What Makes A Good Business Name?
A Comprehensive Guide to Naming your Business
Business name ideas are hard to come by, especially good business names.
Your business name, or brand name is important. It's the first thing people think of when they hear your business name.
Good branding is hard to come by, but it shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg to get one. There are many ways to come up with a good business name for less than $100., even do it for free!
Creating a brand that resonates with your target audience is essential for the success of any business.
And an important part of building a memorable brand is coming up with the perfect name.
But coming up with a great name can be tricky!
That’s why it’s important to first get your brand positioning and brand pillars in order before you start brainstorming names.
Knowing who your ideal customer is, what problem you’re solving, and how you want to stand out from competitors will make sure you narrow down potential name options quickly.
Don't know where to begin? checkout our startup branding services
What are some ways to get good business names?
1. Get help from friends and family - Ask your friends, family members or co-workers for their input on business name ideas. They may be able to think of something that you hadn't thought of before.
2. Use brainstorming techniques - Try using techniques like mindmapping, or free writing. These will help you generate tons of business name ideas that you may have never thought of before.
3. Use a naming tool - There are many online and offline tools out there to help you come up with good business names. Some charge a fee, but others are free! Check them out and see which one fits your needs.
In this blog post, we take a look at what makes a good business name.
We also provide you with a step by step process on how to name your business.
This will be a jam-packed post filled with valuable information about everything you need to know about choosing a business name.
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Choosing the right business name is an important step in starting your business.
There are many different factors to consider when coming up with a name, including the type of business you are running and the goals you have for your company.
In general, there are three main types of business names that you can choose from: descriptive, coined/invented, and fanciful.
Descriptive Business Name
This type of business name describes or relates to your product or service, and is often the most common choice for small businesses.
Descriptive business names can be useful for helping customers easily understand what your company does, but they may not always convey the brand identity that you are trying to create.
Invented Business Name
This type of business name is usually created from scratch, and can be based on your product or service, your location, or even your own name.
Coined/invented names are often seen as more creative and unique than descriptive business names, and can help you to create a strong brand identity for your company.
Coined Business Name
This type of business name is often created from an existing word or phrase, but uses creative spelling or other changes in order to give the impression that the company is unique and different.
Fanciful business names and coined business names can be very effective in helping your company stand out from the crowd, but they may also be more difficult to remember or pronounce than other types of business names.
Ultimately, the type of business name that you choose will depend on your own preferences and the goals you have for your company.
To get started, do some research into the different types of business names, and consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision.
With a little thought and creativity, you can choose a name that perfectly captures the essence of your business!
Understand Your Business
This is how brand positioning can help you name your business.
Brand positioning is a marketing strategy that involves carefully analyzing and understanding your business, your customers, and the market environment in which you are operating.
Once you have a good sense of your own business, you can then start to look at the different names that might be ideal for your company. Some key considerations include:
- How will the name make your customers feel? Will it create the right brand identity for your company, and help you to stand out from your competitors?
- Is the name easy to remember and pronounce? Can it be easily written in a way that is both aesthetically appealing and easy to read?
- Does the name have any potential legal or trademark issues? Will it be suitable in all important markets, such as online and offline?
- Does the name convey the right image or message? Will it appeal to your target customers, and help you to build a strong brand identity?
Once you have considered these factors, you can then start to brainstorm names that meet your criteria and fit your business.
You may also want to seek help from a branding professional, who can offer valuable advice and input on choosing the right name for your company.
Ultimately, choosing the right business name is an important decision that requires careful planning and consideration.
By understanding your own business, analyzing the market environment, and carefully considering all of your options, you can choose a name that will help your company succeed and thrive.
There are many different factors that go into a business name, including the type of business you are starting and your goals.
A descriptive business name typically relates to or describes your product or service, which can be useful for making it clear what your company does.
However, if you want to create a strong brand identity for your company, you may want to look for a more unique or coined business name, such as one that is based on your product, location, or personal name.
To help you get started finding the right business name, it can be helpful to do some research and brainstorming.
Consider what type of business you are starting and what makes your company different from others.
Also, think about the voice and tone that you want to use for your company, as this can impact the type of business name that is right for you.
At the end of the day, there is no “right” or “wrong” business name.
The important thing is that your business name aligns with your company’s goals and is something that you are proud to stand behind.
So, get creative, do your research, and find a business name that truly represents who you are!
An example of how and why we chose the name "The Branded" for our agencies name.
First, let’s take a look and analyze the name "The Branded." Why did we choose this name? How can this name benefit us as a business and brand?
Towards the end of 2019, we were looking to launch our own branding agency. We wanted a name that reflected our values as a company – that is, we are passionate about creating powerful and effective brands for our clients.
We initially brainstormed several different names, but kept coming back to "The Branded." This name captures the essence of what we offer and do for our clients.
