ENS Labs Unveils Namechain: A Layer 2 Network to Revolutionize ENS with Zero-Knowledge Proofs and L2-Agnostic Features

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ENS Labs is excited to announce its new Layer 2 network called Namechain. They aim to launch it by the end of 2025. This initiative focuses on interoperability, allowing users to kickstart their ENS experience from any Layer 2 network. The expected launch is set for late 2025.

ENS Labs, the team behind the Ethereum Name Service, is building Namechain to enhance user experience. ENS is a decentralized naming system on the Ethereum blockchain that turns complex crypto addresses into readable names. Jeff Lau, co-founder of ENS, shared at the “frENSday” event in Bangkok, “The industry’s success metric for rollups these days is TVL. We don’t need to prioritize TVL. ENS already has users, and we can focus on what other L2s don’t.”

Namechain will use zero-knowledge proof technology. This means it can process transactions off the main Ethereum network while keeping Ethereum’s full security intact, but at a lower cost. Plus, it will have built-in L2-to-L2 bridging. Lau explained, “You can commit while you bridge and pay from your preferred L2.”

Another exciting feature is that Namechain is “L2-agnostic.” This approach lowers barriers to entry, letting users start their ENS journey from any Layer 2 network. According to ENS Labs, name registration and management will cost 99% less than on Layer 1 networks. Lau emphasized, “Controlling the entire stack, from protocol to governance, means this rollup is designed to serve ENS and naming.”

Namechain is part of a larger initiative called ENSv2, introduced in May. This protocol aims to expand the naming service onto Ethereum Layer 2 networks, making it more flexible and affordable. Lau also mentioned that the team has already selected its Layer 2 partners for Namechain, though they haven’t revealed their names yet.

In September, ENS Labs announced that Paypal and Venmo have integrated ENS into their payment platforms. The team reported over 2 million names registered on-chain and more than 4 million names off-chain. This growth reflects the increasing adoption and importance of ENS in the crypto space.