The Best Name Games and Icebreakers for Classrooms, Camps, & More

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Learn and memorize everyone’s names with these group activities
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If you’re with a group of people who don’t know each other very well, name games are a great way to introduce yourself and break the ice! Memorizing a lot of names can be tricky, but with these fun and exciting games, it’s a lot easier to learn who everyone is. Whether you’re a kid or an adult , keep reading for tons of fun name games that are perfect for any age group, plus a few extra tips to help you remember someone’s name !

Section 1 of 7:

Children’s Name Games

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  1. 1
    The Name Dance Get everyone together in a big circle facing each other. Choose a person to start, and have them say their name and do a small dance move. Go around the circle until everyone says their name and does their dance. After that, go around the circle again. After someone says their name and dance, everyone else has to repeat it! [1]
    • Challenge people to do multiple moves and say each person’s name associated with the dances.
  2. 2
    Alliterative Adjectives Make everyone come up with a descriptive word for themselves that starts with the first letter of their name. Once everyone is ready, have one person start by saying their word and their name. Have the next person say the last person’s pairing before they say their own. [2]
    • Example: The first person could say, “I’m Kind Kara.” The next person in would say, “That’s Kind Kara, I’m Silly Sam.”
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  3. 3
    Name Toss Give someone a soft ball and have them say their name out loud. After that, they say someone else’s name and pass the ball to them. The person who catches the ball has to say the name of whoever they pass it to next. [3]
    • If you don’t know someone’s name, point to them and ask them. Make sure to repeat their name before passing the ball.
    • Try speeding up the game once everyone learns each other’s names better.
  4. 4
    Clapping Names One at a time, have each person say their name out loud and clap along with every syllable, so Abby would be 2 claps and Dan would be 1 clap. Make everyone else repeat the person’s name and clap along. That way, people can learn names by clapping along to the rhythm.
  5. 5
    Name Balloons Write each person’s name in big, bold letters on their own balloon. At the start of the game, toss all the balloons into the air. When someone hits a balloon, they have to say the person’s name written on it. That person has to raise their hand or do a small action. Try to keep all the balloons in the air as long as you can!
    • When a balloon hits the ground, say that person’s name out loud and have them sit out so it’s more of a challenge for the remaining players.
  6. 6
    Who Stole the Cookie? Have everyone sit in a circle and clap in a steady beat. Have everyone repeat the chant listed below and add someone’s name into the second line. Have that person recite the bolded lines alone. After one person, choose a different person’s name for the next verse. Walk around with an empty jar for some extra fun. [4]
    • Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar?
      _______ stole the cookies from the cookie jar!
      Who me?
      Yes, you!
      Couldn’t be!
      Then who?
  7. 7
    Letter Hop Write out all the letters of the alphabet on separate pieces of paper and put them on the floor. Choose someone to go first and have them hop on one foot to spell out the letters of their name. Once they finish spelling their name, they say it out loud and tap on someone else’s shoulder for their turn. [5]
  8. 8
    Name I Spy Have everyone stand in a line or in a circle. Start the game off by saying “I spy with my little eye, someone with a name starting with the letter…” and choose a letter. The whole group has to share their names and find the person you selected. Once they figure it out, that person gets to give the next “ I Spy ” prompt. [6]
  9. 9
    Name Relay Split everyone up into teams with equal numbers of people and have them stand in a line. Give the person at the front of each line a ball. When you say go, the first person has to say their name out loud before handing the ball to the person behind them. The first team to pass the ball to every member wins! [7]
    • Make the game more challenging making each person say the person they’re handing the ball to instead. The last person in line has to say to name of the first person in line.
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Section 2 of 7:

Name Games for Teens

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  1. 1
    Name Web Gather in a circle, and give the first person a ball of yarn. The person has to say their name and a fun fact about themselves. Then, have them hold onto the end of the yard and pass the ball of yarn to another person in the circle. They have to share their name and a fun fact as well. Keep tossing the yarn around until everyone has caught it and there’s a large tangle in the middle. [8]
    • Then, roll the yarn back up going in reverse order. Say the person’s name along with their fun fact as you give them the yarn.
  2. 2
    Name Unscramble Have everyone scramble up the letters in their name and write them in a new order on a sheet of paper. Read the scrambled names one at a time and try to work together as a group to unscramble the letters and find out the person’s real name.
  3. 3
    Name Acronyms Have everyone come up with a descriptive word for each letter of their first name. When everyone has their words selected, have each person say their name out loud and the words they chose that represent it. [9]
    • Example: Someone with the name Alice may write down:
      • Awesome
      • Loving
      • Intelligent
      • Courageous
      • Exciting
  4. 4
    Famous Names Have everyone choose a celebrity or notable figure that has the same name or first letter of their name. Have the person share their name and the celebrity they thought of. That way, you can remember their name if you picture the famous person they selected. [10]
  5. 5
    Name Chain Have everyone sit in a big circle. Choose a person to go first and have them say their name out loud. The next says the last person’s name and then adds their own name to it. Each person has to say all the names of the people before them before they can say their own, and if someone forgets, you have to start over! [11]
  6. 6
    Zombie Choose one person to be the zombie. At the start of the game, the zombie slowly walks around the room and tries to touch another player to get them out. If the player calls out someone else’s name, the zombie has to start following that player instead. [12]
    • If the zombie touches someone or if someone calls a player that’s already out, they become the new zombie.
  7. 7
    Fun Fact Guessing Game Have everyone write down a fun fact about themselves on a slip of paper, and toss them all into a bucket. Choose one of the slips and read it out loud so everyone can guess who the fact belongs to. [13]
  8. 8
    Name Story Sit in a circle and have the first person start telling a story using a sentence with their name in it. The next person in the circle says their own name and continues the story with the next sentence. Go around the entire circle until you’ve told a complete story and everyone has been involved.
  9. 9
    Eye Contact Circle Gather everyone in a circle and ask a general question to the group, like what’s their favorite color or ice cream flavor. Once everyone answers individually, each person has to make eye contact with another person who gave the same answer and say their name out loud.
    • To make the game more interactive, have each pair of people switch places without breaking eye contact.
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Section 3 of 7:

