Anyone can use any name, but there's a "verification" standard, NIP-05, which basically shows that you have control of a website, or the website allowed you to access some settings, for example here in stacker.news you can be verified by NIP-05 if you put your nostr public key in settings.

nullama

Heh, followed. Are they all authentic? I was surprised to see Vitalik on your follow list.

orthwyrm

nostr

Sunday Survey: Are you on nostr?

jimmysong

If you want to follow people, find someone you know and see who they’re following. Saves a LOT of time 🫡

Here’s mine

npub1wts4tz7gf9shczmt9vhed53ccazvmmfqp9xrhskws2mn2du7udnqrwxj3d