The Ethereum Name Service (ENS) has long stood as one of the most impactful innovations in decentralized identity. With over 800,000 unique ENS name owners and more than 161,000 registered domains, it's clear that users value a portable, human-readable identity across Web3 applications. From simplifying wallet addresses to enabling seamless integration with tools like Fileverse and Fluidkey, ENS has redefined how we interact with blockchain technology.
Now, the project is preparing for its next major evolution: ENSv2, powered by Namechain—a dedicated Layer 2 (L2) network built on Linea’s zkEVM infrastructure. This upgrade isn’t just incremental; it's a foundational shift designed to enhance scalability, reduce costs, and unlock new levels of control and interoperability for every ENS user.
While an official launch date for Namechain remains unannounced, the recently released ENSv2 Hub offers valuable insights into what’s coming. Let’s break down the key developments shaping the future of onchain identity.
What Is Namechain and Why It Matters
At the heart of ENSv2 is Namechain, a purpose-built L2 tailored specifically for managing ENS domains. Unlike general-purpose rollups, Namechain focuses exclusively on identity operations—registrations, renewals, updates, and resolutions—enabling faster transactions and significantly lower fees.
Built using Linea’s zero-knowledge (zk) rollup technology, Namechain leverages cryptographic proofs to ensure security while batching transactions off Ethereum’s mainnet. But here's the twist: it may launch as a based rollup.
👉 Discover how next-gen rollups are transforming blockchain efficiency.
A based rollup uses Ethereum itself for transaction sequencing instead of relying on a centralized or permissioned sequencer. This design enhances decentralization, reduces censorship risk, and lowers user costs by minimizing reliance on third-party infrastructure. In the long term, ENS developers are even exploring a transition to a native rollup model—where Namechain could become deeply integrated into Ethereum’s core protocol rules. If realized, this would represent a historic step toward enshrining digital identity within Ethereum’s fabric.
Per-Name Registries: True Ownership at the Contract Level
One of the most transformative changes in ENSv2 is the shift from a centralized registry to per-name registries.
Currently, all .eth domains are managed through a single smart contract on Ethereum. While effective, this monolithic structure limits flexibility and customization. Under ENSv2, each .eth name will have its own dedicated registry contract deployed on Namechain.
This means:
- Full control over permissions and access settings
- Ability to delegate subdomain creation to others securely
- Option to lock down or open up governance as needed
For individuals, this brings granular control over their digital identity. For organizations—DAOs, communities, brands—it enables scalable management of multiple subdomains without relying on complex multisig setups or external tools.
Imagine a decentralized social media platform where each user’s .eth profile automatically provisions subnames like posts.yourname.eth or gallery.yourname.eth. With per-name registries, that level of modularity becomes not only possible but effortless.
Crosschain Resolution: Identity That Travels Everywhere
Today, resolving an ENS name—translating alice.eth into a wallet address or website—happens primarily on Ethereum. This creates friction when trying to use ENS names on other chains or offchain services.
ENSv2 introduces a powerful solution: Universal Resolver, powered by CCIP-Read (Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol - Read).
This new system allows any application—on any chain or even outside blockchain environments—to resolve ENS records seamlessly. Whether you're interacting on Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, or a non-EVM chain, your .eth name works universally.
Developers benefit too. Instead of writing chain-specific logic for each platform, they can rely on a single standardized interface to fetch ENS data. This dramatically simplifies integration and accelerates adoption across Web3 and Web2 ecosystems alike.
In short: your identity follows you—wherever you go.
Stablecoin Payments: Making ENS Accessible to Everyone
Currently, registering or renewing an ENS domain requires payment in ETH. While familiar to crypto veterans, this can be intimidating for newcomers due to ETH’s price volatility.
To improve accessibility, ENSv2 will support stablecoin payments, starting with USD-denominated options like USDC. This shift ensures predictable pricing—users will know exactly what they’re paying without worrying about market swings during checkout.
While USDC is expected at launch, future support for other major stablecoins like USDT, USDe, or DAI remains possible. This flexibility lowers the barrier to entry and aligns ENS with real-world economic expectations.
👉 Learn how stablecoins are reshaping digital payments in Web3.
This move also signals ENS’s ambition to onboard mainstream users who aren’t yet comfortable navigating volatile assets—but who still want the benefits of owning a permanent, self-owned digital identity.
Migration Paths: What Users Need to Know
The transition to ENSv2 won’t be forced—but it will be necessary for continued use.
According to the official roadmap, development is currently in Phase 2: finalizing smart contract architecture. The next phases include:
- Phase 3: Deployment of Namechain
- Phase 4: Launch of ENSv2 contracts and syncing legacy data
Once live, users will have three options:
- Do nothing – Your current name remains valid until expiration, but you won’t be able to renew it afterward.
- Migrate to ENSv2 on Ethereum – Keep your name on L1 while gaining access to some new features without bridging.
- Fully migrate to Namechain – Unlock the full suite of ENSv2 capabilities, including low-cost transactions and per-name registries.
You don’t need to bridge your name to renew it on Ethereum—but if you want speed, lower fees, and advanced functionality, Namechain is the optimal destination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will I lose my ENS name if I don’t migrate?
A: No—you retain ownership until your registration expires. After that, you won’t be able to renew unless you migrate.
Q: Can I still use my ENS name on Ethereum after Namechain launches?
A: Yes. You can renew and manage your name on Ethereum via ENSv2 without moving it to Namechain.
Q: Do I have to pay again when migrating?
A: Migration itself is free, but renewal fees apply based on your name’s length and expiration schedule.
Q: Will subdomains work the same way in ENSv2?
A: Yes—and better. With per-name registries, you’ll have more control over subdomain issuance and permissions.
Q: Is Namechain secure?
A: Yes. As a zk-rollup built on Linea’s proven tech stack and using Ethereum for consensus and sequencing (as a based rollup), it inherits Ethereum’s strong security model.
Q: When will Namechain launch?
A: No official date yet. Stay updated through the ENSv2 Hub, which will host documentation and progress reports.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Digital Identity
ENSv2 and Namechain represent more than just technical upgrades—they’re laying the groundwork for a truly user-owned internet. With cheaper transactions, crosschain compatibility, stablecoin payments, and granular ownership controls, the vision of decentralized identity becomes not only usable but scalable.
As we approach this next phase, one thing is certain: .eth names are evolving from simple address shortcuts into powerful digital identities capable of powering everything from social profiles to decentralized organizations.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve in Web3 identity innovation.
Whether you’re an individual user or part of a larger community, now is the time to understand how these changes affect you—and prepare for seamless migration when the time comes. The future of identity is portable, persistent, and personal. And it’s arriving soon.