At The Branded, we believe that a carefully crafted brand can make a huge difference in the success of any business.
Our passion and expertise lie in helping companies build strong, effective brands that stand out from the competition and capture the hearts and minds of their customers.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to revitalize your business, the Branded Agency has your back.
Truly, the name "The Branded" is a perfect choice for our agency because it reflects who we are and what we do.
We hope that clients will see and feel this when they work with us, and that our name will help to set us apart from other agencies.
In addition, the name The Branded is descriptive and has a decent monthly search volume that would provide us with SEO benefits. This also played into our decision making process.
While we explored other names too, we thought that The Branded Agency was a name that aligned with our business goals, vision and would resonate with our target audience.
It checked all the important boxes that were right for us.
The name also doesn’t block any expansion for future development.
An Original Business Name
What makes a good business name?
Let’s think of original and future-proof names.
Business names that are true to you to help you be memorable.
Chances are that your business is going to be a big part of your life, so it’s important to settle on a name that reflects who you are and what you value.
At the same time, choosing an original business name can benefit you in many ways – it helps people remember you, it gives you a competitive edge, choosing a unique business name is also the first step to building your brand identity.
Your business name can be used as a starting point for developing your company’s look and feel, whether through your logo, website design, or marketing materials.
Choosing a Unique Business Name
Will make you stand out from the crowd and assist with your brand recall.
The advantage of choosing a unique business name, is that's usually these names are invented and available, they can be completely made up and even have spelling errors.
With an original business name, you also avoid any confusion with other companies that have similar names.
Choosing a Name that will Stand the Test of Time
By this, we mean to choose a name that doesn’t have an expiration date.
When generating ideas for business names, keep in mind that it has to be something that doesn’t limit your future brand development and evolution.
For example, you’re a vitamins and supplement shop called Vitamin Land.
Five years down the road, half of your inventory is catered towards clean living food and products.
Your name itself limits potential customers who are looking to shop for healthy food as they will assume at first glance that you’re store is purely for vitamins.
Impressions matter with your name. Sometimes the perception is more powerful.
When someone is scrolling through, they might not immediately click on your website and the advertisement or walk into your shop.
Be sure your name doesn’t limit your possible business expansion unless you are confident that what your business is today will remain in the same industry.
Choosing a Name that Sounds Good
Whenever you’re in a grocery store or the mall, one of the first things that we tend to do is read the names.
This is true for your business as well.
The name should be something that sounds good and can be remembered.
A great way to test this is to see how it looks n you say it out loud, if it doesn’t sound right, or your brain has to process the name, that’s a sign that it’s not right for your business.
Your name should be something that will resonate with your target audience and help make an impact.
In short, there are choosing an original business name, consider the following factors: your values, brand identity and future expansion goals.
By doing this, you will be well on your way to choosing a name that is right for you and your business.
When we study business names, the ones that sound good are the names we gravitate towards.
Of course, this is subjective as people have different perspectives on what sounds the best.
But creating a name that appeals to the majority should be something to consider.
Say it out loud and envision it.
Can you see it being the next big name in your community?
What do you think? Do you agree with these tips for choosing an original business name? Let us know in the comments below.
Here is a blog post that will guide you in buying a domain an important step for you after your business name is finalized.
User-friendly Business Name
Is your business name user friendly? What does this mean? and Why does this matter?
A user-friendly business name is one that is easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
It is also something that evokes the right image in people's minds and helps your business stand out from the crowd.
Why does this matter?
The success of your business dependst are the key considerations when choosing a user-friendly business name?
Some of the important factors to consider include:
– Choosing a name that is simple and straightforward, without any complicated or hard-to-pronounce words.
– Opting for a name that reflects your brand identity and values, and resonates with your target audience.
Choosing a user-friendly business name is an important step in the process of building a successful and thriving company.
If you're looking to start your own business, it's essential to choose a name that is both memorable and meaningful.
By considering these key factors when choosing your business name, you can help ensure its long-term success.
Using acronyms and initials for your business name
It has worked for some companies like 3M and many others, but, know that companies like that have spent a lot of money to brand themselves, essentially teaching people what they are all about. can be a risky move to go with an acronym or initial for your business name.
That said, there are also some benefits to using acronyms and initials, including:
– Creating an immediate sense of familiarity and association with your brand.
– Making it easier for customers to remember your name and find you is certainly a decision that you will need to weight carefully, depending on your industry and target audience.
If you decide to go with an acronym or initial for your business name, be sure to invest in effective branding and marketing efforts that will help people learn who you are and what you do.
Ultimately, the choice is up to you and what feels right for your company.
Whether you decide on an acronym or initial for your business name, or opt for something longer and more descriptive, it's important to put careful thought into all of these things.
