In the spring of 2011, Namecoin, a blockchain-based DNS system, was launched. It was the first blockchain created after Bitcoin, and the only one supported by Satoshi before his disappearance.

Namecoin uses a blockchain both to hold the names registry data and to automate the registration process itself. In the 13 years that passed since its inception, the field had additional strides of innovation, courtesy of projects such as Handshake or ENS. Recently, blockchain name systems have surged in popularity, with each blockchain having its own name system, some with a thriving developer's base and users communities.

In this talk, we survey the evolution of blockchain name systems from Namecoin to the present day. The talk will focus on projects contributing technical or conceptual innovations to this field.