How it works
These random teacher names come whole: a title, a real US surname, the subject taught and one classroom habit. Every name is made up for stories, games and worksheets, and no first name is ever given.
Read the full guide
Name one teacher or a whole staff
Press New teacher until one fits, then Copy it. Print 20 teachers makes the staff list of a made-up school, and Copy 10 teachers drops ten into a worksheet or a story draft.
Professors, doctors and coaches
Professor is one of the eight titles, so a printed sheet usually holds a few random professor names for a college story. Every subject on the list is taught at schools and colleges alike, so any title fits. Dr. marks a doctoral degree, and Mx. states no gender.
Tips
- Give a strict teacher the gentlest habit on the list. Readers remember the contrast.
- Print a sheet and sort it by subject to staff each department.
Questions and answers
What is a good name for a teacher in a story?
A title and a surname that is real but not famous, such as Mr. Fairbanks or Dr. Okafor. Students rarely learn a teacher's first name, so readers do not need one. A subject and one habit do more than a description.
Are these real teachers?
No. The surnames are real, from the 2020 US Census, and every pairing is random. Each title and surname was checked against Wikipedia page titles and names with a famous bearer were cut. A real teacher may still share a name by chance.
When is a teacher called Ms., Mrs. or Miss?
Mrs. is for a married woman and Miss for an unmarried one. Ms. fits either and says nothing about marriage. British schools traditionally call any woman who teaches Miss.
Can I use the names on a worksheet or in a game?
Yes. They are made for word problems, role plays, seating-chart examples and story drafts. For the building they work in, try the random school name generator.