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That’s where a domain name generator comes in. These powerful tools move you past the frustration of the “domain taken” message and spark new creativity. They can help you find brandable, available domains you never would have thought of on your own. This article will guide you through the 14 best domain name generators available today.
What is a Domain Name Generator (and Why Use One)?
A domain name generator is a tool that helps you brainstorm and find available domain names. You typically enter a keyword, a phrase, or an idea, and the tool generates a list of potential names.
The primary benefit is overcoming creative blocks. When your top 10 ideas are unavailable, it’s easy to get discouraged. A generator “thinks” differently by:
- Adding relevant prefixes and suffixes.
- Combining your keyword with other popular words.
- Using AI to create new, brandable words.
- Suggesting alternative top-level domains (TLDs) like .io, .ai, or .store.
These tools save you hours of frustrating manual searches and help you discover a name that is not just available but also memorable and brand-aligned.
Key Takeaways
- A domain generator is a starting point. It’s a tool for brainstorming and checking availability, not a final decision-maker.
- Brandable is better than keyword-stuffed. A unique name like “Namelix” is more memorable than “https://www.google.com/search?q=GoodDomainNameGenerator.com”.
- AI-powered generators (like Namelix) create short, unique, and catchy names, which are perfect for modern brands.
- Traditional generators (like Nameboy) are best for combining specific keywords you want to include in your domain.
- Check availability beyond .com. While .com is still king, alternative TLDs (.ai, .io, .co, .store) are becoming highly popular and professional.
- Look for integrated tools. Many generators also check social media handles, which is crucial for brand consistency.
- Registration is the next step. Once you find a name, you must register it through a domain registrar or an integrated web hosting provider.
How to Choose the Perfect Domain Name (Before You Generate)
Before you jump into the generators, having a clear strategy will help you get the most outof them. A good domain name should be a long-term asset.
As web creation expert Itamar Haim notes, “Choosing a domain is the digital equivalent of laying your business’s cornerstone. A generator sparks the initial idea, but the name you ultimately choose must align with your long-term brand vision. It’s the first step in building your online identity.”
Here are a few best practices to keep in mind.
1. Keep It Short and Memorable
Shorter names are easier to type, easier to say, and easier to remember. Think of the top brands: Google, Apple, Tesla. Their names are short and distinct. Aim for 1-3 words if possible.
2. Make It Brandable, Not Generic
A brandable name is unique and doesn’t explicitly describe what you do. “Amazon” is a brandable name. “https://www.google.com/search?q=BuyBooksOnline.com” is generic. A brandable name gives you room to grow and evolve your business beyond your initial product.
3. Choose the Right TLD
The TLD (Top-Level Domain) is the extension at the end of your name (.com, .org, .net).
- .com: This is the most recognized and trusted TLD globally. If you can get a .com, it’s almost always the best choice.
- .io, .ai, .tech: These are extremely popular for tech startups, SaaS products, and AI-driven businesses.
- .org: Traditionally used by non-profits.
- .store, .shop: Great options for eCommerce businesses.
- Country-Specific (ccTLDs): Extensions like .co.uk or .ca are excellent if your business exclusively targets a specific country.
4. What to Avoid
- Hyphens: People forget them. “https://www.google.com/search?q=my-cool-site.com” is clunky and often mistyped as “mycoolsite.com”.
- Numbers: They create confusion. Does “5” mean the word “five” or the numeral? This makes the name hard to share verbally.
- Awkward or Misspelled Words: While a clever misspelling can work (like Lyft), it’s often a risk. You don’t want to spend your marketing budget explaining how to spell your domain.
For a deeper dive into choosing the right name, this video offers some excellent strategies:
The 14 Best Domain Name Generators to Find Your Perfect Domain
Here is our list of the best tools to help you brainstorm, discover, and secure the perfect domain name for your project.
1. Namelix
Namelix is my personal go-to for finding short, brandable, and modern-sounding names. It doesn’t just stick words together. It uses artificial intelligence to generate catchy, memorable names that often sound like a real brand.
