The HTML name attribute
The HTML name attribute gives the control a name that is submitted with its value as a name/value pair. It is used on most form controls (<input>, <select>, <textarea>, <button>) as well as <form>, <iframe>, <map> and others.
Overview
The name attribute names a form control so its value is submitted with the <form>. Data is sent as name=value pairs, so a control with no name is not submitted at all — making it essential on every field you want to receive on the server.
It also does the grouping work for radio buttons: controls that share the same name form a mutually-exclusive group, so only one can be selected at a time — that is exactly how a radio group works. Checkboxes that share a name submit multiple values under that name.
Beyond forms, name appears on other elements with different meanings — on an <iframe> or <a> it names a browsing context that a target can point at, and on a <map> it connects to an image's usemap. Do not confuse it with id, which must be unique and is for CSS, JavaScript and anchors.
Syntax
<input type="text" name="username">Values
| Value |
|---|
| A string (the field name used in the submitted data). |
Best practices
- Give every control you want submitted a
name— unnamed controls are not sent. - Use the same
nameon a set of radio buttons to group them into a mutually-exclusive choice. - Do not confuse
name(for submission, can repeat) with id (unique, for CSS/JS/anchors). - Choose names the server expects to receive.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name attribute do?
name=value pair.Why isn't my input value being submitted?
name attribute — controls without a name are not included in the submission.How do I group radio buttons?
name; only one in the group can then be selected.What is the difference between name and id?
name is for form submission and can repeat; id must be unique and is used for CSS, JavaScript and anchor links.