Using your own name as the domain for your website and/or email address can help you build a professional online identity.
However, many questions arise – is the first name, last name or a combination best, which domain extension fits, and what can you do if the desired domain with your own name is already taken? In this article, I try to answer all these questions.
A domain with the first name, last name or full name?
The first step in registering your personal domain name is deciding how you want to use your name. There are several options that are suitable for both personal and business use.
First name
You can use your first name as a domain name to establish your online persona. This is a suitable option if you want to create a personal blog or portfolio website.
An example would be anna.de.
Last name
For businesses, families or individuals who want to create a more formal website, using the last name as the domain name is a good professional alternative.
Here would be an example, schneider.de.
Surname domains are also very suitable as email addresses. You can use addresses like kontakt@schneider.de, but also combinations of first and last names like anna@schneider.de.
Full name
Finally, you can also use your first name and last name together as a domain. With this variant, you can present yourself even more clearly with your whole name. Another advantage is that with such a more specific domain name, you usually have a higher chance that the domain is not yet taken.
An example would be annaschneider.de.
Full name with or without hyphen?
Whether you want to use a hyphen is more or less a matter of taste. Some people prefer to put one in to improve readability, while others prefer to leave it out.
The above example would look like this with hyphen: anna-schneider.de.
If you are unsure, you can also simply register the variants with and without hyphen and then forward one of them to the other. This way, you make sure that people who type your web address in the other spelling into the browser will still land directly at your site.
As an alternative to the hyphen, you can also separate your name with a dot: anna.schneider.de. However, for this, you have to register the last name domain and then create a subdomain with your first name.
Choose a domain extension that matches your name
Choosing the right domain extension is important to create a domain name that accurately represents your brand or personal identity. A domain extension or top-level domain (TLD) is the part of the domain that comes after the dot.
The domain extension can help convey the purpose or nature of your website. Therefore, you should also consider your target audience and the overall image you want to convey when choosing.
Country domains
Country domains are extensions for domain names that are unique to a particular country. The following domain extensions are the standards in German-speaking countries:
- .DE for Germany
- .AT for Austria
- .CH for Switzerland
Using a country code domain can be a practical approach to create a local online presence. Therefore, if you are located in Germany or want to make your name better known there, the .DE domain might be the right one.
However, there is also a problem with country-code domains: due to their popularity, the probability that your name is still available is relatively low – at least if you have a common name.
But, of course, there are many other options.
Online endings
Certain TLDs are directly related to the online world and combine well with names.
Some examples are:
- .ONLINE
- .NET
- .INFO
- .WEB
- .SITE
- .NAME
An example of use would be: anna-schneider.info
These domain extensions are ideal for businesses and individuals who want to create an online-oriented website.
Personal domain extensions
Other domain extensions have a particularly personal meaning and are therefore well suited for private use:
- .ME
- .CYOU
An example of use would be: anna.cyou
For example, .CYOU is the abbreviation for “See You”. By directly addressing the person looking at the domain through this extension, it gives a very personal impression.
This personal approach can help you stand out from the competition and make a particularly friendly first impression on your visitors.
Therefore, if you want to create a website that focuses on social networking, online communication or personal branding, the .CYOU extension can be a good choice. And it can also be used well for email addresses.
Professions
Profession-specific domain extensions are another category of domain extensions that are suitable for combination with one’s own name. These domain extensions are intended for persons or companies of a certain profession or sector.
Some examples of profession-specific domain extensions are:
- .DESIGN for designers
- .DOCTOR for doctors
- .FLORIST for florists
- .CONSULTING for consultants
- .PHOTOGRAPHY for photographers
An application example would be: schneider.consulting
What if the domain with your name is already taken?
While it can be disappointing if your desired domain is already taken, don’t worry – there are plenty of other great options to choose from!
If you experiment a little, you will find a domain that is as unique and memorable as your original choice.
Here are some options you have:
Check whether you can take legal action
In some cases, you can still get your name domain by suing for it. However, this is only possible in certain cases. For example, if you have a well-known trademark that corresponds to your name, and another person uses a corresponding domain without your consent.
Furthermore, it may be possible if someone uses a domain with your first and last name, but does not bear this name himself. In Germany, the Federal Court of Justice has ruled that name bearers must be able to check whether the Internet address is really used by a person with the same name. If this is not the case or it is not obvious, there is generally a chance of obtaining justice. Other regulations may apply in other countries.
Try another spelling of your name
You can also try a different spelling. For example, add a hyphen or the initials of a middle name.
Also, you may be able to include a short keyword or number if it suits you and the content of your website.
Try another domain extension
Finally, you can also choose another domain extension that meets your requirements. Keep in mind that with newer TLDs the chances of finding a still available name domain are higher.
The examples above show you a few possibilities. If you don’t find the right one for you, you will surely find another suitable one among our more than 2000 extensions.
Conclusion
Setting up a website with your own name as the domain is a great way to establish your online identity, whether you want to use it for personal or business purposes.
Even if your name is already taken, there are many creative ways to create a domain that reflects your personality or brand.
With the right domain name and extension, you can create a unique, memorable website that truly represents you.
Do you have any questions?
Something is still unclear or do you have further questions? Then just email us to blog@inwx.de and we will get back to you.