- CloudFlare provides two custom name server domains (e.g., bob.ns.cloudflare.com and lola.ns.cloudflare.com) to new users for DNS setup.
- The naming system (using 101 common names like Bob and Lola) was created to prevent users from guessing sequential server names, ensuring accurate verification of authoritative DNS records during sign-up.
- Initially, 100 names (50 male, 50 female) were used, allowing 2,500 combinations; later, a 101st name ("Woz") was added after inspiration from a ninja drawing resembling Steve Wozniak.
- The name server domains serve for initial verification; afterward, requests are handled by a global, load-balanced infrastructure across 23 data centers, supporting fast and robust DNS services.
- Artistic ninja drawings were commissioned for each name server, adding personality, and early team members and investors were allowed to choose their namesake ninjas.