All the Good .com Names Are Already Taken – NOT!

One of the most persistent myths in the domain name world is the belief that all the good .com names are already taken. This notion has been repeated so often that it’s become almost gospel among entrepreneurs, startups, and even some digital marketers. While it is true that many of the most obvious, single-word .com domains are registered, the assumption that nothing worthwhile remains is not only incorrect but also discouraging to innovation and creativity in the digital space.

The belief originates in the early internet boom of the 1990s and early 2000s, when a gold rush mentality surrounded domain names. Businesses and individuals alike scrambled to acquire short, dictionary-word .coms, thinking of them as digital real estate—scarce, finite, and increasingly valuable. As a result, names like cars.com, hotels.com, and insurance.com were snapped up, often resold for millions of dollars. This led to the perception that only those who got in early had access to valuable domain names, and anyone entering the game later would have to settle for second best. However, this view fails to account for how the domain market has evolved, how naming trends have shifted, and how search behavior now intersects with branding strategy.

First, while many common English words are taken as .coms, the possibilities for strong branding are still vast. In fact, some of the most successful companies of the last two decades have launched with entirely invented or re-spelled names. Google, Zillow, Spotify, Etsy, and Reddit are all examples of brands that didn’t rely on pre-existing dictionary words to achieve global recognition. None of those names were meaningful or recognizable before the companies launched, but through consistent use, marketing, and product relevance, they became household names. The .com for each was available at the time because the words themselves didn’t exist in that form.

Second, linguistic creativity and strategic naming can uncover .com opportunities that many overlook. By blending words, adding prefixes or suffixes, incorporating industry-specific terminology, or exploring international spellings and phonetics, businesses can discover brandable .com domains that are not only available but also memorable and distinctive. For example, companies like Mailchimp, Shopify, and Squarespace all used names that are not purely generic yet maintain a professional presence and strong brand identity. These names demonstrate that a domain doesn’t need to be short or ultra-common to be effective. A great domain name is not just about length or commonality; it’s about meaning, resonance, and usability.

Additionally, the domain aftermarket is thriving, offering another path to ownership. While a desired .com may already be registered, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s off-limits. Many domains are owned by investors or businesses that are open to selling. Platforms like GoDaddy Auctions, Sedo, and Dan.com provide access to millions of domains for sale, often at reasonable prices. Some entrepreneurs balk at the idea of paying a few thousand dollars for a domain, yet willingly spend more on advertising or office furniture. When put in perspective, acquiring a strong, brandable .com—even at a premium—can be a worthwhile long-term investment that saves marketing costs and builds instant credibility.

Another overlooked angle is the sheer number of expired domains that become available every day. Domain investors and businesses alike frequently let go of domains they no longer use, which then enter public availability. Tools and platforms exist specifically to track these expiring domains, and savvy entrepreneurs can often snatch up valuable names by acting quickly and strategically. This constant churn in the domain ecosystem means that the landscape is more dynamic than static, constantly offering new chances for acquisition.

Moreover, the myth discounts how consumer behavior has evolved. Search engines, social media, and apps have changed how people find and interact with brands. Consumers no longer need to remember or directly type in a domain name; they often use Google, Siri, or an app to get where they’re going. This means that while a clean .com can lend credibility and help with SEO, it’s not the only path to visibility. A clever, relevant brand name that’s easy to say and spell can become dominant, even if it doesn’t sit on a traditional word or exact match domain.

Ultimately, the myth that all the good .com names are taken stems from a scarcity mindset. In reality, opportunities are everywhere for those willing to be creative, strategic, and patient. Naming a brand today is less about snagging an obvious word and more about crafting a unique identity that can grow into its name. The best .coms may not be found—they may be created. With thoughtful linguistic innovation, market awareness, and a willingness to explore options, great .com domains are not only out there—they’re still being registered every single day.

One of the most persistent myths in the domain name world is the belief that all the good .com names are already taken. This notion has been repeated so often that it’s become almost gospel among entrepreneurs, startups, and even some digital marketers. While it is true that many of the most obvious, single-word .com…