What is a domain name?
The internet comprises a vast set of number strings in the form of IP addresses, and remembering each sequence of numbers would be a nightmare. To make it simple and easy to remember, each IP is assigned a unique name corresponding to the physical address. For instance, it is easier to remember www.domainname.com than 1.2.3.4. This unique name, otherwise known as a domain name, should be the same as your website name.
What is a TLD?
A top-level domain (TLD) is the rightmost part of your domain name. For instance, the .com in example.com or the .gov from forensic.gov are the TLDs of these websites. TLDs generally give us additional information about the domain—say the country where the business is registered or the purpose of the domain. In general, TLDs can be classified as generic and country code TLDs.
Generic TLDs (GTLDs) are used for generic purposes. Some of the extensions that are generic are .com, .info, and .net. Country code TLDs (CCTLDs) are used for websites that are specific to a country, like .in for Indian users or .uk for the visitors in the United Kingdom.
With the increase in use of the internet, the number of TLDs has also increased. There are more than 2,000 TLDs for website owners to choose from. Though .com is widely used, there are also niche-based TLDs available, like .food, .info, .blog, and more.
Popular domain name TLDs
Domain name generator
The domain name generator above offers a simple and intuitive interface to generate domain names for your business. It not only lists domain name ideas based on your input, but also suggests semantically related alternative domain names across 12 commonly used TLDs like .com, .in, .info and more. Type in the name of your business and hit Generate — the AI analyzes your input and suggests creative domain name options instantly.
Once you find the domain name that suits your business, click Check to verify availability and register it. If the domain name is already taken, you can use the WHOIS lookup tool to check the details of the domain owner.
Sometimes, companies get a domain name with multiple TLDs, and they'll re-route them to their primary domain. This is mostly done to prevent users from getting diverted with wrong TLDs.
Tips to generate your domain name
- Keep it simple and short.
- Your domain name must match with your website name.
- Avoid using numbers and special characters in your domain name.
- If your business is local, add it to your domain name. Example: utahcooking.com.
- Avoid hard and confusing spellings while choosing your name.
- If possible, try adding the keyword that resonates with your industry. Example: utahbakingcakes.com, where cakes are related to the bakery industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you need a domain name?
Without a domain name, it will be challenging for your visitor to identify your website by remembering the IP address for every visit.
How do you check for domain name availability?
Type the name of your business in the generator above. It will give you a list of domain name ideas. Click "Check" on any suggestion to verify availability and register it with a domain registrar.
Can I modify the domain name?
No, you cannot modify a domain name once you purchase it. If you wish to change the name, purchase another domain with the modified name and reroute the old domain to this one.
How do you check who owns a domain?
If the domain you want is already taken, you can use a WHOIS lookup tool to learn more details about the domain, such as its ownership and registration dates.
How long can a domain name be?
Domain names can be somewhere between three and 63 characters. We advise keeping the name as short as possible for visitors to recall easily.
Can I register multiple TLDs for my domain?
Yes. Many businesses register their domain across multiple TLDs (like .com, .net, and .io) and redirect them all to the primary domain. This prevents others from acquiring similar names and protects your brand.