📖 Rules & variants
The random name picker is built for one host - a teacher, MC or organizer - to run on a shared or projected screen for the whole room. It handles rosters of 2 to 500 names with a roughly 2-second suspense reel per pick. It's a random draw tool: no winner, no score, and the optional 'picks so far' counter is just for atmosphere.
Two modes cover different needs. No repeat (the default, and the whole point) keeps a draw pile: each pick moves one name from Remaining into Picked at equal odds and it won't show up again this round - perfect for calling on students one by one, taking turns, or a raffle with no repeats. Repeat mode draws from the full list every time and can land on the same person twice in a row. Once Remaining is empty, tap Reset round to reshuffle everyone and start a new round.
Power tips: turn up 'Pick k at once' to draw k different names in a single go - no duplicates within a batch, and k is clamped to however many names are left. 'Seat list' generates 1..N numbers when you don't have a roster ready. Paste names split by new lines, commas or tabs; names over 24 characters are trimmed and anything past 500 is dropped.
Fairness: who gets picked is decided entirely by one shared random algorithm, with equal odds for everyone and no weighting - verified across 10,000 distribution tests, so there's no 'you're picking on me' argument. Your list and progress live only in your browser; refresh and the unfinished round is restored, but swap the list and it starts over.
❓ FAQ
How do I use a random name picker?
Paste or generate a list first (one name per line, at least 2), choose No repeat or Repeat mode, then tap Start picking - the reel spins and lands on one name. In no-repeat mode the pick moves into the Picked column and won't be called again; tap Pick another to continue. No signup, it works the moment the page loads.
How do I pick names without repeats?
Leave the mode on No repeat (it's the default). The picker keeps a draw pile and moves each name from Remaining into Picked as it's called, so nobody comes up twice until the whole list is done. Want the same person to be eligible again every time? Switch to Repeat mode.
What's the best random name picker for a classroom?
A browser-based random name picker is ideal for class: put it on the projector and tap to cold-call a student, generate a 1..N seat list in one tap, and let no-repeat mode skip anyone already picked. It loads instantly with no signup and your roster stays on your device - fairer and more fun than picking by hand.
How do I import a list of names?
Tap Edit names and paste one name per line. Commas or tabs copied out of Excel or Google Sheets are split into separate names automatically. No list ready? Tap Seat list to generate 1..N by headcount. Duplicate names are allowed and get tagged ①② so you can tell them apart.
How do I pick more than one name at once?
Bump up the 'Pick k at once' stepper on the list screen, then tap Start picking to draw k different names in one go, revealed one by one. In no-repeat mode those k names come out of Remaining and move into Picked; if fewer than k are left, it clamps to whatever remains and tells you.
Is the random name picker actually fair?
Yes - everyone has exactly equal odds, with no weighting and no way to target a specific person. Who's picked is decided on the spot by one shared random algorithm that passed 10,000 distribution tests. In no-repeat mode only people already called are skipped, and you can run it on the projector for the whole room to see, so there's no 'the teacher picked me on purpose' argument.
What's a good random picker for meetings or work events?
For meetings, all-hands and team socials, paste the attendee list once and tap to pick who speaks next or wins a prize. No-repeat mode is on by default so nobody is drawn twice in a round - great for round-robin updates or raffles with no repeats. For a big group use 'Pick k at once' to draw a batch. Instant, no signup, nothing to install.
