Random Name Generator & Picker
Generate random names from official US SSA and Census datasets, or pick random winners fairly from a list. Your work stays on this device whenever possible.
How to use Random Name Generator & Picker
- Use 'Generate Names' to pull real names from official US Social Security (2024) and Census (2010) datasets with filters for sex, first letter and popularity, or type your own list into 'Names'.
- Set 'Number of Winners to Pick' (or generator count) and choose whether names can repeat.
- Use 'Send to Picker' from the generator to immediately load generated names into the drawing pool.
- Press 'Pick Randomly' to draw fair, unbiased winners using client-side Web Crypto entropy.
Worked example
Select Female, Starts with 'K', Top 100 popularity and count 10. Press 'Generate Names' to produce 10 real names, then click 'Send to Picker' and press 'Pick Randomly' to select a winner.
When to use this tool
- Generating character or baby names filtered by gender, letter and popularity.
- Choosing a student to answer next or splitting classroom turns fairly.
- Drawing raffle or giveaway winners from a list of entries.
Important limitations
Draws and generation run entirely client-side. First names reflect US SSA birth registrations (2024) and surnames reflect US Census 2010 records with 100+ occurrences; no server tracking or user data is collected.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the generated names come from?
First names come from the official US Social Security Administration (SSA) National Baby Names dataset (2024 release), and surnames come from the US Census Bureau 2010 Frequently Occurring Surnames dataset. Both are public domain and processed entirely in your browser without tracking.
Is the draw fair and reproducible?
Yes. The picker uses window.crypto.getRandomValues for unbiased random draws. In generator mode, entering a custom seed lets you reproduce the exact same set of names anytime, or leave it blank for a fresh cryptographic seed.
What if a name appears twice in my list?
Each line or comma-separated entry counts separately, so a name typed twice has double the chance and can even win twice when you draw several winners. That suits weighted draws, such as extra entries for early sign-ups; remove repeats if every person should have one chance.
Can I pick more winners than names?
With 'Each name can only win once per draw' ticked, the draw stops once every entry has been picked, so asking for four winners from three entries returns three. Untick the box to allow the same entry to be drawn again, or add more names.
Does it remember previous draws?
The last five draws are shown with their time while the page is open, which helps you prove a raffle was run once. Nothing is stored after you close or reload the tab.