You start by entering a keyword, and Namelix asks you to select a name length (short, medium, long) and a naming style (like “Brandable names,” “Real words,” or “Misspellings”). It then generates dozens of ideas, many of which are clever, made-up words that are perfect for a new company.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Generation: Creates unique and brandable names, not just keyword combinations.
- Style Filters: You can request names that are compound words, rhyming, or even sound like foreign names.
- Logo Ideas: For every name it suggests, Namelix also generates a simple logo concept. This helps you visualize the name as a real brand.
- Saves Your Favorites: You can “heart” the names you like, and the AI will learn your preferences to show you better results.
Why We Like It
This tool is fantastic for startups, apps, and personal brands that want a name that sounds like a brand, not just a web address. The visual-first approach with logo mockups is a brilliant touch that helps you see the potential in a name.
What to Consider
The names are often “invented,” so if you need a domain that is very straightforward and uses exact keywords, this might be too creative for you. It pushes you towards purchasing the domain through a partner registrar.
2. Shopify Business Name Generator
Shopify, a giant in the eCommerce world, offers a simple and effective domain name generator. It’s clean, fast, and aimed squarely at entrepreneurs and small businesses.
You enter a keyword, and the generator instantly provides a long list of available .com domains. The suggestions are typically your keyword combined with common business-related suffixes like “shop,” “store,” “co,” “hq,” “club,” and “labs.”
Key Features
- Simple and Fast: No complex filters. Just enter a word and get instant results.
- .com Focused: The tool prioritizes .com domains, which is what most businesses want.
- Business-Oriented: The suggestions are practical and well-suited for a new eCommerce store or service business.
- Integrated with Shopify: If you plan to build your store on Shopify, you can register the name and start your free trial in one seamless process.
Why We Like It
It’s no-fuss and gets the job done. If your goal is to find a practical, available .com domain for your new online store right now, this is one of the most efficient tools to use.
What to Consider
The tool is not very creative. Its main function is to add suffixes to your keyword. If you are looking for a unique, brandable name, you will likely find its suggestions a bit generic. It’s also, of course, a primary funnel into the Shopify platform.
3. Nameboy
Nameboy proudly calls itself the “original” domain name generator, and it’s been a popular choice for years. It’s a straightforward, keyword-based tool that excels at finding combinations.
You enter one or two keywords, and Nameboy generates a list of available domains based on those inputs. It will combine them, add common prefixes/suffixes, and suggest variations. It clearly shows which domains are available and allows you to buy them through a partner registrar.
Key Features
- Keyword Combination: Its strength lies in mixing two or more keywords to see what combinations are available.
- TLD Variety: It checks for .com, .net, .org, .co, and other popular TLDs.
- Rhyming Generator: Includes a feature to find names that rhyme with your keyword, which can be useful for catchy brands.
- Shows Taken Domains: It will show you which domains are already taken, which can be useful for seeing what your competitors are using or for making an offer.
Why We Like It
Nameboy is a reliable workhorse. It’s fast, easy to use, and perfect for when you have 2-3 specific words you want to include in your name. It’s less about “inspiration” and more about “combination and validation.”
What to Consider
The interface is a bit dated and feels less modern than the AI-powered tools. The results are very literal, so don’t expect it to invent a name like “Google” or “Twitter” for you.
4. Lean Domain Search
Lean Domain Search is a fantastic tool (now owned by Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com) that has one simple, powerful function: it pairs your keyword with hundreds of other words to find available .com domains.
You enter a single keyword, and the tool instantly generates a list of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of available .com domains. You can filter the results to show names that start or end with your keyword, and sort them by length or popularity.
Key Features
- .com Exclusive: It only searches for available .com domains, which saves a lot of time.
- Massive Word Pairing: It has a huge list of common words it pairs with your keyword.
- Speed: The results are almost instantaneous.
- Simple Filtering: You can easily filter by word order and see your “favorite” saved names.
- Checks Twitter Username: It also checks if the corresponding Twitter handle is available, which is a huge bonus for branding.
