Try this one: The Name Game

The Name Game

Category: Getting to Know You | Group Size: 5–20 | Time: 10–15 minutes

How to Play

A fast-paced game that helps everyone learn each other’s names — and remember them.

Version 1: Name Chain

1. Everyone stands in a circle.
2. The first person says their name and does a simple gesture (wave, thumbs up, spin, etc.).
3. The next person repeats the first person’s name and gesture, then adds their own.
4. Continue around the circle. Each person repeats ALL previous names and gestures before adding their own.
5. If someone gets stuck, the group helps — but the goal is to get all the way around.

Version 2: Name Toss

1. Stand in a circle. One person holds a soft ball.
2. They say someone else’s name and toss the ball to that person.
3. That person catches it, says another name, and tosses it again.
4. If someone drops the ball or forgets a name, the group helps out.
5. Speed it up for extra challenge.

Leader Tips

• Play this at the start of a new semester or when new students join.
• For large groups, split into circles of 8–10.
• Encourage fun, memorable gestures — the sillier, the better for recall.

Why It Works

Learning names is one of the most basic ways to show someone they matter. This game makes it fun and gives students a reason to use each other’s names right away.

Scripture Connection

“I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” — Isaiah 43:1b (ESV)

God knows your name. Learning each other’s names is a small way we reflect that same care.