Coming up with a cool business name isn’t as easy as it seems. With every potential name having upsides and downsides, it’s easy to get stuck in a never-ending state of analysis. Sometimes, the name of your small business sticks out right away. But more often, it doesn’t.

Most online business name generators either prepend or append random words to the keyword you enter — so you get generic or random-sounding names and it’s hard to find a good one.

Once you find a name you like, it’s super easy to check the domain and social availability, hear how it sounds, and make sure the Google results for the name don’t conflict with your business.

• How Does The Business Name Generator Work?
• How Much Does The Business Name Generator Cost?
• How do I Come up With a Catchy Business Name?
• How do I Choose a Good Business Name?
• What Are Some Cute Business Name?
• How do I Get a Unique Business Name?
• How do I Name my Small Business?
• How do I Make a Creative Name?
• Why Should I Use a Business Name Generator?
• How to Choose a Business Name Generator
• How do I Use Novanym Business Name Generator?
• Business Name Ideas
• Catchy Business Name Ideas
• Feminine Business Name Generator
• New Company Name Suggestions Free
• What is Business Name Example?
• Should I Name my Business After Myself?
• What Should I Name my Brand?
• How do I Get a Free Business Name?
• How do I Write my Business Name as an LLC?
• How do You Name a Startup?

How Does The Business Name Generator Work?

The business name generator provides instant suggestions in three simple steps:

• 1. Think of a word that best describes your brand
• 2. Enter it into the name generator field
• 3. Click on the “Generate names” button

All just like that, you now have 100 possibilities to select from or use as inspiration.

How Much Does The Business Name Generator Cost?

The business name generator is free for everyone to use and you can run as many searches as you please. The business name generator is here to inspire you, offering creative, catchy and memorable names that you can use for your business.

Choosing the perfect business domain name isn’t as easy as it seems. With every potential name having upsides and downsides, it’s easy to get stuck in a never-ending state of analysis. Sometimes, the name of your small business sticks out right away. But more often, it doesn’t. 

You just make sure you let others know about the free business name generator offered by most websites like Shopify.

How do I Come up With a Catchy Business Name?

A good business name should embody the feeling of your brand. It should be memorable. It should remind your employees why you’re doing what you’re doing.

Read Also: What Does a Business Analyst do?

You could pay a naming agency thousands of dollars to find a name that’s new, on-trend, industry-relevant, memorable, and untrademarked. But you’re just starting out, and you have other priorities…instead of paying someone to name your business, try getting inspired on your own.

1. Use acronyms

A lot of major companies use acronyms instead of their full names – it’s easier to remember. Take AOL (America Online) or BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), for example. So, if your business is named ‘Pearce Marketing Agency,’ consider going by PMA.

2. Create mash-ups

Think about two or three words that are meaningful for you and your business. Can they be combined in some way – either in pieces, or entirely? Some examples include TripAdvisor, Evernote (from “forever” and “note”), and Netflix (“internet” and “flicks”). A name like “SaladGo” quickly demonstrates that you’re running an eatery that specializes in salads-to-g-o…all in just three syllables.

3. Draw inspiration from mythology and literature

Nike is one of the most iconic brands…and in Greek mythology, she’s the goddess of victory. Other well-known companies like Oracle, Hermés, and Mars have mythological names, too. Do some research and see if there’s a mythological figure that’s relevant to your company.

If you run a wine shop, is there something you can do with ‘Bacchus’ to name your brand? Channel Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty, if you’re thinking of a name for your beauty brand.

4. Use foreign words

Incorporating non-native language can make your business seem exotic…and memorable for potential customers. Maybe it’s a hair salon with a French name or a tea shop with a Japanese one.

5. Use your own name

It’s your business…why not incorporate your own name? Many well-known brands use the creator’s name – like Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, or Boeing (named after founder William Boeing).

6. Take a look at a map

Get inspired by the globe – have you ever heard of Amazon, the Internet retail giant? It happens to be named after the largest river in the world.

7. Mix things up

Try blending numbers five and six – can you combine part of your name with part of a city? Take IKEA, for example: this name comes from the founder’s name, Ingvar Kamprad, and his hometown, Elmtaryd Agunnaryd.

8. Partner with another company

Whether you’re partnering with another entrepreneur or merging with another company, blend pieces from both names to create a new one. When Twentieth Century Pictures and Fox Film Corporation merged, they simply became 20th Century Fox.

9. Leverage nicknames.

Have you gone by ‘Ali’ your whole life? Use this as your company’s name for a personal touch. Or, use your child’s name or nickname for a sentimental (and impactful) brand name. After all, Mercedes was named after the founder’s daughter.

10. Use a symbol.

Another way to come up with a business name is to draw inspiration from a symbol or essential element of your work. A name like Naturol communicates the business and is easy to remember. (Small business win-win!)

11. Make it descriptive.

When you think about your business, what are the words that describe it best? Write down all of your options, and visualize how these words can fit into your new logo or banner. Consider 7-Eleven: the name instantly tells you what’s special about their business (they’re open from 7AM-11PM every day).

12. Use latin.

Maybe you thought Latin class in school was a waste of time…but what if you could use your learnings to craft a name for your business? This language is a great source for business names, like Volvo (“I roll”) and Acer (“sharp,” “able”). Choose a word in Latin that represents your business, like Regius.

13. Look at your product from another angle.

Take a step back from your product and see if it reminds you of anything else…like a phone that looks like a Blackberry. Maybe you’re starting a cosmetics company, and notice that your makeup palettes look like flowers. Why not use that in the brand name?

14. Abbreviate.

A great business name shouldn’t be too long. If there’s a word or phrase that has a strong meaning to you, think about using part of it for your brand name. Take Cisco, which was inspired by its founding location, San Francisco.

15. Tweak the spelling.

Remove or add a letter, or completely change the spelling of a well-known word to make your business name more attention-grabbing. Take Flickr and Tumblr, for example – these brands dropped the “e” at the end to create concise, eye-catching names. Or, choose a word that’s essential for your company and invent a new way to spell it, like Reebok did – the athletic brand was inspired by the word “rhebok,” an African antelope.

16. Tell your story.

Does your business have a great story behind it? Why not tell it with your business name? Names like Virgin (the founders’ way of saying they were completely new to the business) were born this way.

17. Talk about what you believe in.

Use your business name as a way to remind yourself (and your employees and customers) what you believe in. A name like “Nomad” instantly conjures thoughts of travel and adventure.

18. Pick a word from the dictionary.

If none of these ideas have inspired you yet, take a page from Twitter’s book and choose a random word from the dictionary.

How do I Choose a Good Business Name?

For some, choosing a business name is the first step tackled because it’s simple, quick, and obvious to the business owner. For others, it’s a struggle to identify a business name that truly encompasses the business and everything it stands for.

Even if you have an idea of what to call your business, check out these tips on how to pick a business name to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your brand.

1. Avoid hard-to-spell names.

You don’t want potential customers getting confused about how to find your business online. (I never understood why “Flickr” was pushed as the name for the photo-sharing site.) You want to avoid having to continually correct the misspelled version of your name. Keep it simple.

2. Don’t pick a name that could be limiting as your business grows.

Picking too narrow of a name may cause you problems down the road. Imagine if Jeff Bezos had picked the name “OnlineBooks” instead of “Amazon.” So avoid names like “Wedding Dresses of San Francisco” or “LugNuts Unlimited.” You don’t want to limit your business to a particular product or a specific city.

3. Conduct a thorough Internet search.

Once you have determined a name you like, do a web search on the name. More often than not, you will find that someone else is already using that business name. While that won’t be a total showstopper, it should give you pause.

4. Get the .com domain name.

My strong preference is that you secure the “.com” domain name for your business rather than alternatives such as .net, .org, .biz, or other possible domain extensions. Customers tend to associate a .com name with a more established business. Undoubtedly, someone will already own your desired .com name, but many domain owners are willing to sell their name for the right price.

