Converting strings to unique number pattern

Hi Guys,

I have difficult task to do.

i have a table where i have column like Name and values assigned:
Paul, Luke, Jacek, Michel, Paul, Luke (yes it can repeat).

What i want is to use VBA to create digit patterns from them (max to 10 digits allowed).
I mean like 123, 555, 112, 999, 123, 555.

So the same digit pattern for the same string. I will have different lengths of strings but what is important,
I have to use generally 18 columns to convert them to unique numbers, concatenate all fields and create Key column and not exceed more than 255 characters.
I do not have to use digits as pattern, it can be special signs or whatever, should be unique.

It is possible at all?

Thank you for help,
Best wishes,
Jacek