What is CNAM?
What is CNAM?
Section titled “What is CNAM?”CNAM stands for Caller Name — it is the name associated with an incoming phone call and displayed on the recipient’s device alongside the phone number (CLID, or Caller ID). CNAM entries are limited to 15 characters and represent either an individual or an organization.
Why CNAM Exists
Section titled “Why CNAM Exists”As telecom fraud and spam calling have grown, people have become increasingly reluctant to answer calls from unknown numbers. CNAM helps address this by giving recipients a recognizable name before they decide to pick up.
Phone fraud costs consumers billions of dollars annually, and both older adults and younger mobile-first users are targeted. CNAM is one of several tools that help restore trust in phone calls.
How CNAM Works
Section titled “How CNAM Works”When a call is placed, the originating carrier attaches a CNAM value to the call data. The receiving carrier queries a CNAM database to retrieve the name associated with the number. The result is displayed on the recipient’s screen.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Character limit | 15 characters |
| Coverage | Not automatic for all devices or carriers |
| Database | No single centralized database — carriers use different providers |
| Consistency | Name displayed may vary between carriers and devices |
Registering Your Business CNAM
Section titled “Registering Your Business CNAM”Businesses can register their CNAM to display a recognizable name when calling customers. This reduces the likelihood of calls being ignored or flagged as potential spam.
To update your CNAM display name on a SIPSTACK number, contact SIPSTACK Support.