21

I want to start a new online identity and use a single common identifier on as many sites as possible.

What web apps or other methods are available for me to check if my proposed nickname is already in use?

I definitely want to avoid any service that might start cybersquatting on the name, if any are suspected of doing that.

Edit: agreed, this does make my online presence very searchable, and I'll give that some more thought.

Improve this question

6 Answers 6

Reset to default
25

namechk.com will check 149 sites (although some don't seem to work). The check is done on the client-side using JavaScript, so name squatting is not easily possible.

Improve this answer
1
  • Nice one, neo. Thanks for that.
    – William
    Commented Jul 9, 2010 at 12:06
9

Similar to namechk.com mentioned by @neo, knowem.com will search 150-300 sites for free, and will register them for you if you pay for their premium service.

Improve this answer
1
  • Thanks, this is a great choice too. I like the way they divide sites into topics.
    – William
    Commented Jul 9, 2010 at 12:05
6

Long time ago I started to use couple of random letters (Fczbkk) as my nickname. So far it was everywhere I tried to register. Even my domain (http://fczbkk.com) was free. Choosing "Fczbkk" was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

So if you just need an unique identifier for your on-line identity, I'd recommend using any random generator. Or you can smash your forehead against the keyboard or something like that.

Improve this answer
6
  • 1
    This is an interesting idea. I was hoping to use something less random but this method is growing on me. I am going to try bashing my head on the keys shortly :D
    – William
    Commented Jul 9, 2010 at 12:07
  • 3
    IIRC, this was how xkcd was born too.
    – Benjol
    Commented Jul 9, 2010 at 12:45
  • Good idea, and you can choose random letters and then try to give it any meaning. Could result in something quite fun !
    – Julien N
    Commented Jul 9, 2010 at 15:53
  • On reddit.com it's pretty common to create usernames after CAPTCHAs new users get on registration
    – Andrei Андрей Листочкин
    Commented Jul 11, 2010 at 2:13
  • @Benjol Here's the reference youtube.com/watch?v=zJOS0sV2a24 @ 44:30
    – Evan Plaice
    Commented Jul 14, 2010 at 6:08
0

I made anagrams out of my favourite things until I found one that wasn't taken!

Improve this answer
2
  • 9
    Zoloft, Fresca, and Xtacy?
    – BarrettJ
    Commented Jul 9, 2010 at 13:49
  • FZeroX. But close!
    – ZoFreX
    Commented Jul 10, 2010 at 23:21
0

Also, another option is namechecklist.com which will tell you domain availability and search engine rankings as well.

Its not as comprehensive on the social media part, but it is quite elegant.

Improve this answer
0

getsocialname.com will also examine 149 websites (although some don't seem to work). The examine is done on the client-side using JavaScript, so name dead lifting is not quickly possible.

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Are you affiliated with the mentioned service? If yes, please disclose it. Thanks!
    – Alex
    Commented Feb 4, 2014 at 16:57

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.