Check whether your brand or business name is free as a domain across 8 popular endings at once: .com, .co.uk, .net, .org, .io, .co, .ai and .app. The tool asks each registry directly, so you see what’s taken and what looks available.
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How to use it
- Type your brand or business name, such as Bright Kettle.
- Untick any endings you don’t need.
- Press Check domains.
- See each domain marked Taken (with its registration date, where available), Available, or Check with a registrar.
- Confirm availability and price with a domain registrar before you buy.
How names become domains
Domains can only contain letters, numbers and hyphens, so the tool tidies your name first:
| You type | Checked as |
|---|---|
| Bright Kettle | brightkettle |
| Smith & Sons | smithandsons |
| Café Olé | cafeole |
Spaces and punctuation are removed, accents are stripped and “&” becomes “and”. If you’d prefer a hyphenated version, such as bright-kettle, check that with a registrar as well.
What the results mean
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Taken | The registry has a record for it. Someone owns it, though it may be for sale |
| Available | The registry has no record right now. You can probably register it |
| Check with a registrar | This registry doesn’t offer a public lookup we can use |
| Couldn’t check | The lookup failed. Try again later |
How the check works
The tool uses RDAP, the Registration Data Access Protocol. It’s the modern replacement for WHOIS that ICANN requires for generic domains, and it returns registration data in a standard format. If a registry has no record for a name, it’s not currently registered.
“Available” isn’t a guarantee. Some names are reserved or sold as premium domains for much more than the usual price, and a name can be registered by someone else at any moment. Look up an existing domain in detail with the WHOIS lookup or see how old it is with the domain age checker.
Which ending should you choose?
| Ending | Best for |
|---|---|
| .com | The most recognised worldwide; first choice if you can get it |
| .co.uk | UK businesses and customers; widely trusted in the UK |
| .org | Charities, clubs and community groups |
| .net | A common alternative when .com is taken |
| .io, .ai, .app | Tech start-ups, AI products and apps. .app requires HTTPS |
| .co | A short alternative, but easy to confuse with .com |
If you can, register the .com and your local ending, such as .co.uk, to protect your name and stop look-alikes.
Check more than the domain
- Trade marks: search the UK trade marks register on GOV.UK before you commit. Using a name someone else has registered can mean a costly rebrand.
- Company names: if you’re setting up a limited company, check the name isn’t already registered at Companies House.
- Social handles: check the name is free on the platforms you’ll use.
- Say it aloud: make sure it’s easy to spell after hearing it once.
Found a rival site with a similar name? See what it’s built with using the website technology lookup.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a domain name is available?
Type your name, choose the endings and press Check domains. The tool asks each registry directly.
Is an available domain guaranteed?
No. Premium or reserved names may cost more or be unavailable, so confirm with a registrar.
What is RDAP?
The Registration Data Access Protocol, the modern replacement for WHOIS.
Can I buy a domain here?
No. This tool only checks. Buy from any accredited domain registrar.
Should I buy .com or .co.uk?
If your customers are mainly in the UK, .co.uk works well. Many businesses register both.
Do I need to check trade marks too?
Yes. A free domain doesn’t mean you can use the name. Search the UK trade marks register.
Is my search saved?
No. Only the domain names are sent for the registry lookup.
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