Open menuClose menu

What is a nickname?

Definition: A nickname is a familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name.

Etymology: Late Middle English: from an eke-name (eke meaning 'addition'), misinterpreted, by wrong division, as a neke name. — Oxford Dictionary of English

Unix system console

We believe nicknames first came into popular use on the Internet along the first Unix systems, which required users to sign into the system using a nickname.

Nickname Generator Register your nickname NFT Nickname

Today, your Internet nickname is as important as your real name and surname. Your nickname has an additional benefit online: it can be even more unique than your real name. Many of us share the same real first name, or even full name, with others.

A nickname represents one user on a network, and it reflects that user's nature, aspirations, character, or interests.

Your nickname is not only a way to identify yourself among other network users, but you can use it for the first part of your e-mail address (e.g., nickname@domain.com) or for your login name or nickname in a forum, chat room, online game, or any other service where you need to introduce yourself.

In real life, when asked for identification, you'll give your full name, passport number, driver's license number, registration address, or some other information. Online, in most cases, you'll only need your nickname and password.

Choose your future nickname carefully: you may need to use this combination of letters, numbers, or other symbols, quite often.

In most cases, other users will recognize you only by your nickname, and it may be the first impression people have about you. Keep this in mind when choosing your nickname.

If you're having difficulties choosing a nickname, be sure to use our Nickname Generator.

Register your nickname

Please register your nickname in our Nickname Internet Registry to claim the rights to it and notify other network users that you're using the nickname, and where you're using it. Don't forget to make your own business page with your nickname certificate. Learn more about our project.