Random Name Picker

1. Using the random name picker
2. How to draw multiple random names
3. Is the name picked truly at random?
• Guarantees for a fair name draw
4. Applications of a random name picker
• Selecting prize winners at random
• Picking a team at random

    Using the random name picker

To generate a single random name, start by feeding the tool with a list of names, one name per row. A name can consist of a first and last name and can include a middle name or initial, if needed. Copy and paste from a spreadsheet works very well.

Then simply press the "Pick a Random Name" button and let our randomizer do its job. It's work is equivalent to rolling a dice with as many sides as there are names - each one has an equal probability to be picked. Our random name picker can handle up to 10,000 names.

    How to draw multiple random names

You start in a similar fashion to how you would draw one random name from a list, but you need to change the default value of the "Number of names to pick" field from 1 to as many as you'd like to select from the provided list. The maximum names the name picker can pick for you in one go is 1,000.

If you have picked a lot of names, don't forget that you can easily select them all (Cltr+A on a PC) and then copy and paste as you wish.

    Is the name picked truly at random?

Name drawing in this name randomizer is achieved through a robust and unbiased algorithm implemented per Richard Durstenfeld's 1964 work^[1]. The process begins by assigning incremental integer IDs to each name you enter, then involves picking random number(s) through a statistically unbiased RNG (random number generator) from the range between one and the maximum ID value. The RNG algorithm is cryptographically safe, results in an unbiased pick, and can be used instead of a coin, dice, or another more primitive randomizing device which might actually be biased due to imperfect construction.

Guarantees for a fair name draw

The random name selector has been tested statistically through simulations so you can be assured it is doing its job of giving each name an equal chance of being picked on any particular draw from the virtual urn / bag of names. The fairness of the name picker was assessed through simulations consisting of four million shuffles of a list of four items (details). Its lack of bias was confirmed using the Chi-Square statistical test.

    Applications of a random name picker

There are obviously infinitely many situations where having a name draw generator is useful. Here is a list of a few common ones.

Selecting prize winners at random

If you run a not-for-profit lottery or a charity raffle, you can feed the names of the participants in the random name picker and draw one or more winners this way. The randomizer will ensure everyone has an equal chance to win.

Picking a team at random

Another common application is when many players need to be randomly distributed across sports teams (or board game / pc game teams, etc.). While our random team generator is the best tool for the job, if there are only two teams to distribute the players among, the name randomizer will also do. Simply enter all names, say 22 for football (soccer), and tell the tool to select 11 names. Those eleven players will comprise one team, while the remaining will make up their opponents.