The Celo Foundation, working alongside cLabs, has announced the launch of Celonames, a new identity layer created in collaboration with Ethereum Name Service (ENS) and Namespace. This initiative has been introduced as part of a broader effort to make blockchain interactions more intuitive and familiar for everyday users. According to the Celo Foundation, the new system is expected to allow individuals operating within the Celo ecosystem to register personalized, human-readable names that make blockchain transactions easier to understand and engage with.
Celo, which began on Earth Day in 2020, has consistently aimed to simplify the use of cryptocurrency. Those behind the platform have maintained a focus on accessibility by introducing features such as phone-number mapping and fee abstraction. These earlier innovations were designed to help users interact with blockchain applications as easily as sending a mobile text. The launch of Celonames builds upon this foundation by supporting a more personal and expressive form of digital identity.
Ensuring Identity Verification
The newly introduced identity layer is also integrated with the Self Protocol, which is a system based on zero-knowledge proofs that verifies humanity and identity on-chain. Through this integration, users are able to confirm their real-world identity directly within the blockchain environment. This feature transforms Celonames into more than just usernames, as they function as identifiers that are both verifiable and trustworthy, reinforcing authenticity in on-chain interactions.
3/ By integrating @SelfProtocol's zkPoH & identity solution, Celonames has built-in verification to ensure real, human users claim their names
Verified users can mint their Celoname for less than one cent using CELO, cUSD, USDC, or USDT 💱
— Celo.eth/acc 🦇 🌳 (@Celo) November 12, 2025
Celonames make use of ENS’s established naming framework while leveraging Namespace’s subname infrastructure. This approach ensures that the identity system is not limited to the Celo ecosystem but also remains compatible across Ethereum-based platforms. The process of minting a Celoname has been designed to be straightforward and efficient. Users can connect their wallet, choose a name, and mint it directly on-chain. Identity-verified users are able to register a Celoname at a cost of less than one cent and may renew their ownership on an annual basis.
Designed for Flexibility and Inclusion
The payment system for Celonames supports multiple cryptocurrencies, including CELO, cUSD, USDC, and USDT, giving users the freedom to pay using their preferred token. This open design is aligned with Celo’s long-standing mission to bring blockchain technology to populations who may not be familiar with crypto infrastructures but could benefit from decentralized tools.
With Celonames, Celo continues its work toward fostering a Web3 environment that is not only intuitive but also secure, transparent, and relatable. By combining ENS’s naming technology, Namespace’s scalability, and Self’s verification layer, this launch underscores a commitment to improving how users interact, transact, and connect in decentralized networks. The initiative reflects a belief that identity is central to building trust and usability in blockchain environments.
Ultimately, Celonames represents a significant step forward in Celo’s efforts to broaden access to digital assets and decentralized finance. Through a more human-centric approach to identity management, the initiative reinforces the idea that blockchain systems can evolve to be both user-friendly and reliable. The partnership behind Celonames demonstrates the growing interest in identity-focused Web3 solutions, highlighting the importance of bridging technological utility with real-world accessibility.