Extension
.name
.name in short
The .name domain is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) created specifically for individuals and personal identities, often in a first.last.name form. Operated by Verisign, it is one of the few extensions intended for people rather than organisations.
.name at a glance
Type
gTLD — Generic top-level domain
Registry
Verisign
Launched
2001
Country / scope
Generic — no country
Restrictions
Intended for individuals (personal names)
Typical price
$11/yr
Example sites
personal sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .name domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .name mean?
The .name extension is a generic top-level domain made for one thing: people. Launched in 2001 and operated by Verisign, it was designed so that individuals could own a personal web address and email tied to their actual name. Its distinctive feature is the historic first.last.name structure — for example john.smith.name — though plain second-level name.name registrations are also available.
The idea behind .name is identity rather than business. Where most extensions implicitly address companies and projects, .name addresses the person. It is meant to be the home for a CV, a personal page, a family site or a memorable name-based email — a small piece of personal real estate on the internet.
Who uses .name?
.name is used by individuals who want a personal site or email built around their own name, families sharing a surname address, and professionals who like the clean “this is me” signal it sends. Because it is explicitly personal, it sidesteps the confusion of using a commercial-looking extension for a private homepage.
In practice, the rise of social profiles and the popularity of alternatives like .me have kept .name niche. Many people building a personal brand today reach for .me, .io or a plain .com instead. But for anyone who specifically wants their domain to be their name, .name still does precisely that.
.name registration rules and requirements
.name is intended for the personal names of individuals (or fictional characters), reflected in its first.last.name design. In practice registration is straightforward and handled by mainstream registrars, including Verisign-backed channels, on a first-come, first-served basis. Standard ICANN contact rules apply, and there is no business-licence or local-presence requirement — the “restriction” is really about the personal-name purpose rather than hard eligibility checks.
How much does .name cost?
A .name domain typically runs about $11 per year at mainstream registrars, though rates vary by registrar and any introductory promotion. Always confirm the renewal price — not just the first-year offer — before you register.
| Registrar | Typical .name price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Verisign-backed registrars | ~$11–15/yr |
| Namecheap | ~$11/yr |
| Porkbun | ~$13/yr |
.name pros and cons
Pros
- Purpose-built for individuals and personal identity.
- Supports memorable first.last.name addresses and email.
- Affordable, with pricing close to mainstream gTLDs.
- Backed by Verisign, a long-established, stable registry.
Cons
- Niche and less familiar than personal-brand favourite .me.
- The first.last format can confuse visitors expecting a plain name.
- No business or organisation signal — strictly personal.
- Largely overtaken by social profiles for personal presence.
Example .name websites
- Individuals register first.last.name for a personal page or CV.
- Families use a shared surname.name address for a private site.
- Professionals adopt name.name for clean, identity-based email.
.name — frequently asked questions
What is the .name domain?
The .name domain is a generic top-level domain created for individuals and personal identities, operated by Verisign. It is known for its first.last.name structure (such as john.smith.name) and is intended for personal sites and email rather than businesses.
Who can register a .name domain?
Anyone can register a .name domain for a personal name. It is intended for individuals and personal identities, with no business-licence or local-presence requirement. Registration is handled by mainstream registrars on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the first.last.name format?
It is .name's distinctive structure, allowing addresses like john.smith.name that put a person's full name into the domain. Plain second-level registrations (name.name) are also available, but the first.last form is what makes .name unique.
How much does a .name domain cost?
A .name domain typically costs around $11 per year, close to mainstream gTLD pricing, with most registrars in the $11–$15 range. Confirm the renewal rate before registering.