Recently, the domain name Zhang.com, representing the English spelling of the Chinese surname "Zhang," sold for $63,555 (approximately RMB 460,000) at a GoDaddy auction. Registered in 1997, the domain is one of the oldest .com domains and was put up for public auction after it expired and was not renewed.
Zhang is one of the most common surnames in China. According to data released by the Ministry of Public Security, as of 2024, the Zhang surname will be approximately 95.4 million people, accounting for 7.07% of the total population, ranking third among the top 100 surnames. This large number of surnames has led to a continued surge in interest in domain names like "zhang.com" from brands, businesses, and individuals associated with the surname.

Semantically, Zhang.com combines simplicity, high recognition, and versatility. Whether used for surname portals, family websites, personal brands, or as a core brand asset in a company name, its value is undeniable. Especially in the Chinese internet market, surname-related .com domain names are inherently scarce and retain their value, often sparking fierce bidding once they enter the open market.
This transaction further demonstrates the strong appeal of the classic pinyin + .com combination in the Chinese market. For domain name investors, the hammer price of Zhang.com is more than just a transaction figure; it also demonstrates the continued popularity of pinyin domain names in the Chinese context. As the .com resources for keywords like Chinese surnames and place names gradually deplete, the future growth potential of these domain names remains promising.