Random Name Picker
Paste a list of names — one per line — and let this tool randomly pick a winner with a fun animated shuffle. Perfect for giveaways, raffles, classroom picks or deciding who goes first.
How to Use the Random Name Picker
- Type or paste your list of names into the box, one name per line.
- Optionally check "Remove picked name from the list" if you're running a multi-round drawing (e.g., picking several prize winners).
- Click "Pick a Winner" and watch the names shuffle rapidly before landing on the final result.
- The winner is added to the "Previous Winners" list below, so you can keep track across multiple draws.
- Click "Reset History" to clear the list of previous winners.
Why Use This Tool?
Is the selection actually random?
Yes. Each pick uses your browser's cryptographically secure random number generator (crypto.getRandomValues) to choose an index from your list, giving every remaining name an equal, unbiased chance of being selected. The shuffle animation is purely visual — the winner is already determined before the animation starts, and the animation simply lands on that pre-determined result.
Is my list of names saved or uploaded anywhere?
No. Your names stay entirely in your browser's memory for this session and are never sent to a server. If you refresh or close the page, the list is gone, so copy your names elsewhere first if you'll need them again later.
What is the "remove after selection" option for?
Enable it when you're picking multiple winners from the same pool without repeats — for example, drawing 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes. Each time a name is picked, it's automatically removed from the textarea so it can't be picked again. Leave it unchecked if you want repeat picks to be possible, such as randomly choosing who answers next in a classroom.
What is this tool commonly used for?
Teachers use it to call on students fairly, streamers and small businesses use it to pick giveaway winners live on camera, event organizers use it for raffle draws, and teams use it to randomly assign tasks or decide who presents first. It removes any doubt about fairness since the outcome is generated by your browser, not chosen by a person.