---
title: What if my name is already taken | HNS↗WS
heading: What if my name is already taken?
excerpt: 
slug: taken-name
img: /img/guide/
author: Ryan
public: true
---

## What if my name is already taken?

<sub>Last updated: Apr 24th, 2024</sub>

There are currently over 12 million Handshake names registered, so 
the reality is many of the names you want, will already be registered. 

This does not mean you can't find awesome names.

Many of the names that have been registered are available on the 
secondary market. a great tool to see if a name is available or 
being sold is <a href="/c/tools/#niami">niami/</a>.

If the owner of a name is not selling it, you can try different 
variations such as:

- .first/
- .last/
- .firstlast/

You can also be creative with domain hacks like:

- sa.rah/
- .aifos/

If your unable to find a top-level domain you like, you can also register
a second-level domain.

- ryan.c/
- matt.forever/
- johndoe.hey/

In conclusion, it may be difficult to find the name you want, but there 
are many options available at any price point.