Fix Excel Duplicate Name Errors When Renaming Tables
Question details
The user wants to know if an Excel table name can match a worksheet name and how to resolve the 'This name already exists' error when attempting to rename a table.
- Product
- Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is trying to rename an Excel table (e.g., from Table1 to 'Purchase') but is blocked because the desired name matches an existing worksheet name or named range.
- Observed behavior
- Excel displays an error stating 'This name already exists. Names should be unique.' preventing the user from applying the new table name.
Before proceeding, check if you have any existing named ranges, print areas, or hidden worksheets that might be utilizing the exact name you are trying to assign to your new table.
Use the Name Manager to Find and Resolve Naming Conflicts
Access Excel's Name Manager tool to identify exactly what object is currently using the desired name, and modify it to free up the name for your table.
Table names in a workbook must be entirely unique and exist independently of worksheet names. If you receive a duplicate name error, it means the name is already assigned to another table, a defined cell range, or an automatically created named range like a Print Area.
Navigate to the 'Formulas' tab on the ribbon menu and click on the 'Name Manager' button.
Scroll through the list of defined names to find the specific name you were attempting to use (for example, 'Purchase'). You will be able to see what the name currently refers to.
If the existing named range is obsolete, select it and click 'Delete'. If you still need it, select it and click 'Edit' to assign it a different name, which will free up your desired name.
Click inside the table you want to rename, go to the 'Table Design' tab, type your newly freed unique name into the 'Table Name' box on the far left, and press Enter.
Easily Manage Table and Range Names in WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet features a powerful and intuitive Name Manager that allows you to cleanly organize table names, ranges, and formulas. It seamlessly handles Excel files, ensuring you can quickly track down naming conflicts and keep your workbook perfectly structured.
- 1. Open your workbook: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the file containing the naming conflict.
- 2. Access the Name Manager: Navigate to the 'Formulas' tab on the top ribbon and select 'Name Manager'.
- 3. Resolve the conflict: Find the duplicate name in the list, then either modify its name or delete it to free up the desired label.
- 4. Rename the table: Click any cell inside your data table, navigate to the 'Table Tools' tab, and enter your unique table name in the Table Name box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Excel table name be exactly the same as a worksheet name?
Yes, structurally a table name can match a worksheet name. However, naming conflicts often arise if that worksheet name is already defined as a named range or print area. It is highly recommended to differentiate them by adding prefixes, such as naming the worksheet 'Purchase' and the table 'tbl_Purchase'.
Why do I get a 'name already exists' error when the name isn't visible in my workbook?
The name might be hidden or automatically generated by Excel in the background. Background features like advanced filters, print areas, and solver add-ins create defined names automatically. You can view these by opening the Name Manager and checking the filter settings for hidden names.
What are the rules and conventions for Excel table names?
Table names must be unique within the entire workbook. They must start with a letter, underscore (_), or backslash (\). They cannot contain spaces or special characters (other than underscores), and they cannot mimic valid cell references (such as C4 or AB11).
