Random Name Generator
WorksheetsFreeNo sign-up
Pick first, last or full names and a gender style, and the generator draws real US names in proportion to how common they are, from public Social Security and Census records. It also makes elf, dwarf, orc and other fantasy names. Every list has a seed you can share.
Random name generator
The example above uses seed “start” with the default settings. Press any name to copy it.
How it works
For real names, the generator looks at how many babies received each first name in the decade you choose, and how many people carry each surname, then draws names with those frequencies. Common names such as Michael or Smith turn up often, rare ones seldom, just as they do in a real class roster. Switch to equal chance if you want a flatter mix.
The first name list covers 4,141 names from the Social Security Administration records for babies born from 1930 to 2017 (the 2010s column covers 2010 to 2017) and the last name list covers the 4,000 most common surnames in the 2010 Census. The fantasy generators join syllables into new names, with a family or clan name added for full names.
Good uses
- Teachers: placeholder names for word problems, with a seed link so every student gets the same cast.
- Writers and game masters: believable names for characters, from ordinary US names to elves and dwarves.
- Developers and designers: sample data for forms and mockups.
A note on the data
The data records sex as listed on birth records, which is the only version available. The surname groups come from how people described themselves on the 2010 Census. They are published statistics, not rules about who may have a name.
Practice questions
Quiz complete
Sources
Common questions
Where do the names come from?
Real first names come from US Social Security Administration baby name records, and last names from the 2010 US Census surname file. Both are public US government data. Fantasy and science fiction names are made up by this page from syllable lists written for it.
What do the gender style choices mean?
The Social Security data counts babies by sex recorded at birth. Mostly girls means at least 80 percent of babies given that name in the chosen years were girls, mostly boys means at least 80 percent were boys, and gender-neutral means both groups were at least 20 percent (names like Jordan or Taylor).
How does the last name background filter work?
The Census published, for each surname, the share of people with that name in four groups: White non-Hispanic, Black non-Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander non-Hispanic, and Hispanic or Latino. The filter keeps surnames where the chosen group is at least 20 percent, and picks them in proportion to the number of people in that group. A last name does not tell you anyone’s background, so use this for stories and examples, not for guesses about real people.
Why are some names missing?
The first name list holds the 4,141 names that were most common among babies born from 1930 to 2017, and the last name list holds the 4,000 most common surnames. Rare names are left out on purpose, which also keeps privacy risks low.
Are the generated names real people?
Combinations are random, so a result can match a real person by chance. The names are meant for placeholders, examples, characters and games, not for identifying anyone.
Can I get the same names again?
Yes. Every list has a short seed. The same seed with the same settings gives the same names, and the share link carries it.
Does it send my choices anywhere?
No. The name list is downloaded once and everything else runs in your browser.
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