Random Name Picker
Enter a list of names — one per line — and let the picker choose one at random. Every entry has an equal chance of being selected, making it perfect for raffles, giveaways, classroom participation, or deciding who goes first in a game.
About This Random Name Picker
The picker selects one entry from your list completely at random — no bias, no patterns, no favorites. Duplicate lines are kept, so if a name appears twice it has double the chance, which is handy for weighted draws. Enable "remove picked name" to draw multiple winners without repeats: each pick removes the winner from the list before the next draw.
Popular Uses for a Random Name Picker
- Giveaways and raffles: Pick contest winners fairly and transparently
- Classrooms: Call on students randomly to keep everyone engaged
- Team meetings: Choose who presents first or who takes notes
- Games: Decide turn order or select a player for a challenge
- Secret Santa: Draw names for gift exchanges
- Chores and tasks: Assign jobs around the house or office without arguments
Your List Stays Private
Everything happens in your browser. The names you enter are never sent to our servers, stored, or shared — refresh the page and they're gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pick a random name from a list?
Type or paste your names into the box, one name per line, then click the Pick button. The tool selects one entry completely at random, with every name having an equal chance of winning.
Can I draw multiple winners without repeats?
Yes. Enable the 'Remove picked name from the list' option and each winner is removed from the list after being drawn. Click Pick again to draw the next winner from the remaining names.
Is the name picker fair for giveaways and raffles?
Yes. Every entry has an identical probability of being selected, and the draw uses your browser's random number generator with no bias toward position in the list. If a name appears on multiple lines it gets proportionally more chances, which also lets you run weighted draws deliberately.
Are the names I enter stored anywhere?
No. The entire draw happens in your browser using JavaScript. The names you enter are never sent to our servers, saved, or shared, and they disappear when you leave the page.
How many names can I enter?
There is no practical limit. The picker handles everything from a handful of names to thousands of entries pasted from a spreadsheet, and the draw stays instant.