What is .name?
.name is one of the older generic TLDs: ICANN records its delegation as January 4, 2002, long before the 2012 expansion.
VeriSign, Inc. also runs 5 other TLDs, including .com, .comsec, .net, .verisign and .web.
On the technical side, .name is served by 4 authoritative name servers, every one of them reachable over IPv6. It is also DNSSEC-signed: the root zone carries a DS record for .name, which lets validating resolvers check its answers cryptographically. Registration data is published over RDAP and WHOIS (the WHOIS server is whois.nic.name).
Same registry, other endings
5 other TLDs share this operator.
.name FAQ
What does .name mean?
.name is a generic top-level domain named for the word "name", and it's aimed at lifestyle & personal. It doesn't belong to any country.
What is .name used for?
.name is mostly used for lifestyle & personal. Like most gTLDs, it's a label of intent rather than a guarantee — check the site, not just the ending.
What country is .name?
None. .name is a generic top-level domain, so it isn't tied to any country.
Who owns the .name domain extension?
VeriSign, Inc. operates .name as its registry, under a registry agreement with ICANN.
When was .name created?
.name was delegated to the DNS root zone on January 4, 2002.
Is .name a valid domain?
Yes. .name is an active top-level domain in the DNS root zone, delegated in 2002, so .name addresses work in every browser.
Can I buy a .name domain?
.name names are sold through ICANN-accredited registrars. Some gTLDs restrict who can register, so read VeriSign, Inc.'s policy if you're unsure.
Is .name DNSSEC-signed?
Yes, the root zone holds a DS record for .name.
Sources
Data from IANA root zone version 2026102000. Last changed March 23, 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