Think of acquiring the .com name you want as a business investment. You can check on the availability of a domain name on sites such as GoDaddy.com or NetworkSolutions.com, and if the domain name is taken, you can often track down the owner of the domain name and see if they are willing to sell it by using the “Whois” tool at GoDaddy or Network Solutions.

Also make sure to grab your desired business name on popular social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

5. Use a name that conveys some meaning.

Ideally, you want the business name to convey something meaningful and positive related to your business. Can people instantly get what your business is about? While meaningless names like “Google,” “Yahoo,” or “Zappos” have some appeal due to their catchiness, these kinds of names will cost you a lot more to brand.

Some examples of clear, simple, and intriguing domain names include Canny.com, Cling.com, Afire.com, and Administer.com. A domain name like “OnlineTickets.com” is genius as it conveys the meaning of the business and is helpful for search engine optimization purposes.

6. Conduct a trademark search.

Do a search at USPTO.gov to get an idea as to whether you can get a trademark or service mark for the name.

7. Conduct a Secretary of State search.

Since you will likely want to structure your business as a corporation or LLC, you should do a search of the Secretary of State’s records to make sure your name won’t be confusingly similar to a business name that’s already registered. If it is too similar to an existing name, the Secretary of State may not allow you to register it. Your corporate lawyer can help you conduct this kind of search.

8. Assess if the name is catchy.

Obviously, you don’t want a boring name for your business, but you also don’t want to choose something that’s too “out there.” You want your employees to be able to say where they work without hesitation, and you want your name to resonate with your target audience.

9. Get feedback on the name.

Come up with 5 or 10 names and then run them by friends, family members, and trusted colleagues. Get feedback from your target audience as well. And make sure that the name doesn’t have any negative connotations (such as when GM named its new car model the “Nova” without realizing that the name meant “doesn’t go” in Spanish).

10. Make sure the name sounds good when said aloud.

Sometimes names seem fine on paper, but sound awful when said aloud. And if it’s said aloud, make sure people aren’t confused as to how it’s spelled.

11. Use resources available for brainstorming names.

There are a number of sites that can help you brainstorm names, including:

• VisualThesaurus.com (gives you a visual around a keyword)
• Shopify Business Name Generator (generates business name ideas and checks domain availability simultaneously)
• NameMesh.com (provides a startup company name generator)
• Naminum.com (allows you to generate names based on a theme)

There are even name branding experts such as Alexandra Watkins at Eat My Words.

12. Make sure you are personally happy with the name.

You as the business owner will have to live with the name for a long time, so make sure you are happy with it and believe it will resonate with your customers. Take the time to get it right from the start.

What Are Some Cute Business Name?

Cute business names are pretty, charming, and bursting with marketing possibilities. Cute names suit businesses in most markets and offer loads of room for playful branding and expansion. Businesses that have cute names are often synonymous with creativity and childlike wonder. See our list below for ideas or use our cute business name generator.

Rank	Business Name	Description
1.	The Cute Corner	Straightforward & simple but the alliteration makes it catchy. Great choice for a clothing store.
2.	Tiny & Yummy	Fun & cute. Appeals to the little ones. Those in food service will love the branding possibilities.
3.	Lovable Lane	This memorable name could look beautiful in blue and white branding paired with an elegant font.
4.	Muloo	An abstract name that still manages to sound adorable. This name is brimming with potential.
5.	Fluffy n’ Scruffy	A wonderful name for a business that works with animals or sells pet-related supplies and toys.
6.	Beezle	Sounds snappy & cute, the ideal fit for a brand. Think yellow and black branding with a bee logo.
7.	KuteTube	Odd but captivating. Just perfect for a media-related business that’s aimed at the little ones.
8.	Hola Bella	A feminine name that could work for a salon. Adding a greeting helps your customers feel welcomed.
9.	Beechy Bee	Fun, catchy, and sounds fun to say. This name suits those who sell trendy items for the beach.
10.	Playful Polly	An adorable name that has connotations of femininity and childlike wonder. Young girls will love it.

How do I Get a Unique Business Name?

Naming your business may seem daunting if you don’t know where to start. Your business name should be simple, unique, and reflect what you do and why it matters. Sure, that sounds like a lot to put into a word or two, but remember your business name is part of the entire brand. Over time, the name will take on more meaning as you grow your business and establish your value proposition.

Here are the eight ways to make your business names unique.

1. Understand your business.

Before deciding on a name, you should have a clear idea of your business’s mission, goals, target audience, and value proposition. If you’ve already created your business plan, this will be a great resource for you to review. You should be able to answer the following questions:

• What does your business stand for?
• What product/service are you selling?
• Who is your target audience?

2. Think of descriptive keywords.

Once you know the core focus of your business, take some time to brainstorm keywords that describe your business. With a few descriptors of your business and brand, you’ll be able to identify the ones that reflect the image you’d like to create.

For example, if you’re starting a photography business, words like “camera”, “snap”, “shoot”, “capture”, “lens”, etc. are all good starting points for your business name.

3. Consider SEO in the naming process.

Part of a good name is the ability to get found by potential prospects. For this reason, consider how well your name can position you on search engines. Consider the following things as you make this evaluation:

Search Volume

One strategy is to name a business based on a highly searched keyword to make the business relevant for that keyword. For example, 24 Hour Fitness may appear for someone looking for their brand or for someone looking for any gym that’s open around the clock.

Authority

However, you don’t want to choose a name in which the SERPs (search engine results pages) are too heavy with competition. For example, let’s say you chose “Five Star Restaurant” as a name for your new establishment but notice the SERP for this keyword is dominated by review sites like Yelp and local newspaper columns.

In this case, you may not get enough authority to compete, resulting in you not being found even when prospects are actively searching for you.

Intent

Google serves up content to users based on what it thinks they’re intending to find. When thinking through your business name, make sure it matches search intent. For example, naming a tax business “Maximize Your Refund, Inc.” may not be a good idea because searchers looking for “maximize my refund” aren’t searching for a business but rather strategies.

You can evaluate your names based on these three considerations using a combination of manual Google searching and SEO tools such as Ahrefs and SEMrush.

4. Choose a name style.

How do you plan to create a unique name? You can use the keywords in your business name. Here are a few other naming options to consider:

• Include the names of the company founders.
• Use a single word.
• Change, add, or remove letters from keywords.
• Combine two or more words.
• Use a metaphor.
• Create an acronym.

5. Tell a story.

What does your business name tell consumers? After you’ve settled on an idea, think about the thoughts and emotions you want the name to evoke. If it doesn’t align with the mission and value proposition of your business, it might be a good idea to go back to the drawing board and find a name that’s better suited for your company and products.

6. Ensure the business name is not trademarked.

If another organization has trademarked a name, you risk having legal action taken against your business if you violate that trademark. If you’re in the U.S., you can search the United States Patent and Trademark Office database for your potential business name to ensure that there isn’t an existing trademark for it.

7. Ensure the business name is not otherwise taken.

If there’s no trademark, a business name is fair game. However, that doesn’t mean there are no other businesses operating under the name you want. The best business names are unique so that you can avoid confusion. You may want to check your state’s Secretary of State entity filings and DBAs for other businesses operating under the name. Each state will have a different process for this.

It’s also good practice to run a Google search for your desired name to see what’s out there. This can also alert you to existing organizations that have similar names.

8. Verify that the .com domain name and social media handles are available.

You can verify domain name availability by doing a search on a domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Namecheap.

If a .com domain name is not available, or if it is too expensive, weigh your options between choosing a different name or going with a less desirable top-level domain (TLD). While other TLDs are fine, .com remains the most widely used and is the easiest to remember.

In addition, it would be a pain to settle on a name only to find out that your social media handles are taken. Having variation between social media handles could cause confusion for prospects, so it’s best to avoid this where possible.

One easy way to verify the availability of social media handles is by using a tool such as Namechk, which checks multiple platforms with a single search.

