TheOwlBay
Random pair generator
Match names into random pairs — free, no sign-up
Match a roster into pairs for labs, debates, or two-player games. Paste Names, add optional Exclusions, then Generate. Copy or Print the pairs. Matching uses crypto.getRandomValues in this browser. Names stay in localStorage. This is not Secret Santa (no giver-receiver cycle) and not a team split into more than pairs.
Why pairs are not Secret Santa
A pair generator makes unordered couples for a task: lab partners, chess seats, or peer review. Secret Santa is a directed cycle of who buys for whom. Team generators make N groups. This page exists so a teacher can paste Names, keep two people apart via Exclusions, and print pairs. An odd name is leftover, not assigned to themselves as a gift. We do not grade the pairs. Ads stay off. If you need three-plus groups, use the team generator. If you need a bracket, use tournament. If you need steal order, use white elephant.
How to use the pair generator
Match names into pairs with optional exclusions.
Results use your browser's cryptographically secure random number generator. Lists and form data stay in localStorage on your device.
How pairs are matched
Names are shuffled with crypto.getRandomValues and walked into pairs, retrying when Exclusions block a match. That is a fair shuffle plus constraints, not true random, not a dating algorithm, and not encryption. Leftover odd names are reported, not hidden. We do not store pairs on a TheOwlBay account. localStorage holds names and exclusion lines on this device. Tight exclusion graphs can fail; loosen Exclusions or add people. This is not a derangement for gifts. Weighted tickets belong on the raffle page. Ads stay off.
Who this pair tool is for
Science teachers assigning lab partners, debate coaches, and event hosts who need two-person seats will use this more than a full team split. Exclusions help when two people should not work together. It is not for Secret Santa gifts, not for seating a whole grid, and not for a single raffle winner. Print the pairs for the door. TheOwlBay does not require an account. If you need groups of four, set the team generator to People per group. If you need a speaking order, shuffle the list. Ads stay off.
FAQ
What if there is an odd number of Names?
One person is leftover after Generate. That is expected. Add a name or run a three-person group elsewhere.
How do Exclusions work?
A line like Alice, Bob means those two should not be a pair. If matching fails, edit Exclusions and Generate again.
Is this Secret Santa?
No. Pairs are unordered partners. Secret Santa assigns who buys for whom with unlisted links.
Where is the roster stored?
In localStorage. Matching uses crypto.getRandomValues. Copy or Print when you are ready. No account.
Pairs versus teams?
This page makes couples. The team generator makes N groups. The bracket makes a single-elimination tree.