.prof domains list

What is .prof TLD

The .prof top-level domain is a generic extension in the public Domain Name System used to signal professional and academic identity online. As we index .prof domains globally, we see the string applied to faculty profiles, course pages, research portfolios, and credential-focused microsites. In the broader context of new gTLD expansion, .prof favors role-based naming over geography or industry, giving individuals and departments a consistent label. Our scans of active .prof websites show concise naming patterns and content centered on publications, syllabi, contact data, and teaching statements. The practical insight is straightforward: the label can prime user expectations and reduce ambiguity around common names, especially in search and directory contexts. Assess whether the namespace fits your governance, brand architecture, and risk controls. Explore our .prof domain datasets from webatla.

History and key features of .prof TLD

Introduced during ICANN’s new‑gTLD era, the .prof TLD follows the standard policy and technical stack used by most modern gTLDs. Registrations are generally first‑come, first‑served, with typical syntax limits, DNSSEC readiness, and recourse to UDRP for disputes. Distribution occurs through multiple registrars, and we observe steady availability across major markets. From a deployment perspective, operators of .prof websites tend to prioritize HTTPS, HSTS, and modern TLS, aligning with campus security baselines and institutional compliance. Naming behavior within .prof domains skews short, keyword‑light, and person‑centric, reflecting personal branding rather than broad marketing. Historically, uptake has been gradual as institutions balance centralized domains with faculty autonomy. Plan for certificate automation, renewals, and directory discovery if decentralizing. Explore longitudinal .prof domain datasets with webatla.

Why and who choose the .prof domain

.prof domains are chosen by professors, instructors, researchers, postdocs, and education‑adjacent professionals who want a clear, role‑signaling namespace. For organizations, dedicated .prof websites can separate faculty presence from institutional .edu or .com hubs, simplifying navigation, authorship, and lifecycle management. We see use cases spanning course landing pages, lab sites, publication catalogs, mentoring portals, and personal CVs. The decision is less about algorithmic ranking and more about audience intent, memorability, and internal governance. Where teams manage many profiles, standardized naming conventions under .prof domains can reduce collisions and streamline directory integration. Consider privacy defaults, SSL automation, and archival policies before rollout, especially in regulated environments. Evaluate peer usage patterns and availability in your region. Explore segmented .prof domain datasets at webatla.