Learn Names

Help your group learn names by playing a series of fun & playful name-games.

Playing a series of fun, interactive name-games is one of the most useful ways to help your group, especially people who don’t know each other, to learn names.

The fun helps people engage with others, and the interaction provides ample opportunities for names to be mentioned, exchanged, reinforced and remembered.

Socially, learning names is one of the most important skills one can learn. We often marvel at someone who can recall the name of someone they have not seen for a long time. And while some people have a gift for remembering names, most do not – it’s a skill that needs to be practised.

Key Principles of Effective Name-Games

When structuring a program, particularly for a group of strangers, consider these principles:

  • Name-tags are often unnecessary. Playful, highly-interactive and fun experiences are always preferred and frequently appreciated. There is no shortage of fun name-games to discover here.
  • Invite group members to introduce themselves every time they interact with someone new. Make frequent reminders to give each person permission to do this.
  • Create a culture where it’s okay to ask for someone’s name. This interaction says ‘I care enough to want to know it’ and not that ‘I’m stupid and forgot.’
  • Furthermore, encourage and celebrate when people make a mistake recalling a name. These are wonderful moments in which people can support one another in their effort to learn something new.
  • As the leader, frequently use the names of group members when they make a contribution, volunteer or perform a task. This will not only reinforce the person’s name, but it will also assist you (and the group) to pronounce the name correctly if it happens to be less common.
  • Introduce one or more formal or dedicated name-games into your program, but not too early. Playing names-games too early may encourage some people to pull back from participating for fear of making a mistake.

Activity Ideas Which Help People to Learn Names

The images below provide links to a sample of fun group activities which focus on names drawn from playmeo’s ever-expanding activity database.

Enjoy browsing to your heart’s content.

If you’re not yet a playmeo subscriber, subscribe today to unlock hundreds more group games and activities just like these.

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Set of alphabet letters used in name puzzle game called Crossword Names

Crossword Names

Name puzzle game to connect group members through creative play.

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Man with index card on head playing fun name game Blind Name-Tag

Blind Name-Tag

Fun name game to create laughter while making introductions.

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Set of name tags as played with virtual icebreaker activity Curiosity Ping Pong

Curiosity Ping Pong

Virtual icebreaker activity to spark curious conversations.

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Hand drawing a word in air playing fun name game Air Names

Air Names

Fun name game that naturally breaks down barriers & invites participation.

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Illustration of playing dice as used in Dicebreakers dice sharing game

Dicebreakers

Dice sharing game to spark meaningful conversations & connections.

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Series of playing cards as used with Card Talk conversation starter game

Card Talk

Conversation starter game that builds meaningful connections.

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Two flags waving depicting the Unofficial Start engaging icebreaker strategy

Unofficial Start

Engaging icebreaker strategy to connect people before programs.

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Person rolling toilet paper as part of unique icebreaker activity Bum Steer

Bum Steer

Unique icebreaker activity creates instant connection.

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Three people playing interactive word-building game Four-Letter Word

Four-Letter Word

Interactive word-building game to enhance team communication.

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Two people holding letters cards as part of Letter Connection interactive ice-breaker game

Letter Connection

Interactive ice-breaker game to spark conversation & connections.

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Talking bubble and clapping image for rhythmic name game Concentration

Concentration

Rhythmic name game to build energy & focus through beats.

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Two sets of hands holding a set of wooden toy blocks as part interactive connection game Ice-Breakers

Ice-Breakers

Interactive connection game to build teamwork & coordination.

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Two people holding two different playing cards as seen in simple icebreaker activity Playing Card Mixers

Playing Card Mixers

Simple icebreaker activity to form groups using playing cards.

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Three people mimicking the action of Rueben in the fun get-to-know-you game Motion Name-Game

Motion Name-Game

Fun get-to-know-you game to learn names quickly with movement & laughter.

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Man avoiding being hit by a balloon as seen in Balloon Propulsion Greetings energiser activity

Balloon Propulsion Greetings

Balloon icebreaker game gets groups mingling with flying fun.

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Hand holding bunch of index cards with Kai written on them as seen in interactive name game Names Stock Market

Names Stock Market

Interactive name game to energise groups & build connections.

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Index card with words and numbers on it as seen in personalised icebreaker game ID Numbers

ID Numbers

Personalised icebreaker game to spark meaningful conversations.

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Group of people standing or sitting down, playing a fun get-to-know-you game of Who Is It?

Who Is It?

Fun get-to-know-you game that builds group connections.

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Two people shaking hands in a creative icebreaker activity Name-Tag Mania

Name-Tag Mania

Creative icebreaker activity to promote meaningful group introductions.

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Two people sitting either side of a dropped blanket facing one another, playing quick name game Peek-A-Who

Peek-A-Who

Quick name game to boost energy & memory skills,

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Four people standing in line with interlocked elbows, as part of Making Connections interactive icebreaker game

Making Connections

Interactive icebreaker game to build group relationships.

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Hand holding bunch of cards with letters on them, playing the interactive name game Name Swap

Name Swap

Fun interactive name game to foster group connections.

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Two people giving each other a High-5, as part of handshake icebreaker activity called Crosstown Connections

Crosstown Connections

Handshake icebreaker activity to build rapport through movement.

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Two sets of pairs standing together, as part of playing simple team-building game Name Train

Name Train

Simple team-building game to connect group members through names.

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