How can I randomly generate a list of names for a whole year

I need to create a log which include about 8-10 names and just randomly generate each name to a date for a whole year. In other words I want to divide 8-10 names into a year. (The year part is not that important as I may start off on a different month and not January, Just want to generate random names)

Originally Posted by Jakobshavn

See the attached workbook. The full list is in A1 thru A10. The random picks are below.

Perfect! Thanks you're awesome.

Also, is it possible to to generate a date starting 1/1/2012 to 11/1/12 and randomly generate to the last ending date starting on A5 (1/1/12) and ending at A198 (11-1-12) I need it to be between those cells.

Example:

A5:1/1/12
A6:1/5/12
A197:10/25/12
A198:11/1/12

the random date has to be in continuance order It has to be in order. hope It doesn;t sound confusing. (So between A5 and A198 I need the date to randomly ascend the date to end at 11-1-12).

Thanks in advance for any help.

Originally Posted by ChemistB

A little tricky because if each cell is totally random, then you might not have enough dates between present cell and date and final cell and date.

Here's a possibility
In E5 dragged down 1/1/2012 through 11/1/2012 (All of this can be hidden afterwards or placed on a different sheet)
In D5 dragged down just as far, =RAND()
Copy and paste special >values to make the random numbers constant. Then sort on the random numbers

In A5 dragged down
=SMALL($E$5:$E$198, ROW(A1))
If you want it to begin and end with 1/1 and 11/1, just fill in A5 and A198 manually.
Does that work for you?

where do I copy and paste to?

Originally Posted by ChemistB

Copy and paste special >Values on top of the original cells containing formulas (i.e. RAND()) to remove the formulas and keep the values.

Its not working

This is my result

DATES.jpg

Originally Posted by ChemistB

You need to format the cells in Col A as dates

Got it, how how do I sort the random numbers? Sorry I'm not to familiar with excel

Originally Posted by ChemistB

Select D5, CNTRL + SHFT + 8 will select the entire range. Then from the Home Tab> Sort and Filter> Sort Smallest to Largest
Did that work?

I give up

I can't get the dates on E to change like it shows on your file it stays the same

Originally Posted by ChemistB

Try it this way instead
Select D5
CNTRL + SHFT + 8 (should see both D and E selected)
Home Tab> Sort and Filter > Custom Sort
"Sort by:" Column D
Smallest to Largest
"OK"

It worked!! Thanks again