Random Name Picker

How the Random Name Picker works

This tool is for fast, low-drama picks: raffles, classroom volunteers, who goes first, and any moment where "someone pick" turns into a debate.

Paste your list of names, tap Pick, and the tool selects one winner. If you want a new winner each time, remove the current winner from the list and keep going.

The pick is uniform, so each name in the current list has the same chance. If you see the same person show up more than you like, it is usually because the list has duplicates or the group keeps rerolling until a favorite appears.

Example name lists (copy and edit)

If you want to see how formatting works, start with a small list. One name per line is the easiest format to paste from a spreadsheet, class roster, or group chat.

Example outputs

Results are simple on purpose. You get one winner you can announce out loud or paste into chat.

• Winner: Jordan
• Winner: Ticket 07
• Winner: Riley

Tips for fair picks

The tool does the random part. You control the rules so the group accepts the result.

• Use one name per line: it makes pasting and cleaning lists easier.
• Remove the winner: good for turn order, classroom participation, and multi-prize raffles.
• Duplicates are removed: if you need multiple entries, use unique labels like "Ticket 01" and "Ticket 02".
• Set a reroll rule: one reroll max, or no rerolls unless the name is invalid.
• Standardize names: "Sam" and "Sam (blue shirt)" count as different entries.

When to use a random name picker

Random picks shine when the stakes are low, time matters, and the group wants a fair process.

• Turn order: who goes first, who deals, who starts.
• Classroom participation: pick a volunteer or pick the next reader.
• Raffles and giveaways: select winners without awkward debates.
• Quick roles: choose a timekeeper, scorekeeper, or note taker.
• Presentation order: set an order fast, then move on.

A quick note on privacy

Your list is only used to run the pick while the page is open. If you copy or share a winner, you control what gets sent to chat.

No account needed. Open the page on desktop or mobile and pick in seconds.

Common formatting fixes

If your list looks messy, you do not need to clean it perfectly. Paste it in and do a quick scan. The tool trims extra spaces, ignores blank lines, and removes duplicates so each name appears once.

• Commas work too: "Alex, Jordan, Sam" turns into three names.
• One line per name is simplest: it makes edits easy on mobile.
• For raffle entries: use unique ticket labels so each entry is distinct.
• For ties or repeats: remove the winner, then pick again.

How to pick multiple winners

If you need more than one winner, treat it like a list you work through. Pick a winner, remove the winner, and pick again until you have the number of winners you need.

Before you start, tell the group the rules: how many winners, whether rerolls are allowed, and what counts as a valid entry.

• Raffles: label entries as Ticket 01, Ticket 02, and so on. Remove each winner after a prize.
• Classrooms: remove the picked student to spread turns across the group, then reset tomorrow.
• Game night: use it to rotate who starts each round without arguments.
• Absent names: remove them from the list so the next pick stays clean.

Try these next

If you are picking for a group, these tools and posts pair well with name draws.

• Random Team Generator for balanced groups from a name list.
• Random Decision Maker for picking from any kind of options (not only names).
• How to make decisions when you can't decide for a few simple ways to break ties and move on.
• Work icebreaker questions if you are picking presenters, volunteers, or small-group leads.