Name Picker
Pick a random name from a list fairly, with a reusable seed.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
About this calculator
Drawing a name is only fair if everyone in the list has the same chance, so this uses an independent draw from a seeded generator. Write your names separated by commas, and reuse the same seed whenever you need to prove the result was reproducible.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
Names, separated by commas Alex, Sam, Riley, Jordan, Casey · Seed 2,026 · Also output a full order Just the winner Picked name Alex · Position in your list 1 · Names in the list 5
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates for information and entertainment. Platform algorithms, metrics and definitions change without notice, and none of these results are official figures from the platforms named.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
a_{k+1} = (a_k + 1831565813) mod 4294967296 → u_k; (x_i, x_j) → (x_j, x_i), j = floor(u_k(i+1)), i = n−1,…,1; picked = x₀
- a_k
- internal generator state
- x_i
- name at position i
- u_k
- pseudorandom value 0–1
- j
- swap index
- n
- number of names
Trims comma-separated entries, rejects empty lists and lists over 1,000 names, and applies a seeded Fisher–Yates shuffle. Duplicate names remain separate entries and report their actual original position.
Frequently asked questions
How are duplicate names handled?
Each comma-separated entry is treated as a separate chance, even when two entries have the same spelling. The reported position refers to the selected entry’s original list position. The same seed and list reproduce the same shuffle.
Does a reproducible seed prove a draw was fair?
No. The same seed and list order reproduce the same pseudo-random shuffle, which helps replay a result. It does not prove that the seed was chosen independently or that the list was complete and unchanged. Record the seed and original list before a consequential draw.