Why We Like It
For finding a two-word .com domain, this tool is unmatched. It’s incredibly fast and efficient. If your keyword is “Coffee,” you’ll instantly see “CoffeeClub.com,” “https://www.google.com/search?q=CoffeeGenius.com,” “VectorCoffee.com,” and hundreds of others, all confirmed as available.
What to Consider
It only searches for .com domains. If you’re open to other TLDs, this tool won’t show you them. It’s also limited to pairing your keyword with one other word, so it’s not ideal for longer, more complex name ideas.
5. DomainWheel
DomainWheel is a modern, AI-powered generator with a clean interface. It goes beyond simple keyword-suffix combinations and suggests creative, related ideas.
You input one or more keywords, and DomainWheel provides a list of available domains. But it also includes sections for “Sounds Like” and “Rhymes With,” and even “Random Suggestions” that are often surprisingly good, brandable ideas.
Key Features
- AI-Powered Suggestions: The results feel more creative and less robotic than older tools.
- Creative Prompts: The “Rhymes With” and “Sounds Like” features are excellent for brainstorming catchy, memorable names.
- TLD Filtering: You can select which TLDs you want to include in your search, from .com to newer options like .xyz and .club.
- Clean UI: The visual, card-based layout is easy to scan.
Why We Like It
DomainWheel strikes a great balance between a straightforward keyword tool and a creative AI generator. It’s a fantastic brainstorming partner that helps you think outside the box without being overwhelming.
What to Consider
The “best” results are often at the top, and the quality can decrease as you scroll. Like most generators, its primary goal is to get you to register the domain with one of its partners.
6. NameMesh
NameMesh is a powerful and intelligent domain generator that’s a favorite among startups and developers. It takes your keywords and generates suggestions grouped into logical categories.
After you enter your keywords, NameMesh sorts the results into columns like “Common” (common TLDs), “New” (new gTLDs like .tech, .space), “Short” (shortened versions of your name), “Fun” (uses wordplay), and “SEO” (good for search engine visibility).
Key Features
- Categorized Results: This is its standout feature. It helps you quickly zero in on the type of name you’re looking for.
- Smart Wordplay: The “Fun” and “Mix” categories are great at creating portmanteaus (blending two words) or using phonetic spellings.
- Extensive TLD Support: It’s one of the best tools for exploring new and alternative TLDs.
- Checks Availability Fast: It checks availability in real-time, so the results are very accurate.
Why We Like It
NameMesh feels like a tool for professionals. The categorized results save a massive amount of time. If you’re looking for a short .io or .ai domain for your new app, the “Short” and “New” columns will be your best friends.
What to Consider
The sheer number of results can be overwhelming for a beginner. The interface is more functional than beautiful. It’s best suited for users who have a good idea of what they want.
7. Instant Domain Search
As the name promises, Instant Domain Search is all about speed. It starts generating and checking domains the instant you start typing, making it one of the fastest brainstorming tools on the planet.
As you type, a list of results appears below. It will show you if the .com is available (in green) or taken (in red). It also lists dozens of other TLDs with the same keyword and provides a list of AI-generated suggestions.
Key Features
- Instantaneous Results: See availability as you type. There is no “search” button.
- Clear Availability: The red/green color-coding is simple and effective.
- AI Generator Included: It has a “Generator” tab that provides creative ideas if your first choice is taken.
- Huge TLD List: It checks your keyword against hundreds of TLDs.
Why We Like It
It’s the ultimate tool for quick, rapid-fire brainstorming. You can test 20 different ideas in 60 seconds. If you’re in a brainstorming session, having this open is a must.
What to Consider
The primary focus is on checking availability, not on creative generation. The AI generator is decent but not as powerful as a dedicated tool like Namelix. It’s a great “checker” first and a “generator” second.
8. GoDaddy Domain Name Generator
As the world’s largest domain registrar, GoDaddy has a massive amount of data on what domains people search for. Their generator uses this data to provide relevant, high-quality suggestions.