9. Register your business name.

Once you’ve researched and decided on your name, you’re ready to register your business name. Depending on the type of company you’re registering, the registration process will vary. You may also need a DBA if you’re a sole proprietor. This resource from the U.S. Small Business Association will help you determine which registration process is right for you and your business.

How do I Name my Small Business?

As a small business, you’re likely willing to be a little bolder in your choice of names. Here are some ways to turn that instinct into a handle worthy of your brand:

•    Pick a name that lends itself to wordplay: Eat My Words, the naming firm, decided to toy with the food theme in its name. For example, its blog is called The Kitchen Sink. This theme can carry over into its other marketing and verbal branding collateral.

•    A strong name should be simple: Make it easy to spell and pronounce for starters, and meaningful to your audience, not just to you. Watkins says, “Any time you have to explain your name or apologize for it, you’re just devaluing your brand.”

•    Avoid using puns: A pun in your company name is risky. If you land a good one it can make your name super sticky, but you don’t want one that’s over used or too cutesy.

•    Don’t be a copycat: Pinkberry, a popular frozen yogurt chain, has spurred countless imitators with “berry”-studded names, so when a yogurt chain approached Watkins she wanted to help them find a really distinctive name.

They ended up calling the company Spoon Me, and the name was such a hit that t-shirts and bumper stickers bearing the brand were flying out the door. “They’re making more money selling t-shirts and buttons and bumper stickers than they are selling frozen yogurt,” Watkins exclaims. When “people are paying you to advertise your brand that’s the ultimate in a good name.”

How do I Make a Creative Name?

Creative naming is undeniably a relevant part of business creativity. Yet, I’m afraid there is not one simple success formula to find a creative name. We used many different techniques and came up with a few thousand ideas before we “pulled a rabbit out of the hat”.

Fortunately, there are many creative strategies that you can apply to find a great name. Here are 15 tips & tricks that will get you started.

1. Go for quantity
It’s easy to come up with a few names. Yet these first ones are often rather boring. As always when it comes to creative ideas, to go beyond the obvious you’ll have to come up with as many ideas as you can. Set targets. Of course, if you use a name quota you will end up with a lot of crappy names. Don’t worry, that’s fine. It helps you to think and to structure your thoughts.

2. Keep it Simple
Some people find it tempting to construct a name out of old definitions and Latin phrases or words. Unless your target audience consists of doctors or extinct-language teachers, it’s better you don’t. It’s much more likely that these “ancient” complex names will lead to confusion and irritation. Beautiful and intelligent as these names may be, they sound rather woolly and are often difficult to remember.

3. Associate
The most basic way to start the naming process is by mapping out associations. What does your subject resemble? What does it make you think of? What is similar? What are its unique properties and characteristics? What are related subjects? It will become much easier to see connections and to combine seemingly unrelated words or subjects.

4. What do you want to communicate?
Who is your audience? What should they think when they hear the name? What feeling should it give them? Is it clear to them what it stands for? Does your name fit your companies identity? Do you need a national or international name? By thinking about the message that you want to get across you will find that it becomes much easier to pick the right name for your objective.

5. Use Alternatives & Variations
Ideas often lead to new ideas. That’s why you should always try to come up with as many ideas as possible. The fact that you will generate a lot of unsuitable names doesn’t mean these names cannot be useful. Unworkable suggestions can always be used as stepping stones. Creativity is all about looking for alternatives (very different names) and exploring variations (similar ideas). Putting it slightly different can sometimes suddenly lead to a wonderful name.

6. Make it visual
The names that stick are not infrequently the ones that spark a visual image. An expressive and vivid name is easy to memorize and is more likely to come across as sympathetic. Besides, a visual name will be much easier to translate into a graphic style or a brand icon.

7. Use a Metaphor
One way to make sure you leave a visual impression is by using a metaphor. Comparing your subject with something else is a powerful way to use available patterns and associations. A good metaphor will lead to original ideas quite easily. A rich comparison will lead to a steady flow of ideas almost immediately.

8. Combine Words
If you are looking for an original name with a free URL, you’ll quickly end up with extremely long names. That’s probably not the way to go. It’s advisable to also try to combine short and mid-long words to see if you can create a fun and unique combination. If you look at famous brand names you will see that a lot of them are actually combinations. To name just a few; MailChimp, Facebook, LinkedIn, SlideShare, YouTube, WordPress, WhatsApp, Evernote etc.

9. Do The Opposite
If you want to develop a creative name for your company, it’s generally not recommendable to use the names of your competitors as inspiration. Yet, when you look at your competitors and you do something totally different, you can position yourself in an original way. Take the wonderful name “FatBastard” for example. An extremely unusual name. Especially when you realise that it’s the name of a delicious red wine. As you can imagine this funny name gets a lot more attention than the other labels in the liquor store.

10. It’s right when it sounds right
A very simple way to tell if you have a great name is by checking its sound. Just ask yourself, how does it sound when I pick up the phone and say the name out loud? Will it take long? Will it be clear immediately? Or will the person on the other side of the line ask me to repeat what I just said? And what about introducing yourself during a party? Will the name be catchy or monotonous? Is it melodious? Is it easy to turn it into a rhyme or Jingle?

Why Should I Use a Business Name Generator?

Coming up with a business name isn’t as easy as it sounds. From memorability to originality to patenting potential, there are numerous factors to consider when landing upon the perfect branding for your new company.

That’s why business name generators are such a useful tool for entrepreneurs. They take the weight off by offering thousands of original suggestions that could serve as inspiration — or the new name for your business.

1. It’s a great brainstorming tool

Even if you don’t find the perfect name through a business name generator, it could serve as a brainstorming tool. You could be exposed to new words or combinations that’ll set you off in the right direction. Especially if you’re facing a mental block, taking a look at outside ideas can sometimes be just the thing to set your brain in motion.

2. It’s simple and free to use

One of the best things about TRUiC’s business name generator is that it’s completely free to use. You can browse thousands of carefully curated name suggestions at absolutely no cost — it’s like going to a restaurant and eating for free. Not to mention, the service is intuitive and straightforward to use. You can easily specify your search or look through all the generator’s offerings.

3. It saves you time

If you’re a busy entrepreneur, you may not have all the time in the world to agonize over a name. Brainstorming, workshopping, and researching names can take a long time. The benefit of a name generator is that all the work has already been done for you.

Thousands of names will be instantaneously generated, taking out the guesswork and hours of creative soul searching. All you have to do is browse through the list and pick out the one you like.

4. It will provide you with unique, catchy business name ideas

The names created by the generator are extremely unique and memorable; likely things you wouldn’t have thought of yourself. Names were created using a number of different strategies, including combinations, alliteration, incorporation of life events, and puns to make them stand out to customers.

5. It can introduce SEO keywords related to your business

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is vital for catching the attention of customers. When someone Googles “electric company,” you want your business to show up at the top.

Business name generators take this into account and can introduce SEO keywords related to your business that can skyrocket your company to the top of search engines. If you have an idea of keywords that do well, you can personalize searches by filtering suggestions to include specific words.

6. You can secure a domain name instantly

If you find a business name you like through the generator, you can grab it — right there on the spot. TRUiC has already tested the availability of domains for its business names and allows users to buy them through GoDaddy. No fuss, no extra steps.

7. Some tools generate a logo with your business name

A number of business name generators allow you to simultaneously browse logo options. Logos are core to branding and can be another source of stress for entrepreneurs who may lack design savvy. TRUiC offers its own logo maker tool which, while separate from the business name generator, allows you to download your desired logo at zero cost — unlike many other companies.

8. You can discover relevant business names by industry

You may be concerned that your industry is too specific for you to benefit from a business name generator, but that’s where you’re wrong. From boat cleaning service to cave tour company to bubble tea stand, TRUiC has name suggestions for companies in countless niche industries.

Even if the business name generator doesn’t cover your exact industry, it’s almost guaranteed that there are suggestions for something similar, which you can further customize with a keyword search.

