Choosing a name for your business is one of the most exciting — and sometimes most stressful — steps of launching your brand. Your business name is the first impression you’ll make on potential customers, and it often sticks with you for years.
The right name can help you stand out, connect with your audience, and communicate what your brand is all about. But how do you choose a name that’s unique, memorable, and actually available?
In this guide, you’ll learn how to come up with the perfect name for your business step-by-step, plus the most common mistakes to avoid.
Why Your Business Name Matters
Your business name plays a big role in how people perceive your brand. It affects your marketing, your website, your social media presence, and even your legal and financial documents.
A strong business name can:
- Build trust and credibility
- Make your brand easier to remember
- Help you stand out in a crowded market
- Communicate your mission or style
Meanwhile, a confusing or generic name can cause people to forget you — or even mistrust your brand.
Step 1: Define Your Brand Identity
Before you brainstorm names, you need to understand what your business stands for.
Ask yourself:
- What problem does my business solve?
- Who is my target audience?
- What values or emotions do I want to convey?
- Am I aiming to be fun and casual — or professional and serious?
Example:
If you’re launching a children’s clothing line, your tone might be playful, colorful, and fun. If you’re starting a consulting business, your tone might be more professional and trustworthy.
Your name should reflect that.
Step 2: Brainstorm a List of Keywords
Make a big list of words related to your business. Don’t filter yourself — just write down everything that comes to mind.
Include:
- What you do (e.g., design, coffee, coaching)
- Who you help (e.g., moms, freelancers, dog owners)
- Benefits (e.g., fast, simple, bold)
- Feelings you want to evoke (e.g., cozy, powerful, creative)
Tools that can help:
- Thesaurus.com for synonyms
- Wordhippo.com for related words
- ChatGPT (yep, I can help brainstorm names too!)
This gives you a vocabulary to work with as you start building name ideas.
Step 3: Use Naming Techniques
There’s no “one way” to create a business name. But here are a few proven techniques:
1. Descriptive Names
Explain what your business does.
- Example: FreshBooks (for invoicing), The Dog Bakery
2. Invented Words or Blends
Make up a new word or mash up two ideas.
- Example: Pinterest (Pin + Interest), Shopify (Shop + Simplify)
3. Metaphorical Names
Use a symbol or idea from nature, mythology, or culture.
- Example: Nike (Greek goddess of victory), Amazon (massive scale)
4. Short and Snappy
Use simple, catchy words that are easy to say and spell.
- Example: Uber, Lyft, Canva
5. Founder’s Name or Location
Include your name or city.
- Example: Magnolia Bakery, Zara’s Studio, Brooklyn Bakes
Try mixing and matching techniques until something clicks.
Step 4: Check for Availability
Once you have a shortlist of 3–5 names you like, it’s time to make sure they’re actually usable.
Here’s what to check:
✅ Domain Availability
Go to a site like Namecheap or GoDaddy and search for the .com version of your name.
If the domain is taken, consider alternatives:
- Add a word like “shop,” “co,” or “official”
- Try a different extension (.co, .io, .net)
✅ Social Media Handles
Search platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to see if your name is taken.
Try to use the same handle across all platforms if possible. Tools like Namecheckr help you check everything at once.
✅ Trademarks and Business Registrations
Search your country’s trademark database to make sure no one has legally registered your name. Also check if the name is already registered with your local business authority.
Even if the name is available online, it might be legally restricted.
Step 5: Say It Out Loud and Ask for Feedback
A name might look great on paper — but sound weird out loud or be hard to spell.
Try this:
- Say the name aloud to see how it flows
- Ask 3–5 people in your target audience what they think
- Check how it feels when you say it on video, in a pitch, or to a stranger
Make sure:
- It’s easy to pronounce
- It doesn’t have double meanings or odd translations
- It makes people feel what you want them to feel
If people don’t “get it” quickly, try simplifying.
Step 6: Make a Confident Decision
You’ve brainstormed, tested, and researched. Now it’s time to choose.
Don’t wait for the perfect name — it might not exist. Choose one that:
- Feels right for your brand
- Has available domains and social handles
- You won’t regret saying 100 times a day
Once you decide, grab the domain, create your social media profiles, and start building your brand!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Too Generic:
Avoid names like “Global Solutions” or “Best Marketing” — they’re forgettable and hard to rank online.
🚫 Too Long or Complicated:
If people can’t say it or spell it, they won’t remember it.
🚫 Copying Other Brands:
Don’t choose something too close to a famous brand — it creates confusion and could lead to legal issues.
🚫 Trying to Be Too Clever:
Wordplay is fun, but don’t sacrifice clarity. If people don’t get the joke, they’ll just get confused.