how to combined first name and last name in DAX in semantic model

[krishna_murthy]

Hi Team,

Just checking how we can achieve on how to combined first name and last name in DAX and we have connected in semantic model

[rohit1991 · Accepted solution]

Hi @krishna_murthy 

If you can edit the semantic model (best for slicers/labels): add a calculated column.

Full Name =
VAR s =
    TRIM( COALESCE('Customers'[FirstName], "") & " " & COALESCE('Customers'[LastName], "") )
RETURN IF( s = "", BLANK(), s )

If you’re on a thin report (live connection) and can’t add columns: you can only add a measure (works in cards/tables, not slicers/axes).

Full Name (measure) =
VAR f = SELECTEDVALUE('Customers'[FirstName])
VAR l = SELECTEDVALUE('Customers'[LastName])
VAR s = TRIM( COALESCE(f, "") & " " & COALESCE(l, "") )
RETURN IF( s = "", BLANK(), s )

[jaineshp · Accepted solution]

Hey @krishna_murthy,

Quick Solution for Combining Names - DAX & Power Query

Hey there! Here are both approaches I use for combining first and last names:

DAX Solution (In Semantic Model)

Step 1: Add Calculated Column Go to your table in the semantic model and create a new calculated column:

Full Name = [FirstName] & " " & [LastName]

Step 2: Handle Blank Values (Recommended) If you have missing data, use this instead:

Full Name =
IF(
ISBLANK([FirstName]) || ISBLANK([LastName]),
COALESCE([FirstName], "") & COALESCE([LastName], ""),
[FirstName] & " " & [LastName]
)

Implementation:

• Right-click your table → New Column
• Paste the formula and hit Enter
• Rename if needed

Power Query Solution (Data Transformation)

Method 1: Using Merge Columns

• Select both FirstName and LastName columns
• Go to Transform tab → Merge Columns
• Choose "Space" as separator
• Name the new column "Full Name"

Method 2: Custom Column Approach Add a custom column with this M formula:

= [FirstName] & " " & [LastName]

Method 3: Handle Nulls in Power Query For better null handling:

= Text.Combine({[FirstName], [LastName]}, " ")

The Power Query approach is usually my go-to since it keeps the model cleaner and processes faster during refresh!

Fixed? ✓ Mark it • Share it • Help others!

Best Regards,
Jainesh Poojara | Power BI Developer

[rohit1991 · Accepted solution]

Hi @krishna_murthy 

If you can edit the semantic model (best for slicers/labels): add a calculated column.

Full Name =
VAR s =
    TRIM( COALESCE('Customers'[FirstName], "") & " " & COALESCE('Customers'[LastName], "") )
RETURN IF( s = "", BLANK(), s )

If you’re on a thin report (live connection) and can’t add columns: you can only add a measure (works in cards/tables, not slicers/axes).

Full Name (measure) =
VAR f = SELECTEDVALUE('Customers'[FirstName])
VAR l = SELECTEDVALUE('Customers'[LastName])
VAR s = TRIM( COALESCE(f, "") & " " & COALESCE(l, "") )
RETURN IF( s = "", BLANK(), s )