It comes down to what feels right for your company and your unique goals, so don't be afraid to trust your intuition when it comes to choosing a name that will take your business to the next level. Good luck!
Names That Benefit The Business
What makes a good business name? Let’s think of names that will benefit your business.
By that, we mean names that can speak to who you are and what you do.
A business name that has a meaning.
Having your business name tied to meaning amplifies your business story. It adds to your brand identity.
Do some of your name ideas have a meaning? What does it resonate with? How does it represent your business?
Describes what you do.
Does your business name reflect what you do?
It’s a good idea for it to reflect your business. The names you want might not be available, and you might have some competition, but playing around with synonyms or other related keywords could work.
Reflects mission and values.
Similar to having a meaning, your new business name could reflect your mission and values. If you don’t have that planned out yet, get on it! They’ll be your guide for your company.
If you’re looking for a brand bible, a guideline for all your branding needs, we have a blog post about it that can provide you with more insight. A brand bible can help clear any confusion with your business and it can inspire you.
How To Name Your Business
What makes a good business name? Let’s discuss more ways to name your business.
Think of descriptive words.
Descriptive words can help you come up with different variations of your business names. Sometimes they amplify who you are as a company.
Does your name describe the business itself? Perhaps, who you are and what your core intentions are? Descriptive words could work if it serves a purpose in your business.
Consider SEO.
To consider SEO is to understand the power of online content. Brand positioning yourself with your business name is ideal. It gives you a boost.
At The Branded, that was something that we strongly considered, and we think it’s working out in our favour. Choose a name that will boost you in a sea of content.
Tells a story.
Similar to picking a business name that has a meaning, consider a name that tells a story. A name that entices people to ask what it means. Sometimes the curiosity can lead to loyal customers.
A brand story is important, and if your business name is tied to something that people can relate to or like, then you’re already on your way to creating a community.
Do your research.
Make sure all the name ideas you have are not taken. It’s important to do your research and to test your ideas on Google.
Something to keep in mind is language translations. You wouldn’t want your business name to have a different meaning in another language that translates to something you don’t want or is not related to what you do.
Do the research with your name ideas and double-check everything.
Types of Business Names to Choose From
What makes a good business name? Let’s take a look at the types of business names.
Acronyms
Acronyms are a hit or a miss. For example, 3M and CVS have ran with it and found success. These are older companies that have spent a lot of money on marketing and teaching people what they do.
But for some smaller companies, it is harder to promote business names with acronyms.
Using acronyms can work but be prepared to have a strong brand profile so that your audience is immediately able to understand what you do and what you provide.
Compounds
Compounds could be a way to create a whole new word together. One that you can define. One that is yours only.
This could be a creative way to create a business name. Make sure it makes sense and that it represents you and speaks to an audience.
Real Names
Using real names as a business name could work. Because they act as the face of the company, make sure that they represent everything your company stands for.
For example, your brand mission and vision, brand pillars and brand identity should align with the name of the person.
Creation
What makes a good business name? Creating your very own name, and defining it for yourself.
We suggest picking a few things of importance to you. For example, I’ve mentioned earlier that The Branded strongly considered SEO and ease of use as an important category.
What are you prioritizing with your business name?
Successful Business Name Examples
Let’s take a look at a few examples that have found success with their names. We’ll look at what makes a good business name through these examples.
We’ve already used ourselves as an example, but let’s dive further in.
At The Branded, we knew that having a direct name that was easy to remember in our industry was of importance. SEO, as mentioned was something we strongly valued. Because we’re a digital branding agency, we understood the power of having a name like this.
With our name, we think we do it justice with all of the companies we have helped built up. We’ve helped them expand, grow and turn them into global brands through our branding expertise. We can do it with your business, too.
Reach out to us about your business, project, or simply say hello.
A creative example of a successful name would be a Canadian-based sustainable clothing company called KOTN. They focus on ethically sourced basics with transparency in their production. From farm to hanger, they provide radical transformation in their industry.
Their clothes are made out of cotton with some percentage in other types of fabric. Their name is a great play on words. Memorable and on-brand at the same time.
Another business name example would be Tentree.
Tentree is another clothing brand focused on ethically sourced clothes as well. Each time you purchase an item from them, they plant ten trees. It’s a great business name as it reminds its customers of the impact of their purchase.
It’s also a great marketing strategy to showcase that not only are you buying a garment from them, but you are also changing the world one purchase at a time.
Business Name Generators
Here are some business name generators you could use. You can find some to inspire you to amplify your brand personality and brand image.
This business name generator creates brand names using artificial intelligence. Once you type in your brand keyword, it asks you the name length and name style you want. Then you’ll see your search results organized visually.
Great for unique, inspiring names. Simply press refresh to get a new idea. When you find something you like they give you an option to buy the domain by checking the domain availability.