9. You can refine your business name search by location

Though not every entrepreneur wants a location-specific business name, it can be desirable for some companies limited to a specific area or when a region, city, or state is known to be an authority for the products or services. If your company fits into that category, you can refine the business name generator search by location, with creative suggestions incorporating your specific state or city.

How to Choose a Business Name Generator

There are countless name generators available online, but choosing the right one is vital. While an endless list of name generators are available, many of them suggest names that are two random words slapped together and hope for the best.

Squadhelp’s name generator for example utilizes our powerful AI-technology that provides accurate and relevant name ideas based on a specific industry, keywords, ideas, emotions, and more.

How do I Use Novanym Business Name Generator?

The Novanym business name generator uses AI to generate hundreds of potential names in roughly one minute.

You can either do a simple search by entering a relevant keyword, or help Novanym choose the right name by selecting your industry and the style of name you want.

You will note three things that make Novanym different from most of the free business name generators on this list. First, they generate more than names; each name is generated with three potential logos.

Second, Novanym doesn’t actually include your keyword in their names. Instead, they generate memorable names that sound appropriate for the keyword and industry you have specified.

Last but certainly not least, they sell these names – and the associated logos – at premium prices, much more than the cost of a domain. The .com domain associated with the chosen name is already registered by Novanym, and will become yours during the purchase process.

If you like one of the names selected by Novanym but you don’t want to pay the premium prices, you have a couple of options. You can modify the name by changing the spelling or adding keywords. Or, you can choose a different extension such as .net or .org.

Business Name Ideas

Great business names are never guaranteed. There are a few business names that have stood the test of time and are examples of great names for companies.

• Google: Started as a joke, the search engine was officially named Google after an investor wrote a check to them.
• Coca Cola: Named after two of the ingredients in the drink, Coca-Cola is easy to pronounce and remember.
• Canon: Spelled the English way, the name Canon comes from Kwanon, which is Japanese for mercy.
• LEGO: Lego comes from the first two letters of two Danish words, ‘Leg godt’ meaning play well, which describes exactly what they created.

Whether you’re looking for an exact match domain or a creative brand name that captures the emotion of your brand, the online name generators on this list will help you come up with a name you love. Ultimately, though, how you present your brand, treat your customers, and stand out in the marketplace is how you’ll be perceived.

Catchy Business Name Ideas

Your brand name can make a lot of difference when it comes to gaining attention. A catchy business name that is easy to remember, whether because it is funny, unusual, a reference to something or someone popular, or simply quirky, can go a long way in establishing your business and earning you visibility without putting extra work into it.

Think of some iconic brands whose names have become generic terms and synonymous to the products they are marketing. Band Aid, Kleenex, Aspirin, Jell-O, Post-it are some of the many brands that managed to leave a significant mark in the business world, so much so that their competition will always be at least a step behind, overshadowed by their memorable trademark. That is how important names are.

However, coming up with an attention-grabbing business name isn’t always easy. There are a couple of things to consider. The first is the message your business name is trying to communicate to customers, be it your story, your vision, or just simply the way you do business, which you will incorporate into your brand identity.

The second is your perspective, the place where you start from when creating the name, i.e whether the focus is on the brand itself or its customers.

If there is a well-defined idea that drives your business, use that to find a name that fits into the description of your company’s goals. Customers love a great backstory. Another great option to begin with is to put yourself in your potential customers’ place and figure out what kind of name would be easy to remember and inspire trust in your company.

Thanks to the hard work of computer engineers, the process of business naming has been made a lot simpler. Our online tool can give you that starting edge and help you in creating a catchy business name that customers will not forget.

Name generators are valuable tools that are made to save businesses’ time, resources and space. Regardless of the niche, or the size and experience of your company, online tools will help you find the right name for you.

Make it Quirky

An eccentric name can be a real attention grabber. Unusual brand names are interesting, new and so out-of-the-box, that people cannot help but remember. There is this quality of stickiness and ‘coolness’ quirky names have that others cannot replicate.

Lululemon, the yoga-wear brand, is a great example for a quirky name. Its founder, Chip Wilson wrote in 2009:

“It was thought that a Japanese marketing firm would not try to create a North American sounding brand with the letter ‘L’ because the sound does not exist in Japanese phonetics. By including an ‘L’ in the name it was thought the Japanese consumer would find the name innately North American and authentic.”

“In essence, the name ‘lululemon’ has no roots and means nothing other than it has 3 ‘L’s’ in it. Nothing more and nothing less.”

Google founders came up with the name after a misspelling of the original name, googol, which is the number 1 followed by a hundred zeros, meaning the engine is able to provide a large quantity of information.

Whichever it is, its founders have managed to find quite a distinctive name. Zappos opted for a variation of the Spanish word ‘zapatos’ for shoes, as the company began as an online shoe retailer, but did not want to limit itself to shoes only.

Sometimes the oddest names make the biggest waves in the business world. If you are looking for that gripping effect of your company name, start by searching amusing words that you can enter into a name generator and let it work its magic.

Make It Simple

The simpler your business name, the easier to remember. Short and simple trumps complex and elaborate any given day. Take Apple, for example. The leading brand’s name and logo are currently the most recognized in the world. Steve Jobs came up with this name after returning from an apple farm and thought the name sounded “fun, spirited and not intimidating.”

One simple word. That is all it takes. Even a single word packed with meaning can do wonders for your brand identity. And if you are smart enough to use the name of a fruit as an unlikely allusion to a computer, then you will definitely stand apart from the competition.

Burberry’s founder opted for his surname as the company name, Thermos for the functionality of its products, Kickstarter went straight to the point, and Amazon’s CEO Jeff Besoz wanted to suggest the similarities between the “biggest” river in the world and the “exotic and different” region it is, and his online store.

The options are endless. A short, cool and catchy name can be found anywhere. Look for inspiration in pop culture, mythology, or just look through the dictionary.

Make It Personal

Nothing works quite as well as adding a personal element to your brand name. Customers love a good story behind the creation of a company or its name. When an email chain that referred to her as a Man Repeller accidentally reached her, Leandra Medine decided to make the most of it. She went on to establish a lifestyle and fashion website and named it nothing else but Men Repeller.

Häagen-Dazs was named with the same idea on mind. Reuben and Rose Mattus, a Jewish couple from Bronx, New York came up with a Danish-sounding name for their ice cream company as a tribute to Denmark, the only country to take in Jews during WWII.

When that personal element you want to add to your business name is difficult to narrow down to a word or a short phrase a business name generator tool can come in handy. Looking trough the dictionary can be very time-consuming, so letting an online tool steer you in the right direction will get you a step closer to finding the perfect name for your business.

Make It Short

Coming up with a one-word name for your brand can be quite difficult, especially when you want to send out a clear message about your business.

If you have created a longer name for business, consider an abbreviation with an easy pronunciation or a portmanteau of two or three words you want to feature in the brand name. Famous brands that have settled for abbreviations or portmanteau words are Microsoft, ASOS, Adidas, DHL, IKEA and H&M among others.

Famous brands have features some combination of the initials of their founders or a portmanteau of their first and last name or an abbreviation of a phrase.  For example, DHL stands for the initials its founders’ surnames, Adrian Dalsey, Larry Hillblom and Robert Lynn.

In the case of Adidas, the nickname of the founder Adolf (Adi) Dassler and the first three letter of his surname were used to come up with a name that’s both easy to remember and pays homage to its founder, and the original meaning of ASOS is AsSeenOnScreen, which is the ultimate description of the online retailer.

When creating a short name for your brand, make sure it’s something customers can pronounce and thus remember it easily. They might not all get a chance to find out what your company name stands for and remember your brand for its full name, but if they can pronounce the initials effortlessly and make it sound like a word, then you know you have found the right abbreviation.

Make It Fun

There are plenty of interesting brand names that conjure up positive images that customers later associate with the brand itself. Yahoo!, Twitter and Tattly are among many recognizable brands on the market that wanted a fun, catchy name that will stick with people.

