Country Info:
 |
.name is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) intended for the use of individuals' real names, nicknames, screen names, pseudonyms or other personal names. It was delegated to Global Name Registry in 2001, although it did not become fully operational until January 2002.
Domains can be registered on the second level (john.name) and the third level (john.doe.name). It is also possible to register an e-mail address on the form john@doe.name together with, or instead of, the domain john.doe.name. Such an e-mail address is a forwarding account, and requires another e-mail address to be delivered to.
When a domain is registered on the third level (john.doe.name), the second level (doe.name in this case) is shared, and may not be registered. Further third level objects like jane.doe.name or doe@doe.name may be registered. Other second level domains like johndoe.name remain unaffected.
When the .name domain was first launched, only third level registrations (and forwarded e-mail addresses) were available; it is only later, in January 2004, that second level registrations were made available as well. The original intended structure of names was first.last.name, so that an individual could get a domain corresponding to his or her actual name.
When a domain is registered on the second level (doe.name), third level domains or e-mail addresses under this second level (john.doe.name and jane@doe.name) are associated with the second level domain, and may not be registered with the .name registry. Other objects like janedoe.name and jane.johndoe.name remain unaffected.
The .name gTLD is intended for use by individuals and personalities, both fictional and real.
As a personal, unique and memorable identifier, .name addresses are increasingly being used as a natural address for Digital Identity applications. |
