Q: Contacts list has three entries for each person

If you see duplicate contacts after setting up iCloud Contacts - Apple Support

I had the same problem too , this is happen most probably as you sign out from i cloud and u choose to keep your contacts in the phone and not to delete them . so doing the same twice will actually make 3 times duplicate .

if i cloud is the reason why . their is only one solution that you can do .

1-You need to remember when was the last time your contacts were ok without duplicate .

2-go to Icloud.com

3-choose advanced setting in icloud setting u will find at the bottom of the page .

4-choose restore contacts from specific date (the one you remember that your contacts were ok )

5-hit restore (please note that the contacts you add from the date you restore from till the current date will be deleted )

6-the good nows is u can always go back to the original contacts as it is as the system give you the option to restore. .them again.

Mohamed salama