Top-Level Domain Names

A top-level domain (TLD), also referred to as a "top-level domain name", is the last part of an Internet domain name. Specifically, it is the group of letters that follow the final dot of any domain name.

For example, the top-level domain of quackit.com is com (as these are the letters that follow the final dot). Using the example my-domain.co.nz, the top-level domain is nz (again, because these letters follow the final dot).

Actually, the dot is usually included when expressing a top-level domain. Therefore, the above example would normally be expressed as .com.

Top-level domain names, as recognized by ICANN, fall under the following categories.

Who is Responsible for Top-Level Domains?

The assignment of domain names and IP addresses is done by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). ICANN is the international organization for introducing new top-level domains.

The technical aspect of ICANN's work is carried out by Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). IANA is in charge of maintaining the DNS root zone.

Complete List of Domain Extensions

To view a complete list of top-level domains and other domain extensions, as well an explanation behind each one, see the domain name extension definitions.

Registering Your Domain Name

You register your domain name through an ICANN-accredited domain name registrar (or partner site) like ZappyHost.

To register your domain name, enter your preferred domain into the search form. If it's available, simply proceed to the checkout. ZappyHost will walk you through the registration step by step.