Random Name Picker
Draw one or more names at random from your list
Results come from your browser's cryptographic random number generator. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.
History
How to use the random name picker
Type or paste names, one per line, and press Pick. Set How many to pick to draw several winners at once, each name at most once per draw.
Tick Remove picked names from the list to go round a class or a group without repeats: picked names disappear from the box until you press Reset. History shows the previous draws. To pick with a spinning wheel instead, use Spin the Wheel.
Frequently asked questions
Can the same name be picked twice?
Not in one draw. Across draws it can, unless you tick Remove picked names from the list.
Can I pick several winners at once?
Yes. Set How many to pick, for example 3 for a giveaway with three prizes.
Is the draw fair?
Yes. Every name has the same chance, drawn with your browser's cryptographic random number generator. Duplicate lines count once.
Is my list stored anywhere?
Only in the page address if you press Copy link. Nothing is sent to a server.
How do I pick a random student from a class list?
Paste the class list, one name per line, and press Pick. Tick Remove picked names from the list to go through the whole class without calling anyone twice.
Can I use it to pick giveaway winners?
Yes. Paste the entrants, set How many to pick and press Pick. It does not import comments from social media, so enter the names yourself.
Is there a wheel version?
Yes, Spin the Wheel does the same job with a spinning wheel and lets you weight entries.
Can I use it for Secret Santa?
Not directly. It draws names from one list but does not match givers with recipients.
Can I paste names from a spreadsheet?
Yes. Copy a column and paste it; each cell becomes a line. Duplicate lines count once.
Can I share my list with someone?
Press Copy link. The names are stored in the link after the # sign, so whoever opens it sees the same list.
Can the same person be picked twice in a row?
Not within one draw. Across draws it can happen unless Remove picked names from the list is ticked.