5 Fascinating Domain Facts Every Website Owner Should Know

Did you know that there are over 300,428,578 .COM domains registered to date? With the likelihood of this number increasing everyday, registering your first domain pick may no longer be available in the .COM world. Luckily, there are tons of new TLD options you can now chose from to make the domain shopping process a little easier.

The domain space is more saturated than ever, which means some name ideas that might seem obvious are already taken or extremely costly. Below are five little-known but strategic domain insights, along with why they matter today, and how to use them in your domain strategy toolkit.

 

Facts About Domain Names: The Most Surprising Discoveries

 

1. All Three-Character .COM Domains Have Been Registered Since 1997

In case you haven't already noticed, the chances of you finding a three lettered .COM domain are slim to none. The domains are extremely popular because they are short and easy to remember. If you are lucky enough to come across one, have your check book ready- these pricey domains can cost you a fortune and have been gone ever since 1997.

Why this matters:

• If you’re building a brand or using acronyms, your short .COM options are extremely limited.
• Three-character names command premium prices in the aftermarket.

What you can do:

• When you spot a three-letter .COM for sale, always get a third-party appraisal or consult a domain broker.
• Expand your search to newer TLDs (like .io, .ai, .tech) or brandable extensions.
• Use 4–6 letter invented or acronymic names instead.

 

2. Symbolics.com was the very first .COM ever registered

On March 15, 1985, Symbolics.com became the first registered .COM domain. Symbolically, it’s the beginning of a new era in the world of technology.

Why it matters: This was the starting point of the domain era, when domain name registration was still uncharted territory. Now, the entire internet ecosystem has changed, and most of the one-word .COM domains are already taken.

 

3. Domain Name Registration Was Free Until 1995

Until 1995 domain name registrations were free! In 1995, Network Solutions was granted the authority to start charging for domain names which started at $100 for 2 years of registration and then fell to $70 in 1997. Ever since ICANN (The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) was created domain registrations prices have dropped considerably and made more affordable for consumers.

Why this history matters:

• It helps explain early domain hoarding, premium registration behavior, and speculative buying.
• It underscores how registration pricing, scarcity, and registry policies still influence domain value today.

Important to know:

• Domain prices vary; while standard domain registration (depends on the TLD type) can cost $2-$20 to premium domains can cost a couple of thousands.
• You can always check domain registration, renewal and transfer prices to plan your domain acquisition.

4. Maximum Domain Length & the Welsh Long-Name Record

Most domain names (before the TLD) are limited to 63 characters. A famous example is the Welsh village domain: llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.co.uk (58 letters in the SLD before “.co.uk”)

Why it’s useful:

• Fact: Domain names (excluding TLD) can be up to 63 characters long
• You may see very long domains in theory, but practical branding rarely benefits from them
• Keep your domain short and memorable, despite the technical maximum being generous.

 

5. Google.com Was Supposed to Be Googol.com Within 24 Hours of Registration

According to interviews and retrospectives, the founders initially considered “Googol.com”, but when that domain was unavailable, they adapted to “Google.com”. That decision arguably shaped history.

Why it resonates today:

• It underscores the tension between ideal brand naming and domain availability constraints.
• It shows how adaptation (minor spelling change, alternative TLD) is sometimes the path forward.

 

2025 Domain Market Snapshot & Trends

• As of Q2 2025, there were 371.7 million domain name registrations across all top-level domains.
• Combined, .COM + .NET registered ~170.5 million names in that quarter.
• In that same period, new generic TLDs (ngTLDs) recorded ~39.5 million registrations, a 14.2% year-over-year growth.
• The .COM domain base was ~157.9 million in Q2 2025.
• Growth and renewal behavior in new TLDs continues accelerating, which is reshaping domain supply and valuation dynamics.

 

Conclusion: Understanding These Domain Facts Can Help You Register Smarter

These fascinating domain facts reveal just how competitive and interesting the domain name industry has become. From the complete registration of all three-character domains to the surprising history of free domain registration before 1995, understanding these trends can help you make better decisions when choosing your next TLD extension.

Whether you're looking to register your first domain or expand your portfolio, knowing these little-known facts about domain names gives you valuable insight into this ever-evolving digital landscape.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How many .COM domains are registered worldwide?

There are over 300,428,578 .COM domains registered to date, with this number increasing daily as more people and businesses establish their online presence.

 

When did domain registration stop being free?

Domain name registration was entirely free until 1995. Network Solutions was then granted authority to charge for domains, starting at $100 for 2 years of registration.

 

Are there any three-character .COM domains still available?

No, all three-lettered .COM domains have been registered since 1997. These domains are extremely popular because they are short and easy to remember, making them very valuable.

 

What TLD options are available if my preferred .COM domain is taken?

There are tons of new TLD extension options available today beyond the traditional .COM, giving you more flexibility when your first domain choice isn't available in the .COM extension.

 

How can I check which domains are most popular?

You can check Internet Statistics on WHOIS to get a general feel for which domains are more popular and see how many are registered in each TLD category.