The tool is integrated directly into their main domain search. If you type in a name that’s taken, it will instantly provide a list of alternatives. These often include different TLDs, slight variations, and relevant prefixes or suffixes. It’s particularly good at finding “premium” domains that are for sale.
Key Features
- Data-Driven Suggestions: The recommendations are based on GoDaddy’s extensive search data.
- Premium Domain Marketplace: It’s one of the best tools for finding and buying premium, high-value domains that are already registered.
- AI-Powered: The tool uses AI to generate names that are more brandable and relevant to your industry.
- Strong Filtering: You can filter by TLD, price, and other options.
Why We Like It
GoDaddy’s tool feels robust and professional. It’s a good all-in-one solution for searching, generating, and registering your domain. The integration with their “Aftermarket” for premium domains is a plus if you have a budget and want a specific name.
What to Consider
GoDaddy is famous for its aggressive upselling. Be prepared to navigate through many add-on offers for hosting, email, and privacy during the checkout process. The generator itself can sometimes push more expensive premium domains over available-but-less-lucrative options.
9. Namecheap Domain Name Generator
Namecheap is another top-tier registrar that has built a very powerful generator. Its “Beast Mode” is a standout feature that gives you an incredible amount of control over your search.
You can enter up to 5,000 keywords or a list of domains in bulk. “Beast Mode” allows you to set price limits, hide unavailable domains, show or hide premium domains, and filter by TLD category (like “Popular,” “New,” “Business”). You can also add prefixes/suffixes and even specify if you want “rhyming” or “dropped” (recently expired) domains.
Key Features
- “Beast Mode”: This is a power user’s dream. The filtering is unmatched.
- Bulk Search: You can paste a huge list of ideas and check them all at once.
- Price Transparency: Namecheap is known for its straightforward pricing and lack of heavy upselling.
- Creative Options: The ability to add rhyming words or common misspellings is a nice touch.
Why We Like It
“Beast Mode” is, frankly, awesome. It’s the best tool on this list for power users who need to check dozens or even hundreds of domain ideas at once. Namecheap’s user-friendly dashboard and fair pricing make it a great place to register the name once you find it.
What to Consider
The main generator is great, but “Beast Mode” can be intimidating for a first-time user. It’s built for someone who wants granular control, which might be overkill for a simple search.
10. Panabee
Panabee is a simple, fun, and surprisingly creative domain name generator. It’s great for merging ideas and checking your brand’s availability across the web.
You start with two keywords, and Panabee “merges” them in interesting ways. For example, if you enter “Digital” and “Zen,” it might suggest “DigitalZen.com” but also “https://www.google.com/search?q=DigiZen.com” or “Dizen.com.” It also suggests variations by swapping vowels, adding, or dropping letters. Its best feature is that it also instantly checks for availability on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Key Features
- Creative Word Merging: It’s one of the best tools for creating clever portmanteaus.
- Social Media Handle Checker: This is incredibly valuable. Finding a name that’s available as a .com and on all social platforms is a huge win.
- Related Term Suggestions: It shows you related terms for your keywords, which can spark new ideas.
- Fun Interface: The tool is playful and encourages creative thinking.
Why We Like It
Panabee is an excellent brainstorming partner. The social media check is a critical, time-saving feature that other generators often overlook. It’s perfect for finding a unified brand name across your entire digital footprint.
What to Consider
The name suggestions can sometimes be a bit too abstract. It’s less of a “find me a business domain” tool and more of a “help me find a creative brand name” tool.
11. Bust A Name
Bust A Name is one of the older, more “industrial” domain generators on this list. It doesn’t use AI, but it offers powerful, logical filtering for combining your own word lists.
It has two main tools: a “Domain Search” and a “Domain Maker.” The “Domain Maker” is the most useful. You enter a list of keywords, and the tool will instantly show you all available combinations of those words with different prefixes, suffixes, and TLDs. You can filter by character length, word order, and TLD.
