Who assigns internet domain names?

ICANN, or the internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers is the governing body for domain name registrations. Although they are the governing body, they do not "assign" domain names, but rather monitor and manage domain name registrars (i.e. GoDaddy, eNom, NetworkSolutions, etc.) where individuals (and businesses) can purchase domain names. To resolve to an active internet address, domain names are assigned to an IP address via a web host or domain name registrar.