The search engine/email client features customer experience in its brand name. Twitter uses an imagery to create a connection to nature and make a limiting feature feel natural (talk about 140 characters per post, in the unlimited era of information!). Tattly just decided to coin an adverb out of the word ‘tattoo’ and suitably so, since it sells temporary tattoo stickers.

Fun is universal and as long as your potential clients find your name amusing or easy to connect with something fun, you stand a good chance they will remember you next time they need services that you can provide.

Make it Powerful

If you can add energy to your brand name, that is a welcome bonus. Brands thrive on the idea of empowerment and bringing a positive image in the equation that will get your business to gravitate towards success more than usual.

When Hans Wilsdorf started making his watches, he looked for a name that was short, easy to pronounce and remember and looked good on watch dials. He was looking for a word that combined elegance, exquisiteness and fine craftsmanship.

He said that he combined the alphabet letters “in every possible way” and came up with hundreds of names. None of them felt right, until one day a genie whispered the word “Rolex” in his ear.

Nike is another company that turned to power to create a brand name and built an identity around that idea. The company takes its name after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, and has immersed this idea in their corporate culture, consequently become the clear-cut leader of the industry.

Not everyone knows the meaning behind the names of some of the most powerful brands around the world, but that is of no consequence. These brands have taken the message within their names and built it in their businesses philosophy.

Now Nike does not need its customers to associate its name with victory because Nike has made it their job to make customers feel like winners. However, Nike needed this name to become the company it is today.

When brainstorming your company name, make sure it is something that evokes a positive image, something you can be proud of, or even something on which you can build your brand identity.

There are hundreds of possibilities when you are looking for a name for your company, but as humans are creatures of habit, it is unlikely you will be able to think of all of them. Unique business ideas are usually not those that come to mind first.

Instead of wasting time and energy trying to find the perfect name for your business, let a brand name generator do its work and find it for you. Although entirely algorithmic in their nature, name generators can still create poetry with their results, helping us find solutions that are not only practical and efficient, but also meaningful and inspiring.

Feminine Business Name Generator

Feminine business names should appeal to a sense of strength, beauty, glamor, and inclusivity. Whether you’re a clothing brand, cosmetics company, or a food manufacturer, you’ll need a deep understanding of your target audience to choose a name that resonates with them.

Rank	Business Name	Description
1.	Jackknife Love	A powerful name with just a hint of warmth. The perfect choice for a luxury fashion brand.
2.	New Revenge	An inspiring name for a gym or a sports clothing brand aimed at women.
3.	Rough Fairy	Just because she’s playful, doesn’t mean she’s not tough. An eye-catching, versatile feminine name.
4.	Right Feathers	A name with joyful undertones. Calls to mind feather boas. Great for an evening wear brand.
5.	Rover Rainbow	Denotes a moving rainbow. A great name for a brand that wants to spread happiness.
6.	Dam Colors	Super versatile and perfectly sums up the pain of having to match colors correctly.
7.	People Pink	Wonderful for a pretty feminine brand that empowers women and gives back to the community.
8.	Take Colors	A suitable name for a bold brand that favors bright colors. Ideal for a cosmetics company.
9.	Gold Saffire	Carries connotations of beauty, royalty, & passion. A great choice for a jewelry store.
10.	Support Chicks	A straightforward name for a variety of brands developed by women for women.

New Company Name Suggestions Free

Business starts with a business idea and the next step is coming up with a business name. First of all, you need to understand your business vision and where you want to go with the business. You can start small and grow big or maybe you just want to open a local shop and stay there.

All these things matter when you generate ideas for your perfect brand name. A business name generator will help you understand where to start and also provide domain availability info.

You can find many online business name generators but you should not rely only on these ideas as the main purpose of your business name is that your customer understands who you are and the first impression when your customer hears your company name is very important to build your brand and authority.

Domain availability check

Fortunately, these business name generators can help you find the right option much faster and they will also check social media handles availability. If there is a .com domain availability then there are big chances that the trademark is not registered.

So you can use these business name generators to help you find cool ideas and to check if the name is available. Here are 10 examples of cool online business name generators:

1. 5 Letter Domain Name Generator

When choosing a brand-name you always need to keep it short and simple. And this five-letter domain name generator will help you to easily find a short option for your website or brand. This list of available five-letter domain names can be used in any niche and our business name generator will help you start your naming journey. Just pick one and let’s start!

2. Product Domain Name Generator

When you are looking for a product domain name always consider that the names have to be catchy as catchy names will stick into your customer’s minds. This cool product brand name generator will allow you to generate domain name ideas that will stand out from the crowd.

This free business name generator will also check if the domain is available. Also when you are looking for product labels you have to consider if they can be trademarked. Always use .com domain extension as it will give you more credibility.

3. Blog Domain Name Generator

Creative blog domains are the best for bloggers as these domains will help you drive more eyes to your website. This blog domain generator will help you with your creativity. Clever and cool blog names are usually personalized with the blog author.

For example, many bloggers use their surname or sometimes they use a made-up word for their blog domain or title. Enter your keyword and this business name generator will find the best options for your upcoming blog or web page. This too will also help you check domain availability.

4. Clothing Line Brand Name Generator

Clothing companies are more than you can imagine and that’s why you need a cool company name idea for your clothing line brand name. This clothing brand list generator will help you come up with unique names for your apparel business. Don’t forget to check domain availability as it is the most important thing to look at when you are searching for a great clothing brand name.

5. Fashion Company Name Generator

Generating fashion company name ideas can be frustrating as you need to be very creative with your brand name. Our in-house naming experts can help you to come up with a great list with English-sounding options with meaning.  .com domain name is an important asset when you are building a fashion business.

This fashion business name generator will help you find the best labels for your new fashion business and you can also use it as a store name generator. Simply enter your keyword and it will generate ideas for you.

6. 4 Letter Brand Name Generator

Four letter domains are great for all businesses and this 4 letter name generator will help you find the best brand names and domain names for your shop, app, or company. Our naming experts can also help you find English words with meanings.

A short domain name will instantly give your firm a higher authority score in every customer’s eyes. Just try this 4 letter unique business name generator and you will be one step closer to open your company. 4 letter .com domain extension will give you credibility right from the start. Click “generate names” and you will get your first ideas.

7. Technology Name Generator

Generating technology business names can be a very time-consuming process when you don’t know where to start. This cool technology company name generator will help you find unique brand-names that will help you stand out in the technology niche field. Brands that use boring labels sound like outdated technology, so you should consider if your tech-related brand sounds modern.

IT companies and website builder brands usually use .com domain names and this brand ideas generator will help you find one! But remember that this business name generator will give you AI-generated options and you have to ask your friend’s opinion also.

8. Construction Name Generator

When generating a construction brand idea you must always consider if it represents quality. This construction company name generator will help you with ideas but you always have to test your choice by asking your friends. How does it sound?

The more you will ask their opinion the more you will understand which domain names to choose. By using this construction business name generator you will be a step closer to finding the most suitable naming option for your new construction company.

9. Real Estate Name Generator

Real estate agents usually choose their surname as their company name. This real estate business name generator will give you unique choices to choose from. It all depends on your real estate company’s vision as sometimes options that contain other persons’ surname can be difficult to sell. This company name generator will help you find naming ideas that you can also trademark in the future.

10. Food Name Generator

If you own a food company and need a great brand name for your products, you can use this food company name ideas generator. Good food naming ideas have to make you hungry! Generate names and choose the best one for your new food product brand.

These ideas will help you also better understand how the perfect brand name should look and sound. After you have shortlisted your ideas from the business name generator, you have to ask your friend’s opinion about your brand name choices.

What is Business Name Example?

If you’re struggling to come up with the perfect business name, looking at companies whose branding can’t stay out of our heads is a good place to start. The companies on this list are the top of the top, trailblazing in tech, food and beverage, cosmetics, eCommerce, and more.

Just like you, their founders went back and forth with the naming process. So, let’s learn from their wisdom — this is the story of how the world’s top companies landed upon their names and why they’re so successful.

