---
id: randomname
version: "0.2.1"
license: MIT License
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: abandoned
---

# randomname — Generate random adj-noun names like docker and github.

License: permissive · Maintenance: abandoned · Downloads: 851.4K/mo

## What it is and what it does

randomname is a lightweight utility for generating random human-readable identifiers by combining words from predefined categories. It works both as a command-line tool and a Python library, letting you pick from adjectives, nouns, verbs, names, and miscellaneous words to build memorable strings like 'sleek-voxel' or 'blaring-crocodile'. The package includes dozens of word subcategories spanning domains like music theory, astronomy, sports, and programming, and you can mix in your own custom words.

The primary use case is replacing numeric IDs with pronounceable, easy-to-remember alternatives for files, containers, or any system that needs human-friendly identifiers. It has no runtime dependencies, making it simple to integrate. However, the project has not been updated since January 2023 and is marked abandoned, so there is no active maintenance, bug fixes, or support for new Python versions beyond 3.9.

Use it for:

- Generate memorable temporary file or folder names instead of numeric IDs for easier manual file hunting
- Create human-readable identifiers for test runs, build artifacts, or experiment logs in CI/CD pipelines
- Build custom naming schemes for generated resources by combining domain-specific word categories
- Seed random names for mock data generation or placeholder content in development and testing
- Generate unique session or request identifiers that are easier to communicate verbally or in logs

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Generates random memorable identifiers by combining words from curated lists (adjectives, nouns, verbs, names) in customizable patterns, similar to Docker container or GitHub repository naming.

Yes, if you need a simple, dependency-free random name generator and can accept that the project is no longer maintained. The code is stable and has no known vulnerabilities, but you should not expect bug fixes or updates for newer Python versions. Suitable for one-off scripts, testing, and development tools where the lack of active maintenance is not a blocker.

## Install

pip install randomname
uv add randomname
poetry add randomname

## Installing randomname

Before you install: High install friction due to source distribution only (no wheels). Last release was January 2023 and the project is marked abandoned, meaning no active maintenance or bug fixes.

License in practice: MIT License permits free use, modification, and distribution with minimal restrictions, making it safe to adopt from a licensing perspective.

Quickstart:

pip install randomname

import randomname

name = randomname.get_name()
print(name)  # e.g., 'sleek-voxel'

# or with custom categories
name = randomname.get_name(adj=('music_theory',), noun=('cats',))
print(name)

Verify before relying:

- Whether the word lists are actively curated for offensive content given the project's abandoned status
- Performance characteristics when generating names with many custom categories or large word lists

## Package facts

- License: MIT License (permissive)
- Python support: unspecified
- Install friction: high
- Maintenance: abandoned
- Downloads: 851.4K/month (top 5,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

random name generator, memorable id generation, docker-style naming, word-based unique identifiers, adj-noun random names, human-readable random ids, container name generator, name-generation, cli-tool, no-dependencies

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/randomname) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/randomname/)