---
title: "What is CNAM (Caller ID Name)?"
url: "https://lookvalid.com/glossary/cnam.md"
canonical_url: "https://lookvalid.com/glossary/cnam"
last_updated: "2026-10-18"
type: "conceptual"
summary: "CNAM is the database record that links a phone number to the name shown on the recipient's screen, usually limited to 15 characters."
related: ["https://lookvalid.com/glossary/carrier-lookup.md", "https://lookvalid.com/glossary/line-type.md", "https://lookvalid.com/glossary/nanp.md", "https://lookvalid.com/products/phone-spam.md"]
---

# What is CNAM (Caller ID Name)?

CNAM is the database record that links a phone number to the name shown on the recipient's screen, usually limited to 15 characters.

When a call arrives on a landline or VoIP service in North America, the receiving carrier often looks the number up in a CNAM database to find a display name. Mobile carriers frequently show only the number or their own contact data.

The name is whatever the number's owner or carrier registered, so it can be out of date or generic. It is a hint about who owns a line, not proof.

## Related

- [What is Carrier lookup?](https://lookvalid.com/glossary/carrier-lookup.md)
- [What is Line type?](https://lookvalid.com/glossary/line-type.md)
- [What is NANP (North American Numbering Plan)?](https://lookvalid.com/glossary/nanp.md)
- [Phone Spam Check API](https://lookvalid.com/products/phone-spam.md)