Name Games for Adults

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  1. 1
    Name and Number Give everyone a name tag that has their name on one side and a number on the other. Have everyone mingle and talk with each other so they can meet as many new people as possible. After 10-15 minutes, tell everyone to flip their name tags to the numbered side and see who can remember the most people’s names. [14]
  2. 2
    Six Word Memoir Each person thinks of 6 words they can use to summarize their life that they want to share with the group. Then, everyone takes turns sharing their name and the words they chose so the group can learn a little bit more about each other.
  3. 3
    Name Comment Cards Give everyone an index card and have them write down their names. Then, have everyone pass their card to the person on their right. Write down a positive attribute or a nice comment about the person whose name is on the card. Keep passing the cards around until they get back to their original owner. [15]
  4. 4
    Alter Egos Have everyone come up with an alias or alter ego that hints at their real name. Once everyone has chosen, share the new alter egos out loud. Work together to deduce everyone’s real name, and don’t be afraid to ask for hints if you get stuck.
    • Example: Someone with the name Dustin may choose the alias “Swiffer” because it’s a tool used for dusting.
  5. 5
    Get to Know You Bingo Make a bingo card with different blurbs in each box, such as “has a pet,” “has traveled out of the country,” or “has won a contest.” Have everyone go around trying to find a person for each characteristic, and have them write their name down in the box. Anyone who gets 5 in a row gets a bingo and earns a small reward. [16]
  6. 6
    Reverse Name Tags Write down everyone’s name on sticky notes and randomly put one onto each person’s back. Have everyone go around and ask yes or no questions about the person to figure out whose name they have on their back. https://www.dotefl.com/name-games/
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Section 4 of 7:

Name Games for Students

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  1. 1
    Lineup Tell all the students to line up in alphabetical order by their first name. Let everyone talk and introduce themselves so the class can work together to get in the right order. [17]
    • Once everyone is in order by their first name, have them line up again alphabetically by their last name too!
  2. 2
    Partner interview Split the students into pairs and have them interview their partners for 5 minutes. Find out their name, some of their hobbies, and what they’re interested in. Once the 5 minutes are up, have the students take turns introducing their partner to the rest of the class.
  3. 3
    Rhyme Names Tell all your students to think of a word that rhymes with their name that they want to share with the class. Encourage different wordplay and creativity, especially for names that are longer or more difficult to rhyme. Once everyone is ready, have the class share their name and the rhyming words.
    • Example: Someone named Lily might say “Silly Lily” and someone with the name Brandon might say “Outstandin’ Brandon.”
  4. 4
    Name Trading Cards Give everyone a few blank index card and tell them to make trading cards that describe themselves. Have the students include their name, height, and other “stats” such as favorite subject or favorite hobby. Then, have the students swap their trading cards with other people to get to know other students better.
    • Encourage the students to draw themselves on the other side of the card.
  5. 5
    Name Pictionary Ask the students to draw pictures that will help the rest of the class guess their name. The catch is whoever is drawing can’t write down letters or talk out loud. Encourage them to draw objects that start with the letters in their name or draw pictures of words that rhyme.
  6. 6
    Portrait Drawing Give everyone a sheet of paper and have them sit in a circle. Make everyone pick a name at random and try drawing a simple portrait of that person. When everyone is finished, hang the portraits up on the board and try to match each person with their name.
  7. 7
    Desert Island Have each student brainstorm what 3 things they would bring with them if they were stuck on a desert island. If you want, limit their options, such as only bringing 1 book, 1 music album, and 1 keepsake. Have everyone share their name and items with the rest of the class.
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Section 5 of 7:

Funny Name Games

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  1. 1
    Name Simon Says Choose a person to be the first leader in a game of Simon Says using their name instead. Play Simon Says and obey any command when the leader says their name. If they don’t follow the instructions, then they’re out. Change who’s the leader every few commands so people can learn each other’s names. [18]
  2. 2
    Sing Your Name Have everyone think of their favorite song and have them insert their name somewhere into the lyrics. Take turns singing your name to the tune of the song, and have the other players try to guess which song you chose.
  3. 3
    Name Charades Have everyone think of an action that starts with the same letter as their name. Choose a random person to go first, and have them perform the action. After that, they say the action and their name. The game continues with the next person doing all the actions of the people before them before doing their own.
    • Example: Someone may paddle their arms in front of them and say, “Swimming Sarah” or someone kick a ball for “Soccer Sam.”
  4. 4
    Bang Have everyone stand in a circle and choose one person to be the Sheriff who stands in the center. The Sheriff spins around, points at a random person, and says “Bang!” That person has to crouch right away. The people on either side of them race to shout the other person’s name, and whoever is slower gets eliminated.
    • Keep playing until everyone is eliminated.
  5. 5
    Backwards Name Game Give everyone a sheet of paper and have them spell their name backwards. Have everyone put the sheet into a bowl and mix up the names. Pull a name out and read it out loud, and have everyone try to guess what name has been reversed!
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Section 6 of 7:

Name Games for Online Meetings

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  1. 1
    Name Tag Make sure everyone’s name is visible on their screen. Choose a person to start, and have them call out someone else’s name on screen. That person has to respond with “Hey” or “Hello” before saying someone else’s name. Continue playing until everyone has had their name called.
  2. 2
    Throwback Photos Have everyone in the meeting send the host pictures of them as a baby or child. The host can share their screen with a slideshow of the pictures, and everyone has to guess which picture belongs to which person.
  3. 3
    Breakout Introductions Split everyone into breakout rooms with 1 or 2 other people. Have everyone introduce themselves and share fun facts about one another. Try to find similarities between the people in the breakout room. After a few minutes, bring everyone back into the meeting and have the group members share what they learned about each other.
  4. 4
    Guess the Doodle Open a shared workspace where all the meeting members can draw at the same time. Have everyone zoom into a section of the workspace and make a fun doodle. After a couple minutes, have everyone zoom out and take turns guessing who made each piece of art.
  5. 5
    Hometowns Pull up a large map that everyone can see, and have each person add their name by their hometown or where they’re chiming in from. Have each person share their favorite place from their hometown or where they’re currently living. [19]
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Section 7 of 7:

How to Remember Names Easier

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  1. 1
    Repeat the person’s name back to them. As soon as someone introduces themselves, make it a point to say their name out loud right away. This forces you to pay attention when you’re meeting people so you’re more likely to memorize their name. [20]
    • For example, if someone introduces themselves as John, you could offer a handshake and say, “Nice to meet you, John.”
    • Use their name a few times throughout the conversation to lock it into your memory.
  2. 2
    Associate the person’s name with something else. When you hear the person’s name, form a mental image of something their name reminds you of. For example, if someone’s name is Charles, you could remember King Charles and picture a crown in your head. When you see the person, try picturing the association in your head to remember their name. [21]
    • You could also try to remember their name based on their clothes. If someone’s name is Victor, a V-neck shirt they’re wearing can remind you of the first letter of their name.
  3. 3
    Ask if you forget someone’s name. Etiquette coach Tami Claytor says, “Take a breath, slow down and the person's name will come back to you.” If you’re still not able to remember their name, she recommends the best thing to do is apologize and ask the person directly for their name. Just acknowledging that you forgot sounds the most genuine.
    • Claytor suggests saying something like, “Please forgive me. I'm sorry, I forgot your name. What was it again?”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://thedancebuzz.com/2012/07/14/creative-movement-the-name-dance/
      2. ↑ https://www.maryville.edu/cse/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/09/Icebreakers-Team-Builders.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.dotefl.com/name-games/
      4. ↑ https://www.playworks.org/game-library/who-stole-the-cookies/
      5. ↑ https://www.meredithplays.com/name-games-for-kids-to-learn-while-enjoying/
      6. ↑ https://www.meredithplays.com/name-games-for-kids-to-learn-while-enjoying/
      7. ↑ https://www.dotefl.com/name-games/
      8. ↑ https://www.maryville.edu/cse/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/09/Icebreakers-Team-Builders.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.dotefl.com/name-games/
      1. ↑ https://www.dotefl.com/name-games/
      2. ↑ https://www.dotefl.com/name-games/
      3. ↑ https://www.dramanotebook.com/drama-name-games/
      4. ↑ https://www.dotefl.com/name-games/
      5. ↑ https://sixth.ucsd.edu/_files/_home/student-life/icebreakers-teambuilding-activities-energizers.pdf
      6. ↑ https://sixth.ucsd.edu/_files/_home/student-life/icebreakers-teambuilding-activities-energizers.pdf
      7. ↑ https://blog.tcea.org/human-bingo-a-fun-and-effective-icebreaker/
      8. ↑ https://www.maryville.edu/cse/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/09/Icebreakers-Team-Builders.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.meredithplays.com/name-games-for-kids-to-learn-while-enjoying/
      10. ↑ https://www.maryville.edu/cse/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/09/Icebreakers-Team-Builders.pdf
      11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/managing-your-memory/201807/how-to-remember-names
      12. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/managing-your-memory/201807/how-to-remember-names

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