HoweyahYour name is the first thing anyone searches when they want to know about you: a recruiter before an interview, a client before signing, a colleague who heard about you. And the web address that carries your name can be yours, or it can belong to someone else with the same name who got there first.
This article explains why it's worth registering your name as a domain, how to pick the right form of it, and what to do if it's already taken.
Why a domain with your name specifically?
It doesn't change
You may change jobs, specialties, cities, even whole careers. Your name stays. A domain like ahmedsamir.cv stays valid for your entire career, unlike one tied to a company or a job title.
It's easy to remember
Nobody remembers ahmed-portfolio-2024.com. But someone who has heard your name once can type your link without asking.
It's yours
Social accounts follow platform rules. A domain registered in your name stays yours as long as you renew it.
Names run out
Common names, like Mohamed, Ahmed, Sarah or Nour across the Arab world, or John and Maria elsewhere, are shared by millions of people. Any of them can register the same name. Domains are first come, first served.
How to spell your name, especially if it's Arabic
This causes a lot of confusion, because Arabic names have several Latin spellings: Mohamed, Mohammed or Muhammad; Ahmed or Ahmad.
The golden rule: use the spelling on your passport and your LinkedIn profile. That way people searching for you find you the way they already know you, and everything stays consistent.
A few more tips:
- Avoid doubled letters you've never used before.
- Don't swap letters for numbers (like 3 for ع) in a professional domain.
- Test it out loud: say it to someone and ask them to type it. If they spell it differently, consider a simpler form.
Which forms of your name to try
In order of preference:
- First name + last name:
sarahahmed.cv - With a hyphen for clarity:
sarah-ahmed.cv - First + middle + last name, if the first is taken:
sarahmohamedahmed.cv - Initial + last name:
sahmed.cv(less clear, but short)
Avoid:
- Job titles in the domain (
sarah-accountant.cv): your job may change. - Years and numbers (
sarah1995.cv): they look unprofessional and reveal things they don't need to. - Titles (
dr-sarah.cv): unless the title is a permanent part of your professional identity.
What if your name is taken?
Don't give up; there's almost always a close, acceptable version:
- Add your middle name: very common in the Arab world and perfectly natural.
- Use a hyphen:
mohamed-ali.cvinstead ofmohamedali.cv. - Try another extension, though
.cvremains the clearest for a career page. We explain why in What Is a .cv Domain?
When you search on Howeyah and your exact name isn't available, you're shown close alternatives that are, rather than a dead end.
Note: we ask for your full name, not just a first name. Very short names (five letters or fewer) aren't offered, because the page should identify you specifically, not everyone called "Ahmed".
What to put on the domain
A domain on its own is an empty address. For most people the best use is a career page that presents your CV beautifully and reads well on a phone. On Howeyah the domain and the page come together: register your name, upload your CV, and the page is ready on your link. Step by step in How to Turn Your CV Into a Website.
Where to use your link
- At the top of your CV.
- On your LinkedIn profile.
- In your email signature.
- On your business card, as text or a QR code.
- In WhatsApp messages instead of sending a file.
- In your Instagram or X bio if you use them professionally.
FAQ
Should I register my name even if I'm not job hunting right now? Yes, if your name is common. Registering early makes sure nobody beats you to it, and the page is useful beyond job hunting: networking, clients, unexpected opportunities.
Can I change the domain later? The domain itself doesn't change, but you can register another. That's why it's worth choosing the form carefully from the start.
What if I go by two names? Use the one on your official documents and professional profiles.
Can someone else register my name? Yes. Anyone with the same name can register it if they get there first. That's the main reason to register early.
The takeaway
Your name is your longest-lasting professional identity, and the domain that carries it should be yours. Choose a simple form that matches your official documents, register it before someone else does, and put a page on it that shows the best of what you do.