Understand subnames and choose how to build with Namespace.
ENS turns blockchain addresses into readable names such as alice.eth. A subname extends a parent name. For example, alice.brand.eth sits under brand.eth, allowing a product, community, or any name owner to issue subnames (as identities) within a shared namespace.Namespace provides no-code apps, APIs, and SDKs for issuing and managing ENS subnames. It lets developers easily implement Subname (identity) registration for their users, agents, or general-purpose identifier.Choose where subnames live: Subnames can be issued on Ethereum, on an L2 chain, or through an offchain service. All 3 work the same, but they differ in cost, control, and ownership.
Model
Best for
Cost to issue
Ownership model
Offchain
High-volume onboarding and application-managed identities
No blockchain transaction
The parent-name operator manages records
L2 (Base, Optimism)
Lower-cost NFT ownership on a supported L2
L2 transaction and mint price
The minted subname is held by its owner
Ethereum (L1)
Lower-volume, Ethereum-native ownership
Ethereum transaction and mint price
The minted subname is held by its owner
Start with offchain subnames when you need gasless, high-volume issuance. Choose Ethereum or an L2 chain when holding the subname as an onchain asset is a product requirement.
