What is a random name picker?
A random name picker selects one entry from a list completely at random. Whether you are choosing a raffle winner, assigning homework partners, deciding where to eat, or splitting players into teams, this tool guarantees every name has an equal probability of being chosen. It removes human bias and makes the process transparent and fair.
How to use this picker
Type or paste names into the text area, separated by commas or placed on individual lines. Use the quick-fill buttons to load common lists like days of the week or a simple coin flip. Click Pick Random Name to start an animated spin that cycles through entries before landing on the final selection. The result card shows who was chosen and the probability each entry had. Click Pick Again to redraw without removing anyone, or Remove & Pick Next to eliminate the chosen name and draw from the remaining pool—perfect for creating ordered lists or assigning unique roles.
Fairness and randomness
Under the hood, the final selection uses your browser's crypto.getRandomValues() API, the same cryptographic random number generator used in encryption and security applications. This produces results that are statistically uniform, meaning every name truly has a 1-in-N chance of being picked. The animated spin is purely visual—it does not influence the outcome.
Popular use cases
Teachers use random name pickers to call on students, form study groups, or assign presentation order. Event organisers rely on them for door prizes and giveaway drawings. Sports coaches create balanced teams by repeatedly picking and removing names. Families settle debates about movies, restaurants, or vacation destinations. In the workplace, teams use it to assign on-call rotations or choose who presents first. Because the tool runs entirely in your browser with no server calls, your list stays private and there is nothing to install. Bookmark this page and you will always have a fair, instant decision maker at your fingertips.