What you can use random names for
- Writing: name side characters quickly so you can keep writing, or spark an idea for a main character.
- Games and role-play: create names for NPCs, tabletop characters or online avatars.
- Test data: fill forms, demos and sample databases with realistic names instead of "Test User 1".
- Classroom activities: build example rosters, word problems or role cards.
- Baby name ideas: generate first names only and see which ones you like the sound of.
How the generator works
The generator draws from 70 common male first names, 70 common female first names and 100 common US surnames. When you press Generate, it picks a first name from the right list and, if you want one, a last name, using your browser's built-in cryptographic random number generator. Nothing is sent to a server, and every combination is equally likely.
That gives 14,000 possible full names, so you can generate batch after batch without seeing the same list twice.
Tips for choosing a character name
- Match the time and place. Names like Olivia and Liam are popular today, while Linda and Richard were more common in earlier decades.
- Say it out loud. A first and last name that flow well together are easier for readers to remember.
- Vary first letters and lengths. If your main characters are Jake and Jack, readers will mix them up.
- Search the full name. Make sure it does not belong to a famous person you did not mean to reference.
Using generated names as test data
Realistic names make demos and screenshots look professional and help you catch layout problems, such as long surnames that overflow a field. For privacy, use generated names instead of real customer data whenever you build or show a test system.
Last reviewed October 2026.