Can I use surnames or full names?

Yes, but spaces are removed, so a full name becomes one long word.

Is the name list stored?

No. The list stays in your browser. A share link contains the words in the link itself.

Are spaces and hyphens in names kept?

No. Spaces, hyphens and other non-letters are removed, so Mary Ann becomes MARYANN in the grid.

What if a name does not fit?

The page lists any words that were skipped. Try a bigger grid, or shorten the name.

Can I print the puzzle with answers?

Yes. Tick Show answers before you print if you want a solution sheet.

Free · No sign-up · 24 ready-made topics

Name Word Search Maker

Put names of family, friends or classmates into a word search. Free, printable, and private.

Words (one per line, or comma separated)

Or start from a topic:

Grid size

Difficulty

Puzzle title

Subtitle (optional)

Names puzzle ideas

Class names for the first week of school, family members for a birthday card, team members for a staff party, or wedding guests for a table game. Type each name on its own line.

Tips for name puzzles

Use first names only for privacy. Names with spaces or hyphens are joined into one word, for example MARYANN. Very short names such as AL are easy to find, so add a few longer names too.

Print and share

Add a title such as Happy Birthday Mum and print the puzzle, or copy the share link so someone can solve it on their device.

More: Word Search Generator · All word search topics

How the puzzle maker treats names

Type each name on its own line, or separate names with commas. Every name is turned into capital letters, accents are removed (the letter Ñ is kept) and spaces, hyphens and digits are dropped. Identical names count once, a name needs at least two letters, and it cannot be longer than the grid is wide. Any name that does not fit is listed so you can choose a bigger grid.

For names this matters in two ways: spaces and hyphens are removed, so “Mary Ann” is hidden as MARYANN and “Jean-Luc” as JEANLUC, and two identical names count once. If two people share a first name, add the initial or a nickname.

Ideas for a names puzzle

Family gatherings. Put every relative's name in a puzzle for the table or the children's corner.
Birthday parties. Hide the names of guests, with the birthday child's name as the title.
Classrooms and clubs. A back-to-school icebreaker where everyone finds their own name and a few others.
Weddings and reunions. Use first names for a table activity or a place-card keepsake.
Staff and team events. A light welcome activity for new starters, using the team's first names.

Choosing the grid

Longer names need a larger grid, because a word cannot be longer than the grid is wide. For about ten short names a 12 × 12 grid is usually fine; for twenty or more names or long names move up to 16 × 16 or 20 × 20. Easy keeps names running across and down, while Hard adds diagonals and backwards names for a real challenge.

Names and privacy

Everything is built in your browser. Names you type are not sent to our server, although the share link contains the puzzle's words inside the link itself, so only share it with people you are happy to see those names.

Can I use surnames or full names?: Yes, but spaces are removed, so a full name becomes one long word.
Is the name list stored?: No. The list stays in your browser. A share link contains the words in the link itself.
Are spaces and hyphens in names kept?: No. Spaces, hyphens and other non-letters are removed, so Mary Ann becomes MARYANN in the grid.
What if a name does not fit?: The page lists any words that were skipped. Try a bigger grid, or shorten the name.
Can I print the puzzle with answers?: Yes. Tick Show answers before you print if you want a solution sheet.