Apple

There are plenty of theories relating to how one of the world’s top tech companies came up with its iconic name, but we’re here to set the record straight. No, Apple wasn’t named for a nod to Isaac Newton or a tribute to the Beatles’ Apple Records label. It’s as simple as this: Steve Jobs had gone to visit an apple farm and thought the name sounded “fun, spirited, and not intimidating.”

Jobs considered other “more technical names,” but realized nothing could beat Apple. It was simple, whimsical, and fun to say. Importantly, it was also a far cry from the names of other technology companies at the time (IBM, Cincom, Digital Equipment), giving it an edge on the competition from the get-go. 

Twitter

Twitter’s naming process is a little less straightforward. The name came about through a long brainstorming session with the company’s board, where co-founder Jack Dorsey began looking into words associated with the site’s intended purpose: real-time communication through short messages.

Originally coming up with “Status,” Dorsey turned to a dictionary and found the word “Twitter,” defined as “a short burst of inconsequential information, and chirps from birds.” What makes Twitter’s name stand out is the branding opportunity — making for a cohesive bird theme centered around communication. Sometimes keeping the name relevant to your product can be a plus. 

Google 

It might be comforting to know that it even took Google several times to get it right. Originally named BackRub because the engine searched through backlinks, Google’s founders cycled through multiple options, eventually deciding to name their company Googol(plex), a mathematical term. The final form of Google’s name, which people love for its catchy sound and randomness, actually came about through a spelling error. 

Reddit

A little more straightforward, tech company Reddit got its name from a play-on-words with the phrase “read it.” What’s appealing about the name is that it’s distinctive enough from the phrase that users don’t feel commanded, though psychologically, the similarity sends signals about the website’s content. 

Spotify

Spotify is another nonsense name that came spontaneously through a brainstorming session. The Swedish founders were talking when someone misheard the word “Spotify.”

They quickly looked it up, realizing it wasn’t a Swedish word and that its total absence of Google results would make it easy to claim and domain. The name has a verb-like commanding effect that, mixed with its true arbitrary nature, makes it easily brandable and appealing to consumers.

Starbucks

The Starbucks founders wanted to name their coffeehouse after the book Moby Dick, originally leaning toward either Cargo House or Pequod, the name of Captain Ahab’s ship. A brand consultant turned them toward Starbucks, pulling out an old 1800s map, on which the name of the mining town, Starbos, featured in the book, stood out.

The brand consultant then suggested Starbuck, the name of Pequod’s first mate, adding the “s” to make it sound more conversational. The “st” sound is powerful and commanding, which gives the coffee chain a psychological authority among customers. 

Dunkin’ Donuts

First launched as “Open Kettle,” Dunkin’ Donuts’ iconic name, loved for the alliteration and shortened nickname “Dunkin’”, came about through the suggestion of an architect working on the restaurant who was inspired by the idea of dunking donuts into coffee.

The company opted to drop the “donuts” and make the “Dunkin’” nickname its new full-time name in January of 2019 as the world began trending toward healthier foods and diets. This is an important lesson in flexibility — as consumer tastes change over time, make sure to keep evolving your brand.

Whole Foods

John Mackey opened the small natural foods store, Safer Way Natural Foods, in Austin, Texas, in 1978. The Whole Foods name came about through a merger with a rival — neither company wanted to use the other’s name, so they came up with a new, neutral name.

Whole Foods Market was chosen because it described what they were selling with a flare of creativity. The name is so successful because it differentiates Whole Foods, in a subtle way, as a healthy alternative selling high-quality items. 

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola was named after the coca leaf and kola fruits used to add the flavor. However, the founder’s partner and bookkeeper suggested “Coca-Cola” instead because he thought the alliteration would look better.

The brand name appeals to customers for that exact reason — the seemingly whimsical bursts of sound are also easy to nickname, which people enjoy doing. “Coca-Cola” has received many nicknames over the years, including “Cola” and “Coke.”

White Claw

Another company named after nature, White Claw’s name comes from a natural phenomenon known as “White Claw Waves,” which travel in sets of three across the ocean, providing unexpected refreshment from their spray. White Claw is a great name because it’s fun, but ultimately neutral, meaning customers of all genders and ages feel comfortable and welcomed purchasing it (not always the case with other alcoholic beverages).

Additionally, the name offers ample branding opportunity, and has resulted in countless affectionate nicknames and slogans among customers. “Bring the Claws.” “Ain’t no laws when you’re drinking Claws.”

Sephora

The name of French beauty company Sephora came from combining two Greek words: “sephos,” a word meaning “pretty,” and “Zipporah,” the wife of Moses, known for her beauty. The name appeals to customers because of its elegance, and even though people may not know what the stems were supposed to mean, the name still exudes an air of beauty and mythicality. 

Dove

The exact story of how Dove’s name came about isn’t clear, however, the word “Dove” was likely chosen because it is synonymous with beauty, purity, and care. Though descriptor words generally don’t make great names, choosing an adjacent word that still evokes descriptions, such as Dove, can be a successful course of action.  

Glossier 

Founder Emily Weiss launched Glossier in 2014 as a spinoff to her well-known beauty blog, Into the Gloss. This is another name that’s successful because of its connotations. The word “Glossier” suggests a sheen, gloss, or glow that draws in consumers seeking out healthier, glowing skin from the company’s products. However, the fictitious nature of the name makes this meaning less upfront and more up for user interpretation (which people like). 

L’Oréal 

L’Oréal is a variant on the cosmetic company’s original name, Auréale, likely derived from the Latin word meaning “made of gold, golden.” Though L’Oréal is a French company using a French word for its name, using other languages in your name can be a great way of telling consumers about your product in a non-explicit way. For example, L’Oréal’s name, even if you didn’t know what it meant, evokes a feeling of elegance and status. 

Gillette 

Gillette is an appealing name because it remains appealing to both genders. However, the name wasn’t as carefully crafted as some others on this list. In fact, the name Gillette is just the founder’s last name, King Camp Gillette. The business started off catering to men, but the name’s neutrality originally facilitated an expansion into women’s shaving products.

Shopify

Shopify is another name that’s been through many lives. Shopify was originally opened as a store called Snowdevil, which sold snowboards. Then, in its first incarnation as an e-commerce platform, the company was named Jaded Pixel.

A little too long and complicated, the founders settled upon the name “Shopify” in 2006. Like “Spotify,” “Shopify” uses the “ify” sound which suggests to consumers the possibility of finding or purchasing anything of their choosing — like if they think it, it will come to be. 

Amazon

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos initially wanted to call his company “Cadabra,” as in “abracadabra,” a way of expressing that it would be “The Everything Store.” Outside council, however, told Bezos that his choice was a little too obscure.

So, while browsing the “A” section of the dictionary, Bezos came across “Amazon,” and found it to be a perfect fit, seeing as the Amazon is the earth’s largest river and he was (at the time) building the earth’s largest bookstore. Consumers like the name because it evokes adventure, while remaining short and sweet enough to remember. 

eBay

Born AuctionWeb, eBay founder Pierre Omidyar’s next failed name suggestion was echobay.com. However, Omidyar landed upon eBay when the echobay domain was taken.

Memorable for its e-commerce emphasis and fun sound combination, it’s somewhat surprising that the name eBay was picked simply because the domain was free. However, this is actually a driving factor behind the final form of many top brands’ names. 

Etsy

Founder Robert Kalin said he chose the name Etsy because he wanted “a nonsense word” in order to build the brand from scratch. Consumers like a name that is free of burden or immediately apparent, as in the case of Etsy.

It’s also a benefit to brand-building because it means you can mold the meaning around the world without any inhibition. Etsy was somewhat inspired by the Italian phrase for “oh yes,” which sounds like Etsy. 

Craigslist 

The name Craigslist was chosen because it described exactly what founder Craig Newmark was producing, a distribution list. A couple of years after launching an interface, Newmark attempted to transition the name to be “List Foundation,” but ran into trouble because several other organizations were using the name and opted to stay with his original title.

