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> 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.