10 Best Domain Name Generators (Pros and Cons)
Finding the perfect domain name for your new website is not as easy as it sounds. With over 348 million registered domain names across all top-level domains (TLDs) already in use worldwide, you’re going to need to put a little extra thought into what you name your website if you want to stand out.
There’s a lot that goes into your site’s domain name, whether you’re starting a blog, running an online business, or opening up an eCommerce shop. In fact, your domain name needs to be relevant to your brand (think keywords!), recognizable by your target audience, and of course, available.
That’s why utilizing a reliable domain name generator when it comes to naming your website is so helpful. Today we’re going to take a look at what a domain name generator is and which ones you should be using when it comes to naming your website.
What is a Domain Name Generator?
A domain name generator is an online tool that makes it easy to find a domain name that’s not currently in use.
It also helps you create a name that is:
- Catchy enough to be remembered, but also conveys your brand’s essence
- Relates to your business, while remaining consistent with the topic of your website
- Short and simple (under 15 characters), so people can remember it
- Easy to spell, so people can find your site with ease
- A domain extension that resonates with your visitors (e.g., .com, .net, .org, .ca)
If you’re planning to operate only within your country, consider using a relevant extension. For example, if you are based in Canada, use the .ca domain name extension. That said, if you’re looking to build an international brand, stick with general and more well-known extensions like .com or .net.
Now let’s take a look at the list of the best domain search generators we’ve found:
1. LeanDomainSearch
LeanDomainSearch is one of the best domain name generators around. This tool was created by the team at Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, meaning they know a thing or two about picking a domain name and launching a website.
To use it, all you have to do is enter a keyword that relates to your industry, brand, or niche, and see what pops up.
Once you enter your keyword(s) and click search, you’ll have access to hundreds of different domain name ideas. You can sort the domain name ideas into alphabetical order, by popularity, or even length. You can also filter search results based on your keyword’s position in the domain name.
You’ll even see whether the Twitter handle that matches the domain name is available, which is helpful for those looking to build a strong social media presence.
Pros:
- Register a domain name right from the tool
- Help your social media efforts
- Share your results
Cons:
- You can only view .com extensions
2. NameQL
NameQL’s interface is slick, simple, and modern and is perfect if you’re looking into no-fuss domain name generators. As soon as you start to type in the search bar, the generator instantly kicks in, as you can see in the example below:
For more domain name options, either continue typing your keyword(s) into the search bar or click on the arrow to the right of your screen to see more. To save or buy a domain name, simply click on the name you like.
Pros
- Very simple interface
- Auto-fill search results to expand ideas
- Ability to save or buy domain names
Cons:
- You can only view .com extensions
3. Bust A Name
Bust A Name is not known for its simplicity. But it’s a strong contender for those who are interested in performing more advanced searches.
Here are just some of the things you can do with this comprehensive domain name generator:
- Domain Search: add a few keywords and let Bust a Name create a custom domain name combining the terms. Or, run a quick domain name check if you already have an idea for a domain name. You can also include/exclude certain domain extensions, prefixes, and domains that are currently for sale.
- Domain Maker: input a single keyword, define the character length, extensions, and availability, and see what’s available. You can also save domain names you like.
When you click on a domain name you like, you have the option to save or buy right away. You can also later purchase your domain name from the ‘Save Domains’ column if you want. The neat thing about this tool is that when you want to buy a domain name, you’ll see competing domain name registrars, so you know you’re getting the best deal possible.
Pros:
- Save domains for later or purchase right away
- Access other resources such as video tutorials, hosting provider options, and a FAQs section
- Translate the tool into other languages such as Spanish or French
- Convenient domain name price comparisons
- Plenty of varying extensions available
Cons:
- The advanced interface may be overwhelming
- You can only add your keyword to the start or end of your domain name
4. Shopify Domain Name Generator
Despite it’s name, the Shopify Business Name Generator can be used for more than business domain names. That said, if you’re creating an eCommerce store, this is one of the best domain name generators around. To use this tool, enter a keyword and see what pops up.
You’ll see right away which domain names are available. You can even set up a Shopify shop right then and there if you’re ready. And with a 14-day free trial, there’s really nothing to lose if Shopify interests you.
Pros:
- You can build a Shopify shop immediately after finding the perfect domain name
- 10 domain names load at a time so you can concentrate on your choices before moving on to others
- There are lots of domain name extensions to choose from
Cons:
- Easily confused with Shopify’s Business Name Generator, which has the same layout but very different results
- You cannot register you domain name through Shopify without setting up a Shopify shop
- There are no filtering options, so you might have to scroll through a lot of options to find something you like
5. NameStall
NameStall is another feature-rich domain name generator. It comes as a suite of tools including the domain name generator, 3 words domain name generator, rhyming domain name generator, random keyword domains, and domain brainstorm.
