Choosing a name for your portfolio website is a bigger decision than it seems. It affects how easily people can find you, how professional you appear, and how memorable your brand becomes. A strong name helps potential clients, employers, and collaborators connect your online presence with your real-world reputation.
If you are a designer, developer, writer, or freelancer, you have probably wondered whether to use your own name or something more creative. The truth is, both can work, but the best choice depends on your goals, your audience, and how you want to grow your career.
This guide explains how to pick the best name for your portfolio website. You will learn naming strategies, see real-world examples, and get practical tips on extensions, keywords, and domain management.
Why Your Portfolio Website Name Matters?
Your domain name is part of your personal brand. It is the link that appears on your business card, résumé, and social media profiles. When someone searches your name, your website is often the first thing they find.
A clear, professional domain:
💡 When recruiters or clients see your site listed on your résumé, a polished domain creates a good first impression. Learn more about presentation strategy in our article on how many skills should I list on my resume.
Use Your Name as the Default Strategy
For most professionals, using your first and last name as your domain (like janedoe.com) is the simplest and most flexible option. It works whether you are a student building your first portfolio or an experienced freelancer looking for new clients.
Why your name works best?
Domain Type Comparison
firstname-lastname.com
Best for: Personal brand or job-seeking
Main benefit: Timeless and easy to recall
name + service (e.g., janedoe.design)
Best for: Clear service focus
Main benefit: Combines identity with clarity
Redirects from other domains
Best for: You own multiple versions
Main benefit: Keeps traffic unified under one name
⚠️ Pro tip: If your name is available, buy it now even if you are not ready to publish. Domains are inexpensive and it is easier to reserve them early than to find a good alternative later.
When a Creative or Niche Name Makes Sense?
If you run a small studio or specialize in a single service, a creative or niche-specific domain can help clients understand what you offer immediately. For example:
Brand identity studio
Domain: larsonbranding.com
Why it works: Clear and niche-specific
UX designer
Domain: mariauxdesign.com
Why it works: Combines personal brand and keyword
Product campaign
Domain: launchlab.design
Why it works: Focused and memorable
Long or complex name
Domain: jsdesign.com
Why it works: Short, readable, and professional
Creative names are also useful for side projects or marketing campaigns. Just make sure they are easy to pronounce and type. Avoid overly clever spellings or obscure puns that might confuse people.
Handling Long or Hard-to-Spell Names
If your name is long, hard to spell, or commonly misheard, simplify it. Use:
Initials plus a keyword: jsbranding.com, mkcreative.dev
A short nickname: if it is already what people use professionally
Readable alternatives: alexbakerdesign.com or alexb.dev
Before buying, test your choice:
This small test prevents losing visitors because of typos.
Choosing the Right Domain Extension (.com, .design, .io, .dev)
Your domain extension (TLD) shapes how people see your brand before they even visit your site.
.com
Best for: General audience
Why use it: Most trusted and familiar
.dev
Best for: Developers and engineers
Why use it: Signals tech expertise
.design
Best for: Designers and creatives
Why use it: Reinforces creative niche
.io
Best for: Startups and tech professionals
Why use it: Trendy and modern
.me
Best for: Personal sites
Why use it: Friendly and individual
When to Use .com
.com remains the gold standard. People naturally type it first, and it is widely recognized across industries. If it is available, claim it even if you plan to use another extension for daily use.
When to Try Specialty TLDs
Use a specialty domain if it clearly fits your profession: .design for designers, .dev for developers, .io for startup-style branding.
Many professionals buy both the .com and a niche TLD, then redirect one to the other. This protects your brand and captures all possible traffic.
Should You Add Keywords to Your Domain?
Keywords can help explain what you do, but they are not a shortcut to ranking higher in search results. Search engines care more about your site content and links than exact-match keywords.
Good uses of keywords
- •Add clarity when your name alone is not descriptive (jsdesign.com, alexwrites.com)
- •Use a keyword that reflects what clients expect (uxbyemma.com, codedbyli.com)
Avoid over-specific or limiting names
- •Do not choose something like onlylogos.com if you might expand later
- •Keep it broad enough to evolve with your skills
Use a keyword only when it improves understanding, not just for SEO. When building your résumé and online presence, honesty is important.
💡 If you are tempted to exaggerate your experience, check our resource on is it illegal to lie on your resume to understand what counts as misrepresentation.
Buying Extra Domains and Using Redirects
Owning more than one domain can protect your brand and make marketing easier. You can:
Buy common typos or other TLDs (.net, .co) and redirect them to your main site
Register short campaign URLs for specific projects
Keep old URLs live during rebrands to preserve SEO
Smart redirect setup
You do not need dozens, just enough to cover your most common variations.
Where to Buy and Manage Your Domain
Choosing the right registrar affects price, privacy, and control. Look for transparency and easy transfer options.
Namecheap
Pros: Low cost, free privacy, clean interface
Cons: Slightly fewer upsells
GoDaddy
Pros: Good support, well-known brand
Cons: Higher renewal prices
Bluehost
Pros: Free domain with hosting
Cons: Limited flexibility if you move later
HostGator
Pros: Simple setup for hosting bundles
Cons: Occasional upselling
Why You Should Buy Outside a Site Builder?
Buying domains directly from builders like Squarespace or Wix can make transferring difficult later. Independent registrars such as Namecheap or GoDaddy give you full ownership and easy migration if you ever change platforms.
Domain Management Tips
Testing and Validating Domain Ideas
Before you buy, test how your domain feels and sounds in real situations.
Brainstorm broadly
Use AI or name-generator tools such as 10Web's Creative Portfolio Name Generator or your own keyword list. Mix personal names, skills, and industry terms.
Check availability
See if your domain is free across platforms, including registrars, social media, and trademarks. Matching handles make branding easier.
Test usability
Say it aloud, type it on mobile, and ask others to repeat it. If people spell it correctly on the first try, you have found a winner.
Act fast
Good domains sell quickly. If you find the right one, register it immediately, even if your website is not ready yet.
Final Checklist Before You Buy
Conclusion
✅ Choosing your portfolio website name is about clarity, professionalism, and future flexibility. For most people, using your own name is the smartest choice because it is timeless, memorable, and easy to connect with your résumé.
🎨 If you are building a brand, studio, or niche service, a creative or keyword-based name can help attract the right audience. Whatever you choose, keep it simple and easy to spell.
🌐 Start by securing the .com version, then add specialty domains like .design or .dev if they suit your field. Protect your brand with a few redirects, use a reliable registrar, and double-check renewals so you never lose ownership.
💼 Your name represents your career, so make it easy for the world to find your work.
Ready to Build Your Portfolio Website?
Create a stunning portfolio that showcases your work and helps you stand out. Join thousands of professionals who trust New People.
Start Building Free