All TLDs / .ai / meaning

What does .ai mean?

.ai is the country-code top-level domain for Anguilla, introduced in 1995. In practice it's used far beyond its origin: the hottest tld on earth.
Type
Country code (Anguilla)
Introduced
1995
Typical price
~$70–100/yr (2-yr min at many registrars)

Registry operator: Government of Anguilla — per the IANA root database.

Source: IANA root zone database, checked August 23, 2026.

What .ai is actually used for

Rare case where a ccTLD became the unambiguous category TLD. Investors, press, and users all parse name.ai correctly with zero explanation. The price is real but trivial against what you're building. One honest caution: 'AI-washing' backlash is coming eventually; if your product isn't actually AI-centric, don't cosplay.

Is .ai a country code or generic domain?

.ai is technically a country-code TLD (the ccTLD for Anguilla), but it's widely marketed and used as a general-purpose extension. Google treats several such ccTLDs — including this one where applicable — as generic rather than geo-targeted.

Who runs .ai?

.ai is operated by Government of Anguilla, the registry for Anguilla. It has been live in the official IANA DNS root since 1995.

Can anyone register a .ai domain?

Yes — .ai is open for public registration through accredited registrars. Availability of a specific name still depends on whether someone already owns it, and some ccTLDs add local-presence or ID requirements. Here’s how to check whether a specific name is taken.

Should you use it?

Our short answer: The hottest TLD on earth. If your product is AI, this is the .com of your category — pay up. For the full pros, cons, and rating, read the complete .ai review.

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Register a .ai domain