The first field element is a name field. I want to get that information even if they don't fill out the entire form. How do I set up my form to allow

I'm not sure I understood completely, do you want to have empty fields (fields that are not filled) to show in submissions, if that's the case, you can uncheck the auto-hide empty fields option in submissions page:

Is that what you had in mind?

Please let us know.

Thank you!

Should I create one form thats just first and last name + email and then when they "submit" that information redirect them to a second form with the rest of the questions? 

No -- I have a long form (like 12 questions). If someone doesn't complete
the full application, but filled in the first field (first and last name,
email) I want access to that information so I can follow up to complete the
application.
...

You may set the fields as required so the users cannot submit the form without filling out those fields, this way you will force them to provide contact information so you can follow up. 

Also, setting the fields as required will avoid you to have another form, asking the info on the same form will help you to access the data easier. 

I hope this helps.