sql server - SQL BETWEEN not working properly -

i using microsoft sql server

i trying use following sql command records between first_name "nilsen" , "ram"

select * persons first_name between 'nilsen' , 'ram' 

but getting output 2 records first names "nilsen" , "ram"; not records between these records.

in command, tried doing similar thing last names.

select * persons last_name between 'johan' , 'chandra' 

this command shows blank persons table.

please tell me not working properly.

this query:

select  *    persons   first_name between 'nilsen' , 'ram' 

will return entries first_name alphabetically between nilsen , ram (like oscar, rachel or norbert)

this query:

select  *    persons   last_name between 'johan' , 'chandra' 

will never return since johan greater chandra (i. e. goes later in alphabetical order).

update:

just wild guess: if want match nilsen hermenegild j. p. ram, jr., need use this:

select  *    persons   firstname '%nilsen%ram%