Random Name Picker

The random name picker is a name wheel that picks 1 or more names from your list at random. The name picker removes each picked name by default, so nobody is picked twice until the list runs out. It holds up to 5,000 names.

How do you use the random name picker?

To use the random name picker, paste your names and press SPIN. The wheel lands on 1 name and removes it from the list. The next spin picks from the names that remain.

1. Add the names. Type 1 name per line, or paste a column from Excel or Google Sheets.
2. Press SPIN. Click the button, press Space or Ctrl+Enter, or flick the wheel.
3. Announce the name. The result window shows "And the name is" with the picked name.
4. Repeat the spin. Each spin picks a new name until 1 name remains.

How do you add names to the name picker?

Names reach the name picker in 4 ways: typing, smart paste, file import and a Google Sheets link. Each method fills the wheel with up to 5,000 names. Duplicate tools clean the list afterwards.

• Smart pastePaste a table from Sheets or Excel and choose the column that holds the names.
• CSV or TXT importLoad a roster file exported from a school system or a sign-up form.
• Google Sheets linkPaste a link to a sheet shared as "Anyone with the link".
• Remove duplicatesDelete repeated names in 1 click.
• Merge duplicates into weightsTurn 3 copies of "Maya" into Maya *3, for 3 raffle tickets.
• List viewGive a name its own slice color or photo, or hide an absent student.

How do you pick names without repeats?

The name picker picks names without repeats because "Remove the winner" is on by default on this page. Each picked name leaves the list. "Keep the winner" under "After each spin" allows repeats.

3 other modes suit special rounds. "Hide the winner" drops a name from the wheel but keeps it in the list for the next lesson. "Last one standing" eliminates 1 name per spin and crowns the final name. "Keep score (tally)" counts wins, such as first to 3.

The Winners menu picks up to 50 names in 1 spin. No name is drawn twice in the same spin. A random name picker wheel with 30 students and 5 winners fills 5 class jobs at once.

What can you use a name picker for?

A name picker settles any choice between people. The 6 common uses are classrooms, giveaways, Secret Santa, draft order, meetings and seating.

• Classroom picker: call on students fairly and project the wheel in ▶ Present mode. The classroom spinner page lists more lesson setups.
• Giveaways and raffles: paste every entrant, lock the list and spin live. The giveaway picker draws more than 1 winner with a shareable receipt.
• Secret Santa order: spin to set who draws or gives first.
• Draft order: spin every player with "Remove the winner" on to set pick 1, pick 2 and onward.
• Meetings: pick the next speaker at stand-up or the note-taker for the call.
• Seating: pick names 1 by 1 to fill a seating chart in random order.

Is the random name picker fair?

Yes. The random name picker draws every winner with crypto.getRandomValues, the browser's cryptographic random number generator. Every name has an equal chance unless it carries a weight.

30 names give each name a 1 in 30 chance (3.33%) on the first spin. The winner is chosen before the wheel turns, and a flick changes only the animation. 🔒 Lock list freezes the names and creates a fingerprint for public draws. The 🧾 Draw receipt lets anyone check the result on the verify page. The fair giveaway guide covers each step.

Which tools work with a list of names?

2 tools work with the same list of names. The random team generator splits names into balanced teams with captains and skill levels. The main spin the wheel page builds a wheel of names, prizes or choices with the same features.