---
title: "Addressing Recipients Where First Name Does Not Exist"
slug: "addressing-recipients-where-first-name-does-not-exist"
status: "new"
updated: 2026-07-21T20:21:39Z
published: 2026-07-21T20:21:39Z
canonical: "knowledge.technolutions.net/addressing-recipients-where-first-name-does-not-exist"
stale: true
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.technolutions.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Addressing Recipients Where First Name Does Not Exist

Some records may use placeholder values when a person has a single name or when a first name is not known. Liquid markup can help avoid greetings such as `Hello fnu` by checking for the placeholder value and displaying a better name value instead.

> [!TIP]
> ⭐ Get Inspired
> 
> This article was adapted from [a post by Technolutions staff](https://community.technolutions.net/get-inspired/post/if-first-name-doesn-t-exist---a-liquid-markup-solution-XwPBheQswHbPfQo) in the Slate Community Forums' Get Inspired space. Have a great idea for a Get Inspired post? [Let us know](https://community.technolutions.net/get-inspired/new?post_type=gnHx7As1gZ8r6Ld)!

## Before you begin

- Identify the placeholder values your institution uses, such as `fnu`, `lnu`, or `.`.
- Confirm which export should be used when the placeholder appears. In many cases, this is the last name or a full-name export.
- Test the Liquid markup with records that have standard names, placeholder values, and blank values.

## Use an if statement

The following example displays the last name when the first name is `fnu`. Otherwise, it displays the preferred name.

```plaintext
{% if {{Person-First}} == 'fnu' %}{{Person-Last}}{% else %}{{Person-Preferred}}{% endif %}
```

For example, this greeting:

```plaintext
Hello {% if {{Person-First}} == 'fnu' %}{{Person-Last}}{% else %}{{Person-Preferred}}{% endif %},
```

prevents the rendered message from addressing the recipient by the placeholder value.

## Check for multiple placeholder values

If your institution uses more than one placeholder, include each value in the condition:

```plaintext
{% if {{Person-First}} == 'fnu' or {{Person-First}} == '.' %}{{Person-Last}}{% else %}{{Person-Preferred}}{% endif %}
```

> [!WARNING]
> 📝 Note
> 
> Adjust the placeholder values and fallback merge field to match your institution's data conventions. The example uses `fnu` only because it is a common placeholder for an unknown first name.

## Apply the pattern consistently

After testing, use the same name-display logic anywhere the recipient may see their name, such as:

- Deliver mailing greetings.
- Portal welcome text.
- Decision letters.
- Event confirmations or form communications.

For more Liquid markup examples, see [Getting Started with Liquid Markup](https://knowledge.technolutions.net/docs/en/getting-started-with-liquid-markup).