Random Name Generator
Random name generator: first and last names, first names only or last names only, up to 20 at once. Free for stories, games and class examples.
How to Use It
- Choose First and last, First name only or Last name only.
- For first names, choose Any, Girls or Boys.
- Set how many names to generate, up to 20.
- Click or tap Generate, or press Enter in the How many field.
- Copy the name you like, or press Copy all to take the whole list.
- Need an earlier one? Your last 8 results stay under Last results until you reload or leave the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these real people?
No. Each name is put together by chance from our lists of ordinary first and last names, so nobody is behind it. If one matches a real person, that’s a coincidence.
Can I use them for a story or a game?
Yes, that’s what they’re for. Name a character in a story, a player in a game, a person in a class example or a new pet. Keep the ones you like and change anything you want.
Can I pick from my own list of names?
Not with this tool: it only makes new names from its own lists. To pick from names you type in, use the wheel spinner, or the random student picker wheel for a class.
Can a name come up twice?
Not in the same batch. No first name or last name repeats within one result. Each press of Generate is a fresh draw, so a name can come back next time.
What do Any, Girls and Boys do?
They choose which first names are used. Any draws from both lists, and Girls or Boys from just that one. Plenty of names are used by everyone, so treat these as a rough guide.
Is it really random?
Yes. Each name left to draw has an equal chance. Every pick comes from your browser’s cryptographically secure random number generator.
Can I show it on a projector?
Yes. Open the page on the classroom screen and press Generate. One name shows large so the back row can read it, and your browser’s zoom makes a long list bigger too.
Are my names saved?
No. The names are made in your browser and nothing about them is sent to us. Last results are gone when you reload or leave the page.
Is it free?
Yes. There’s no sign-up and nothing to install.
Ideas from the Blog
- Writing Prompt Generator: Spin a Story Idea for FreeA free writing prompt generator: spin a wheel for a story idea or a first line, with lists for kids, class and journals, and room to add your own prompts.
- What Should I Draw? Spin for Your Next IdeaWhat should I draw? Spin a wheel for an idea: animals, dinosaurs, shapes or anything else. Plus easy prompts for beginners, kids and when you’re stuck.
- Classroom Spinner Ideas: Ways to Use a Wheel in ClassClassroom spinner ideas for teachers: class jobs, rewards, math and reading warm-ups, word games and debates, each with a ready-made wheel to spin.
- Family Game Night Ideas: Let a Wheel Pick the GameFamily game night ideas for all ages: board games, video games, acting games and silly forfeits. Spin a wheel to pick the game and who goes first.
Prefer a Wheel?
Stuck on what happens to your character? Spin the story starter wheel or one of these. To pick someone in your own class, use the student picker.
Story Starter Wheel12 entries- Writing Prompt Wheel16 entries
- Random Student Picker Wheel24 entries
Superpower Wheel16 entries- Job Wheel16 entries
Pet Wheel16 entries
All classroom wheels · Wheel spinner · Random team generator · Random letter generator · Random number generator