Email Naming Guide

Best practices for creating professional email addresses that make a great impression

Email Naming Best Practices

DO's

  • Use your real name or a variation of it
  • Keep it simple and easy to spell
  • Use periods or underscores for separation
  • Make it memorable and professional
  • Test the "phone test" - can you say it clearly?

DON'Ts

  • Avoid numbers unless absolutely necessary
  • Don't use childish or inappropriate words
  • Avoid hard-to-spell or confusing combinations
  • Don't make it too long or complicated
  • Avoid using your birth year or personal info

Email Types and Examples

Professional Emails

Perfect for job applications, networking, and business communications.

Good Examples:

  • • john.smith@gmail.com
  • • sarah.johnson@outlook.com
  • • michael.brown@protonmail.com
  • • jennifer.davis@icloud.com

Patterns:

  • • FirstName.LastName
  • • LastName.FirstName
  • • FirstName_LastName
  • • F.LastName

Business Emails

Ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business communications.

Good Examples:

  • • ceo.johnsmith@gmail.com
  • • consultant.sarah@outlook.com
  • • designer.mike@gmail.com
  • • coach.jennifer@protonmail.com

Patterns:

  • • Title.Name
  • • Role.FirstName
  • • Name.Company
  • • Profession.Name

Creative Emails

For artists, creatives, and personal branding.

Good Examples:

  • • john.creates@gmail.com
  • • sarah.designs@outlook.com
  • • mike.photography@gmail.com
  • • jennifer.writes@protonmail.com

Patterns:

  • • Name.Skill
  • • Name.Passion
  • • Creative.Name
  • • Name.Art

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Problematic Examples:

  • • coolboy123@gmail.com
  • • partygirl2000@yahoo.com
  • • ilovepizza@hotmail.com
  • • xXgamerXx@gmail.com
  • • cutiekitten@outlook.com

Why They're Problematic:

  • • Unprofessional appearance
  • • Difficult to remember
  • • May cause embarrassment
  • • Not suitable for business
  • • Hard to spell out loud

Tips for Email Success

Keep It Professional

Your email address is often the first impression you make. Keep it clean and professional.

Make It Memorable

Choose something that's easy to remember and spell, but still unique to you.

Think Long-term

Choose an email address you'll be comfortable using for years to come.