Using the NameStall domain name generator tool is easy. Just enter a keyword and then select your ‘Word Group’. For instance, NameStall will create a domain name using your keyword and: Common Smart Misspells, Basic English Words, or 1,000 Top Keywords, just to name a few. You can also choose whether to include the keyword at the end of your domain or allow hyphens. Lastly, pick from tons of extensions so your domain generates just the way you want.
Pros:
- There are lots of customization options thanks to the word groups
- Plenty of extensions are available for your search results
- Other helpful tools make domain name generation easier, especially if you aren’t sure where to start
- You can view domain name registration price comparisons
Cons:
- There are so many tools you might overwhelm yourself when trying to create a unique domain name
6. Nameboy
Nameboy claims to be “the oldest and most popular domain name generator in the world,” thus making it one of the best domain name generators around. Plus, it’s easy to use. Just enter one or two keywords and Nameboy will deliver you a list of suggested domain names that are available.
This tool also includes some tutorials on how to start a blog or create a website, which is helpful for beginner website owners.
Pros:
- You can enter two keywords and get great combination ideas for your domain name
Cons:
- Clicking ‘View Details” just leads you to Bluehost, and not additional details about the domain name
- There is no way to tell whether the domain is available or not
- No filtering options, extension or information, or ways to register your domain with Nameboy
7. Domain Wheel
Domain Wheel is a website name generator, URL generator, and business name generator all wrapped into one, Just add your keyword(s) and see your results; it’s as simple as that.
View domain names with different extensions, view alternative keywords spellings that might work for your brand, see random suggestions, and even check out rhyming words that can help you if you’re stumped. Looking for a specific domain extension? Click the dropdown in the search bar and select which extensions to include.
Pros:
- Only domains that are available show up in search results
- Plenty of domain name customization help
- Beautiful interface that works fast
- Lots of extensions to choose from
Cons:
- Limited filtering options
- No way to buy a domain through Domain Wheel
- No social media availability option
8. Impossibility!
Impossibility is one of the simple domain name generators that lets you input a keyword, add multi-letter (4-, 5-, or 6-letter) adjectives, nouns, and verbs, and decide where to add those extras (at the start or end of your domain name). You can even decide to let the generator add in a mix of anything.
Your results will reveal customized domain names that meet your criteria and links to the places you can purchase it (GoDaddy or Namecheap).
Pros:
- Simple tool to navigate
- Plenty of customization options
- Very creative domain names for those with time to experiment
Cons:
- You can only enter one keyword
- The “creative” domain names can be a little irrelevant
- The interface is outdated and hard to read
9. Panabee
Panabee is a domain search tool, business name generator, and domain name generator. Start by entering you keyword (the tool recommends two for the best results) related to your niche and see what Panabee reveals.
You’ll immediately see which domain names are available and how much they cost. Plus, you can choose a different extension from the dropdown. And if there’s a domain name that isn’t available, click on it, visit GoDaddy, and see if they have domain name extensions available that will work for you.
Pros:
- Check out related terms and social media names that match the domain name you want
- Brightly colored interface is nice to look at and easy to use
- Panabee has teamed up with GoDaddy and offers excellent first-year domain name registration pricing
Cons:
- No filtering options beyond extension
- Two word keyword max is limiting for some
10. NameMesh
NameMesh is a comprehensive domain name generator that works well if you have multiple keywords in mind for your domain name. When you search for a domain name using your keyword(s), NameMesh will generate domains based on the following categories:
- Common
- New
- Similar
- SEO
- Short
- Fun
- Extra
- Mix
There’s also a premium section if you want to purchase an existing domain. There are lots of filter options, such as extension, registrar, registered/non-registered, and maximum character count, which helps you narrow the options. NameMesh will also suggest other keywords to help you with your domain name creation.
Pros:
- Multiple categories for narrowing your search
- Choice of registrar so you get the best possible deal
- Social media availability
- You only see available domains in your results
Cons:
- Not enough extension options (only .com, .io, .co, and .net)
- There is no related terms category
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! The very best domain name generators around helping you choose the best website address for you new website.
If you’re looking for a simple solution that will get you some domain name ideas, we recommend domain name generators such as NameQL or Impossibility!.
If customizing your search results and having a variety of extensions are most important to you, we suggest using Bust A Name or NameStall.
And lastly, if brand consistency is the key to your success, you should definitely check out LeanDomainSearch, or Panabee, both of which will check your domain name against social media names and handles to see if they’re available.
Remember, after you choose a domain name, you’ll need to pay for it and register it with a domain name registrar such as Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Wix (be sure to check out some real-life Wix examples!). And if you’re using WordPress for your website, your hosting provider might even register your domain name for you (and at a discount!), so be on the lookout for that too.
Have you ever used any of the above-mentioned domain name generators to choose your site’s identity? Is there a tool we left off that you think should be included? We would love to hear all about it in the comments below!
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