.name is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) intended for the use of individuals.
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 (foo.name) and the third level (foo.bar.name). It is also possible to register an e-mail address on the form foo@bar.name together with, or instead of, the domain foo.bar.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 (foo.bar.name), the second level (bar.name in this case) is shared, and may not be registered. Further third level objects like baz.bar.name or bar@bar.name may be registered. Other second level domains like foobar.name remain unaffected.
When a domain is registered on the second level (bar.name), third level domains or e-mail addresses under this second level (foo.bar.name and baz@bar.name) are associated with the second level domain, and may not be registered with the .name registry. Other objects like bazbar.name and baz.foobar.name remain unaffected.
The .name gTLD is intended for use by individuals and personalities, both fictional and real.
The .name whois service is available at whois.nic.name, and there is a website where whois queries can be made at the .name whois website.
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