Key Features
- Word Combination Engine: It’s built to find available domains from your list of preferred words.
- Granular Filtering: You can specify character limits, word order, and more.
- Saves Your Lists: You can save your word lists and domain ideas for later.
- No-Nonsense Interface: It’s a pure utility. There are no flashy graphics or AI “magic.”
Why We Like It
When you know the words you want to use but can’t find an available combination, this tool is your solution. It’s a logical, systematic way to check every possible permutation of your ideas.
What to Consider
It’s not creative. It will not suggest new words or brandable names. It’s a “bring your own ideas” tool. The interface is very dated and looks like it’s from 2005, but its utility is undeniable.
12. NameStall
NameStall is another feature-rich generator that offers a suite of different naming tools. It’s a solid all-rounder that can help you at different stages of the brainstorming process.
You can choose from several tools, such as the “Domain Name Generator,” which lets you add prefixes or suffixes from over 180 categories (like “Tech,” “Business,” “Fun”). It also has a “Rhyming Name Generator” and a “Three-Word Name Generator.”
Key Features
- Categorized Word Lists: The ability to add industry-specific prefixes and suffixes is very helpful.
- Multiple Tools: It’s not just one generator but a small family of them.
- TLD Options: You can select which TLDs to check.
- Shows Available/Taken: It clearly separates available domains from those that are already registered.
Why We Like It
NameStall is a good, dependable tool. The categorized word lists are its best feature, allowing you to quickly create names like “TechSphere.com” or “https://www.google.com/search?q=CryptoVex.com” if you’re in a specific niche.
What to Consider
The interface is a bit cluttered with ads and options compared to simpler tools. The suggestions are good but can feel a bit generic or formulaic at times.
13. Looka Business Name Generator
Looka is primarily an AI-powered logo and brand-building platform, but their Business Name Generator is a fantastic first step in that process. It’s all about building a cohesive brand.
You enter keywords or an industry, and Looka generates a list of potential business names. Its real power is that when you click on a name, it not only checks domain availability but also shows you dozens of logo concepts for that name.
Key Features
- Integrated Logo Design: This is the killer feature. You can see your name as a full brand identity.
- Categorized Ideas: It suggests names based on different styles: “Traditional,” “Modern,” “Invented,” etc.
- Industry-Specific: You can ask for names related to your industry, like “Technology” or “Food.”
- Saves Ideas: You can save your favorite name-and-logo combinations to your account.
Why We Like It
Looka understands that a name is just one piece of a brand. By showing you logo mockups instantly, it helps you connect with a name on an emotional level. It’s a holistic approach to branding, not just a domain search.
What to Consider
The tool is a funnel for Looka’s primary services (logo design and branding kits). The domain generation itself isn’t as robust as a dedicated tool like NameMesh, but the integration is top-notch.
14. Hostinger AI Domain Name Generator
Hostinger, a major player in the web hosting space, has a great AI-powered domain generator. It’s simple, modern, and does a good job of providing relevant, brandable names.
You just enter a few keywords describing your idea or business, and the AI generates a list of creative and available domains. The suggestions are often more than just keyword combos. They are brandable, short, and relevant to your description.
Key Features
- AI-Powered: Uses AI to understand your description, not just your keywords.
- Brandable Suggestions: The tool is good at generating short, memorable names.
- Simple Interface: It’s a clean, no-fuss search box.
- Hosting Integration: It’s seamlessly integrated with Hostinger’s hosting plans, which often include a free domain for the first year.
Why We Like It
It’s a “smart” generator that feels one step above a simple keyword-stuffer. The suggestions are high-quality and feel modern. It’s an excellent tool for someone who wants a creative name without spending hours brainstorming.
What to Consider
The tool is designed to sell you a Hostinger plan. The generator itself is free, but the clear call-to-action is to bundle your new domain with their hosting.
How to Register Your New Domain Name
Finding the perfect name is just the first step. To make it yours, you need to register it. A domain generator finds the name; a domain registrar is the company you pay to officially register that name for you (usually on an annual basis).
