Which domain name was registered first? Which domain is the longest and which is the shortest? How much is the most expensive domain name? How many domains are there in total? You can find the answers to all these questions in our brand new post!
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A long time ago…
The domain name system was invented by Paul Mockapetris in 1983, over 35 years ago. It was proposed as an alternative to the IP address naming system, as it is much easier to remember a few words or phrases than a few large numbers!
Interestingly, domain registration was entirely free for the first ten years. In 1995 (after the introduction of domain fees), the price was set at $100 per name registration, and this price tag rapidly reduced as time went on.
The oldest domain in the world
Now we’ve learned a little about the history of domains, you’re probably wondering, what domain existed first? Back in 1985, there were only five domains, and symbolics.com was the first to be registered on March 15, 1985. Today there are millions of domains and billions of Internet users.
The most expensive domain
There are many domains on the Internet — over 335 million! But which one is the most expensive in the world? These records are sometimes broken, but today lasvegas.com is the current winner — it sold for a record $90 million.
The second and third place on the podium for the most expensive domain goes to carinsurance.com ($49,700,000) and insure.com ($35,600,000).
Record buyer
We all love a domain search now and then. But did you know the record for the most domains purchased in one day? This record was set in 2012 by a man named Mike Mann, who registered 14,962 domains in a day Mann said he dreams of taking over the world (at least the virtual one).
Domainer Mike Mann, 45, lives in Delaware and has been in the business since the late 90s. In 1998, he founded BuyDomains (later renamed NameMedia) and sold names on the secondary market.