Though Craigslist lacks the whimsy of other company names, the personal touch works for this type of business — it highlights the importance of people on the platform.

Nike

When it comes to names, shorter is usually better, which is a lesson that Nike learned early on. Nike was originally opened as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964. However, less than a decade later, the founders decided to change the name to Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The name appeals to consumers because it is sleek and sporty; again, lacking a well-known connotation. 

Forever 21

Clothing store Forever 21 is another company named after the aspirations of customers. Forever 21 CEO emphasized the fact that the chain was named because of its 20-somethings target demographic and because “old people want to be 21 again, and young people want to be 21 forever.” The name exudes a youthful energy that immediately differentiates it from other clothing stores, appealing to a broad customer base. 

Banana Republic

Founded in 1978 as the “Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company,” with the original concept of selling safari themed clothes, Banana Republic received a facelift in 1983 when it was purchased by Gap. The shortened name allowed for a more upscale image which brought in a new clientele, and meant everyone wouldn’t immediately forget the name. 

J.Crew

Watching the success of catalog clothing retailers like Lands’ End, Talbots, and L. L. Bean, Popular Club Plan launched J. Crew in the ‘80s. The name was chosen to connote a “preppy” spirit in an attempt to situate the brand in the niche between Ralph Lauren and the Limited. J. Crew’s name also has an air of professionalism that allows it to dabble in workwear, in addition to preppy everyday clothes.

Coach

Like most other companies on this list, Coach was also founded under a different name. First known as Manhattan Leather Bags, the name quickly became limiting for a brand with big aspirations. The name “Coach” was selected when a new CEO took over in the late 1990s, deciding to rebrand around the sturdiness, reliability, and high-quality of the bag-maker’s products.

The short and sweet Coach name is successful because, in addition to evoking an element of class, it suggests a usability and wearability. Coach bags aren’t breakable or delicate; they can be used for any occasion, which is what the name carefully gets across.

Pottery Barn

The Pottery Barn was launched by brothers Paul and Morris Secon in 1949. Paul discovered three barns full of pottery from the Glidden Parker factory in New York and decided to launch his own home goods supply chain. The two parts of the name work together to create a cozy, home-made feel, which appeals to a specific subset of consumers looking to personalize their homes. 

IKEA

Interestingly enough, Swedish brand IKEA is not named after a Swedish word. The company was named after the initials of its founder, Ingvar Kamprad, the farm on which he grew up, Elmtaryd, and the nearby village, Aguunaryd. The four-letter name stands out to consumers because it is straightforward, just like it’s products. It also, nonetheless, serves as a nod to the company’s Swedish roots. 

Wayfair 

The original name for Wayfair, CSN stores, was also chosen because of the founders’ initials. However, after years of expansion, the founders wanted a broader brand that would encapsulate all of the niche acquisitions. Thus, Wayfair was born in 2011.

The use of the word “fair” in the name sticks with consumers because it is somewhat reminiscent of an in-person fair, where you can shop for unique, quality items. Additionally, “fair” has a connotation of “justice,” which consumers like because it suggests a fair price. 

West Elm

West Elm is another example of a more carefully curated name. Neither word is random or fictional. Both were selected to evoke a cool, natural, elegant feeling for consumers looking to decorate their homes. The name definitely contains an element of class that appeals to consumers looking for slightly up-market furniture, like what West Elm sells. 

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel was named after the materials originally used to display items in the company’s first store in Chicago. Although the name is on the longer side, the symmetrical nature is stylistically appealing to customers. Also, the name suggests a rustic charm that intrigues many consumers.

Should I Name my Business After Myself?

When it comes to naming your company, is it better to create a name for the brand, or to use your own name as the brand? Sometimes you can go either way, and sometimes there is a clear winner.

Using your own name is best:

When it helps people find you on Google…

If you have a unique name, using it as your brand name can be an easy way to win the SEO game so you come up first in Google searches.

Coming up with a great business name that you’re excited about can be challenging, and coming up with one you’re excited about and isn’t already taken can be extremely difficult.

Not only do you have to dream up a unique name for your business within your industry, but you’re also competing with companies across all industries from all over the globe that could potentially have your same name (and therefore own the top search results) or have already purchased the URL. And while there are creative ways to nab a .com URL by adding “llc” or “inc” or “nyc” to the end of your name, this is not an ideal strategy.

Using your full name can be a great alternative. Unless your tag is as common as Mary Smith or James Johnson, there is usually not that much competition on Google for a full name, especially if you throw in a middle initial. This makes it easier for users to locate you on Google and find your website and email address. Business is hard enough, don’t make it any harder to find you.

When you are the face of the brand…

If you are going to be creating content, recording podcasts, filming videos, and the like, your name will be more powerful than a brand name, even if you plan to build an empire with employees. My personal brand lives at piasilva.com and is housed under my name because the foundation of everything I do is based on my philosophies and my experiences in business.

A company called “Money Matters,” for example, that is solely based on the speaking, writing and consulting of one person can create dissonance in the brand experience.

Sure you may write a book called “Money Matters” and eventually decide to build a training company around it later, but don’t get ahead of yourself in the present if it’s your face that is bringing the credibility to everything you publish. If you are the face of your brand, don’t hide it. 

When you want your specific ideas, philosophies, and approach to be known as yours…

If you are breaking new ground in your field, your business may feel more reliable when it’s attached to your name. Gary Vaynerchuk had his own spin on and approach to the social media world, and it was easier to digest because there was a face and a name with proven results behind it.

Even though Apple is a revolutionary company, we attribute a lot of its innovation to Steve Jobs because we want a name and face (even though he was one of many people leading the innovation).

If you have ideas that are unique and powerful, sometimes it’s easier to get them out there when you are willing to be the face, and that means building your brand around your name.

What Should I Name my Brand?

If you need to choose a great brand name for your product, service or business, start by considering the importance of the name in your branding efforts.

Your name is an extension of your brand, and it can reinforce the value you provide or distance you from it. When you’re developing a name for a business, a product or a service, you have a number of options:

• Use the founder or inventor’s name (Hewlett-Packard)
• Describe what you do (Southwest Airlines)
• Describe an experience or image (Sprint)
• Take a word out of context (Apple)
• Make up a word (Google)

How do I Get a Free Business Name?

Using a free business name generator can be a great shortcut to coming up with the perfect name. You’ll want a business name that represents your brand, and something that you can stick with as your company grows for years to come.

When you’re using a business name generator or a domain name generator, try these top branding experts’ tips:

1. List Keywords Associated With Your Business Idea

What words or phrases are a good match for your brand?

If you’re not already clear about what your business will do, now’s the time to define it.

You’ll also want to think about at least one of these:

• How you do business: Quickly? Affordably? Expertly?
• Who you do business for: Small businesses? Busy professionals? Beginners?

Make a list of all the words that come to mind. Try to come up with synonyms (related words) too as you narrow down your brand. For instance, your “affordable marketing for small businesses” could become “budget-friendly advertising for start-ups.”

You might also want to think about what type of business you’re creating. Perhaps you need to come up with a name for an ecommerce store using WooCommerce or Shopify.

Or maybe you’re creating a business that provides offline services, like a yoga studio.

If you get stuck, take a look at the business names and slogans your competitors are using. What words and phrases do they use to describe themselves? How do their business names fit with their brands?

Obviously, you shouldn’t copy a competitors’ name or slogan, but you might find that it inspires you with a new company name idea.

2. Come Up With Lots of Business Name Ideas

When you’re trying to name your business, it can be a bit like trying to name a baby. You want the name to be perfect.

But in reality, there are plenty of different business names that would work just fine for your idea. You don’t want to get too stuck on having one particular word or phrase in your name in case that domain name isn’t available.

Come up with as many possible options as you can. You might want to ask friends or family for their name suggestions, too. Even if they don’t come up with a great new business name, they might still spark some ideas for you.