Many of the tools listed above, like GoDaddy and Namecheap, are registrars. You can find the name and register it all in one place.
However, an even more streamlined approach is to get your domain through your web hosting provider. This bundles your domain and hosting into one account and one payment. Many top-tier web creation platforms simplify this. For example, Elementor Hosting provides an all-in-one solution that includes robust, managed WordPress hosting, the full Elementor Pro builder, and a free domain name for the first year. This integration streamlines the entire setup process, letting you go from idea to a live website seamlessly.
What to Do After You Get Your Domain
With your new domain registered, the real fun begins. It’s time to build your website.
A domain is just an address. Your website is the “house” you build at that address. This is where a powerful website builder comes in. Using a platform like WordPress gives you complete control and flexibility, and pairing it with a visual builder like Elementor means you can design a professional, pixel-perfect site without writing a single line of code.
You can start with a pre-built theme, import a full website kit from the Elementor library to get a professional design in seconds, or build from scratch. If you’re not sure where to even begin with your site’s structure, you can use the Elementor AI Site Planner to generate a complete sitemap and wireframe for your business.
And if you want to see how to go from a blank slate to a fully designed website with AI, this video is a great guide:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a domain name generator? A domain name generator is an online tool that helps you brainstorm and find available domain names. You provide keywords or ideas, and it suggests creative, available names you can register.
2. Are these domain name generators truly free? Yes, all the generators on this list are free to use for brainstorming. Their business model is to earn a commission when you register a name you find through their partner links (like GoDaddy or Namecheap).
3. What’s the difference between a domain name and web hosting? A domain name is your website’s address (e.g., “mywebsite.com”). Web hosting is the “space” you rent on a server to store all your website’s files (images, text, code). You need both to have a live website.
4. Should I use keywords in my domain name? Years ago, this was a big SEO advantage. Today, it’s less important. It’s better to have a short, brandable name (like “Zillow”) than a long, keyword-stuffed one (like “https://www.google.com/search?q=BestSeattleRealEstateForSale.com”). Focus on memorability.
5. What is a TLD and which one should I choose? A TLD (Top-Level Domain) is the extension after the “dot” (.com, .org, .ai). For most businesses, .com is still the best choice as it’s the most recognized. However, TLDs like .ai (for tech), .io (for startups), and .store (for eCommerce) are excellent, modern alternatives.
6. How long should my domain name be? Shorter is almost always better. Aim for 6-14 characters and 1-3 words. The shorter it is, the easier it is to type and remember.
7. Can I use hyphens or numbers in my domain? You can, but it’s not recommended. Hyphens are easily forgotten and make the name clunky (e.g., “my-great-site.com”). Numbers create confusion (“is it the number 5 or the word ‘five’?”). Avoid them if possible.
8. What if the domain name I want is taken? This will happen 99% of the time. Don’t get discouraged. Use the generators on this list to:
- Try a different TLD (e.g., “mybrand.co” instead of “https://www.google.com/search?q=mybrand.com”).
- Add a simple prefix or suffix (e.g., “https://www.google.com/search?q=getmybrand.com” or “mybrandapp.com”).
- Try a creative, AI-powered tool like Namelix to find a new, unique name.
9. How do I check if a domain name is available? All the generators on this list check for availability instantly. You can also go directly to a registrar like Namecheap or a hosting provider like Elementor Hosting and type your idea into their search bar.
10. Can I get a free domain name? Yes. Many web hosting providers, including Elementor Hosting, offer a free domain name for the first year when you sign up for one of their annual hosting plans. This is the most cost-effective way to get started.
Your Next Step: Start Building
A domain name generator is an incredible tool for getting your project off the ground. It can break through creative blocks and help you find a name that’s available, brandable, and a perfect fit for your vision.
Don’t get stuck on finding the one perfect name. The most successful brands (like “Google” or “Amazon”) grew into their names. The name itself is just the beginning. The real value comes from the brand, the website, and the business you build.
So, use these tools, find a great name, and start building.
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