Random Name Picker
Interactive random name picker with a no-repeat mode for fair, fun student selection.
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Class list
20 namesOne class list for every name tool — Name Picker, Wheel of Names, Magic Hat, Group Maker and Duck Race. Saved on this device only; names are never uploaded. Move it to another computer
A Fair, Free Random Name Picker for Teachers
Calling on students at random keeps the whole class engaged and takes the guesswork — and any hint of favoritism — out of participation. Teachers use this random name picker for cold calling, choosing line leaders, picking presenters and assigning classroom jobs. It runs right in your browser on Chromebooks, iPads and interactive whiteboards, with nothing to install and no account to create. Because every student knows the next name could be theirs, more hands stay ready — and quieter students get the same chance to share as everyone else.
How to use it in 3 easy steps
Add your class list. Type or paste student names, one per line. Your list saves automatically in this browser and is the same class list the Wheel of Names, Magic Hat, Group Maker and Duck Race use — enter it once, use it everywhere.
Pick a name. Tap Pick a Name and watch the names shuffle to a stop. Turn on No-Repeat so every student gets a turn before anyone is called twice.
Project it for the class. Open Classroom Presentation Mode for a full-screen, high-contrast display with ads hidden — perfect for a smartboard or projector. Need the same list on another device? Share Link copies it in one click.
Ways to use the Random Name Picker in class
Cold calling after think time
Ask a question, give everyone ten seconds to think or jot an answer, then tap Pick a Name. With No-Repeat on, the counter shows how many students are left this round, so you can check understanding across the whole room in math, reading or science instead of hearing from the same few hands.
Assigning weekly classroom jobs
On Monday morning, pick names one at a time for line leader, paper passer, door holder and the rest of your job chart. No-Repeat keeps anyone from landing two jobs, and the Picked so far list shows the order, so you can copy it onto the chart before you reset.
Setting the order for presentations
Before book reports, science fair talks or poetry readings, keep picking until “Everyone’s had a turn!” appears. The Picked so far list keeps the speaking order on screen, so students can see when they’re up, and nobody can argue that the order was stacked against them.
Running review from a clicker
Open Classroom Presentation Mode and walk the room: Space, Enter or the forward button on a presentation clicker picks the next name. The sun and moon button switches between a dark and a light background, so the name stays easy to read on a dim projector or a bright smartboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the random name picker really random?
Yes. Every pick uses your browser’s cryptographically secure random number generator, so each remaining name has exactly the same chance. The shuffle animation is just for fun — the result is chosen fairly before it starts.
Is my students’ information private?
Your list is stored only in this browser’s local storage, and names are never uploaded to our servers. When you use Share Link, the names are packed into the link itself, so only the people you send it to can see them.
Does it work on Chromebooks, iPads and smartboards?
Yes. It runs in any modern browser with nothing to install, and every button is sized for touch. Classroom Presentation Mode fills a projector or interactive whiteboard with large, high-contrast names, and your list is saved on each device you use.
How do I move my class list to another computer?
Your list lives only in this browser, so it won’t appear on a new device by itself. Press Share Link and open that link on the other computer — the names are packed into the link and load straight into the class list, with a Restore my list option if that device already had one. You can also save a backup file of your FreeClassTool data on the Backup page and restore it there.
Can two students with the same name each get a turn?
Yes. Every line in the class list counts as its own entry, so if you have two students named Alex, each one is picked once per round when No-Repeat is on. Adding a last initial — Alex M. and Alex R. — makes it clear which Alex is being called, both on the screen and in the Picked so far list.
What happens when every student has been picked?
With No-Repeat on, the counter above the stage shows how many names are left this round. After the last one, the picker shows “Everyone’s had a turn!” and a Start a new round button that puts every name back. Reset clears the round at any time, refreshing the page starts a fresh round, and turning No-Repeat off lets any name come up on any pick.
Teaching guides
- Engagement & Games 6 min read
Fair Ways to Call on Students: Kind Cold Calling, Wait Time and Random Picks
Call on students fairly: kind cold calling, wait time, no-opt-out, think-pair-share, no-repeat random picks and support for shy students and English learners. - Classroom Management 5 min read
Random Groups and Seating Charts: A Teacher’s Guide to Fair, Workable Arrangements
When to use random vs. strategic groups, the best group sizes and roles, keeping certain students apart, building seating charts and rotating partners fairly. - SEL & Wellbeing 6 min read
Morning Meeting Ideas: Greetings, Sharing and Activities for K–5
Fresh morning meeting ideas for K–5: a simple four-part structure, 20+ greeting, sharing and activity ideas, plus brain breaks and a projected screen.