3. Make Your Business Name Clear Rather Than Funny

Some funny business names can raise a laugh, like “Curl Up and Dye” for a hair salon. However, if you want customers to take you and your business seriously, stick with something clear.

Funny business names can confuse customers. A domain name that doesn’t seem to relate to your business won’t help your site to rank well in Google, either. A great name for your company needs to make sense, instantly.

4. Don’t Infringe Other Brand Name’s Trademarks

If you’re creating a business that’s related to someone else’s product or service, be extra careful about how you name your company.

When you’re using a brand name generator, avoid entering trademarked words. That way, none of your name suggestions will infringe copyright.

5. Think About Your Business’ Brand, Not Just Your Business’ Name

Your business’ name is just one part of your brand. How will your company name fit with everything else? Our sister company OptinMonster, for instance, has a cute monster (Archie) chewing on an email in the logo.

You’ll want to think about your name alongside your possible company logo designs, brand colors, and more.

6. Use a Business Name Generator

Once you’ve come up with your keywords, use our business name generator above. We’ve tried quite a few, and we think ours is the best company name generator out there.

Unlike other brand name generators, we also check the domain name availability, so you can see if the matching domain name is available to register without any additional clicks.

All you need to do is put in 1 or 2 words in the field above, then click Generate.

If you don’t like any of the first set of name ideas, try again with other keywords.

With our business name generator, you can easily click on one of the generated domain names to buy it. If the domain you want isn’t available, you can click on the WHOIS link to find out details about the current ownership.

Finding a catchy name for your business can be really difficult, so let our A.I powered company name generator come up with a creative business name for you.

7. Pick the Right Domain Extension

What if you find just the right name for your company but someone else has already registered the .com? It can be very tempting to pick a different domain extension, like .org or .net, instead.

This isn’t a good idea. Customers who hear about your business from someone else, perhaps in a mention on social media, might simply guess that your domain is a .com. This is why we always recommend looking for an available domain that has a .com suffix.

How do I Write my Business Name as an LLC?

The laws which apply to LLC names vary from state to state, but in general most states will require you to include certain required words as part of your name. Additionally, there will be a list of restricted words which you will not be permitted to use in your LLC name.

Identifying Your Company as an LLC 

Most states require an LLC designation be included in the name of a company that’s registered as an LLC. The designations vary from state to state, but generally include phrases or abbreviations such as “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Liability Co.”, “LLC” and “Limited”.

Restricted Words

Each state will also have a list of restricted words that cannot be used as part of an LLC name. Commonly restricted words include “bank” and “insurance”.

One reason these words are restricted is because their use in an LLC name could be misleading for the general public.

If you feel you absolutely must use one of these restricted words in your LLC name, check your state’s business name guidelines to see if there’s a process through which you can apply for permission to use the restricted word as part of your business name.

How do You Name a Startup?

Use this guide as a reference before you finalize your business name.

1. Keep it short

The name of your business should roll off the tongue.

People shouldn’t have to take a breath midway through saying your name out loud. Just think about some of the brands that dominate worldwide.

Nike. Apple. Walmart.

While these are obviously longer than names such as Apple or Nike, they still fall within the lower end of the spectrum, as you can see from the graph.

Your business shouldn’t sound like a sentence. Sure, in some instances, two words might be appropriate. I’m talking about names such as Waffle House or even Quick Sprout. Ha! But both of these names are still short and roll off the tongue.

Most importantly, keeping your name short will make it easier for consumers to remember it, which will help you tremendously with your marketing campaigns.

2. Make sure it’s easy to spell

Put yourself into the minds of consumers.

Let’s says they hear your brand name somewhere. Whether it’s on TV, the radio, or in a conversation. Next, they search for it online, but can’t find you because they don’t know the spelling – it’s too complicated.

Stick with names that are spelled exactly how they sound.

Even if they see your oddly spelled brand name written somewhere, they may not remember how to spell it when they look for it.

Don’t do anything weird, like using the number 8 to replace the “ate” sound or use the letter “Z” in a place where you should have an “S.”

3. Don’t restrict growth

Right now, your startup may be focusing on something specific, whether it’s a product, location, or target market.

But that doesn’t mean you should name your business something extremely specific.

For example, let’s say you’re creating a fashion brand selling men’s jeans. Naming your company “Jeans for Men” is a bad idea.

What happens when you want to start making shirts, shorts, hats, or women’s clothing? The new directions no longer fits with your name.

Or let’s say you name the startup based on the location of your first physical store. You may be thinking something along the lines of “Tuxedo Shop of Seattle.” But when you want to open a new location in Chicago or San Diego, you’ll be faced with a challenge.

Instead, name it after something like a street if you want to have some connection to your local area. Just make sure it’s easy to spell.

4. Check the domain name

So you think you’re ready to settle on a name.

Next, use an online tool, such as Domain.com to see if the domain is available:

We see businesses make this mistake often. A company settles on a name, but someone already has the .com domain. So instead of trying to purchase it, they decide to use another extension, such as .net, .biz, or .org, instead.

We don’t recommend that. Consumers have grown accustomed to associating .com domains with credible and established businesses.

But that also doesn’t mean you should make your domain different from the name of your startup just to secure a .com domain.

Our suggestion is this. If your domain name is taken and you can’t buy it, try to come up with a different name for your business.

5. Be original

You want your brand to be unique. Your name needs to be memorable and stand out from the crowd.

Do your best to avoid common names. “John’s Plumbing.”

How many plumbers out there do you think have that name? I’m willing to bet there is more than just a handful.

You want your name to stand on its own, without any confusion or association with other companies.

6. Say it out loud

Your name may look good on paper. But what happens when it’s spoken?

Earlier we said names should be easy to spell, but they should also be easy to pronounce.

Make sure that when you say it out loud, it doesn’t get confused with other words. You don’t want it to sound like something that could be inappropriate.

7. Ask for feedback

You don’t have to struggle alone naming your company.

Sure, you can come up with some ideas and ultimately have the final say. But if you’ve got a team or partners, make it a group discussion.

Write down your ideas. Narrow the list down to five or ten names.

Then reach out to your family and friends. See what they think. If one name by far stands out from the crowd based on that feedback, you should consider it more than the others.

8. Research social media profiles

This is similar to your domain name search.

You want your branding to be consistent across all your marketing channels. See if certain social media handles are taken.

Here’s an example from Thule. Let’s look at its Facebook page first:

And now let’s check out its Instagram profile:

As you can see, the company uses @thule everywhere.

It may sound simple, but you want to make sure all of this is squared away before you name your startup.

Read Also: What is Business Intelligence?

Having different social media handles on each platform will confuse your customers. It’ll complicate your efforts to build brand awareness for your new company.

If your name is available on all social media platforms except for one, reach out to the user and see whether you can purchase it from them, or consider coming up with a new name.

9. Make it catchy

Your brand name needs to resonate with consumers. It shouldn’t be forgettable.

Even though you’re in the early stages of your business, you should always be looking toward the future and thinking about potential marketing campaigns.

How will this brand name fit with your campaigns? Will it be easy for you to come up with a company slogan that flows well with the name?

You can’t pre-determine whether something will be catchy or not, and there aren’t any tools that can help you with this. But you can still figure it out based on your gut feeling and feedback of others.

10. Search the Secretary of State records

Once you come up with a name, you’ll need to register your new business.

You’ll probably form an LLC or corporation. In the US, check the Secretary of State records to make sure the name isn’t too close to a business that’s been previously registered.

If the name is too similar, the state may disallow you from registering that name.

Find a lawyer to help you register your new business. They can potentially help you with this research as well.

Conclusion

What’s in the name? More than you think.

The name of your business will be your new identity. Don’t approach this task haphazardly.

Whether you’re struggling to come up with a name or you have a name in mind but unsure how to proceed, use this guide to help you finalize the decision.

It’s better to take the time and be sure of it now as opposed to trying to change your name in the future.