Email addresses consist of three basic elements: the username, the @ sign, and the domain name. In this guide, we'll explain what usernames and domain names are, and what symbols you can use in an email address.

The username identifies a specific person or address in a domain. The person who sets up your email address (you, your school, or your employer) selects the username. For example, when you sign up for a free email account, you can choose a creative username.

Usernames used in a professional capacity usually use a standardized format. For example, a company might use your first name, such as [email protected]. This is friendly and easy to remember. It also provides you with some anonymity by not revealing your last name.

Here are some other professional username options you may come across: