituent would like to be publicly recognized for their contributions, for example, as used in an annual report. | Title + First Name + Middle Name + Last Name + Suffix | Mr. Clark Joseph Kent Esq. | The Daily Planet |
Sort Name | Can be used to sort reports alphabetically by name. | Last Name, First Name + Middle Name + Suffix | Kent, Clark Joseph Esq. | The Daily Planet |
Organizations without a primary contact use the Organization Name in all name fields.
To edit a constituent's name fields, edit their profile.
For recommendations on handling anonymous donors, see How do I make a donation anonymous?.