You can enter a keyword, and you’ll find a list of premium names you can use. You can even press the heart on each business name you like to save to your favourites. Then email the list to yourself to review it.
This is great if you don’t have a keyword in mind. You can scroll down the page and browse categories depending on your industry. You can also use a keyword if you do have one in mind, and you can see the different name variations they suggest, plus the price listing.
This name generator is great for providing you with variations of a specific word you like. It gives you different ways to use it.
Shopify Name Generator is great tool for generating business ideas and it also various categories in the tool like adventure business name generator.
Business Name Ideas For You
Here are some business names for you that I’ve created using the name generators we’ve suggested.
Catchy Business Names Ideas
Twire
Industry: TechHuumanly
Industry: RecruitmentSwopsome
Industry: Online shopBuildility
Industry: ConstructionGlowby
Industry: Online Media
Creative Brand Names Ideas
Evermead
Industry: GardeningFlexxology
Industry: BeautyVeggible
Industry: RestaurantBuzzwells
Industry: Publication, Social MediaBespooke
Industry: Online shop
Professional Brand Names Ideas
Tutorability
Industry: EducationLearly
Industry: Technology, EducationPhotoskope
Industry: PhotographyEversmiths
Industry: DesignBonbela
Industry: Beauty
Fun Brand Names Ideas
Lemonini
Industry: RestaurantSnoffle
Industry: FoodLoopability
Industry: Social MediaBooomy
Industry: Consulting, OnlineHelicoptic
Industry: Software
What’s Next After Naming Your Business?
You have a business name, now what?
It’s time to build. Create a brand plan and develop it. Now that you have a name you can use that as an anchor. You can build your mission and vision, brand pillars, brand identity and so on.
Creating a brand bible would be ideal after choosing a business name that you are proud of. Check out this blog post we’ve put together featuring brand bible examples and tips on how to create one.
At The Branded, creating brand bibles is something we excel at. If you require a design boost, we got you. Reach out to us.
Cool Business Names
Finding the perfect name for your business can be a daunting task. You want to choose something that reflects your brand’s personality and will stand out from the competition.
To help you get started, here are some amazing names for company that could work for any industry:
- Bolt & Hammer
- The Big Idea Factory
- The Creative Co.
- Good Fortune Group
- Network Ninjas
- Rocket Science Solutions
- The Fixers
- Thought Leaders Worldwide
- Wanderlust Innovations
- Wink Digital Agency
- Yippee Designs
These names can give you a jumping off point for your brainstorming sessions, or be used as inspiration to create something completely unique. Have fun coming up with the perfect name for your business.
Company Name Suggestions for my Small Business
If you’re looking for a new company names suggestion for your small business, try these suggestions:
- Bright Minds Solutions
- Delta Dynamics
- Eye of the Tiger Enterprises
- Idea Accelerator Inc.
- Innovative Solutions Group
- Magnify Services
- Next Level Consulting
- Perfect Pitch Enterprises
- Quantum Leap Solutions
- Solution Seeker Productions
- Wildfire Strategies Group.
These names provide a great starting point for getting creative and understanding what type of business name best suits your needs.
Enterprise name ideas
- Thrive Industries
- Peak Ventures
- Bold Enterprises
- Innovate Co.
- Nexus Solutions
- Apex Enterprises
- Catalyst Inc.
- Luminate Group
- Ignition Enterprises
- Elevate Industries
Hipster Business Name Generator
For an extra bit of fun, try using a hipster business name generator to come up with something different.
Here are some of the cool names we generated:
- Outta The Box Solutions
- Moxie Brainstormers
- Wanderlust Adventures
- The Pragmatic Innovators
- Flux Design Studios
- The Bold Thinkers Group
- Maverick Consultants
- Creative Concepts Inc.
- The Catalyst Corporation
- Paradox Innovations Group
- Righteous Strategies Company.
These hipster business names are sure to stand out from the crowd and get your creative juices flowing.
Business Name Suggestions for your Small Business
If you’re looking for a unique name to represent your small business, consider these options:
- Applewood Innovations
- Bold Vision Solutions
- Digital Dynamo Corporation
- Enchantment Enterprises
- Fancy Footwork Consulting
- Ingenuity Ideas Inc.
- Jet Set Strategies
- Label Maker Consulting
- Natural Selection Solutions
- Visionary Ventures Group
- Witty Wisdom Corporation.
These names are sure to capture attention and help your business stand out from the competition.
Clothing Line Name Ideas for 2023
If you’re starting a clothing line in the new year, here are some trendy name ideas:
- Artistic Attire
- Bohemian Bliss Clothing
- Cosmic Couture Collection
- Dreamland Designs
- Eclectic Ensembles
- Fashionista Fashions
- High-Tech Threads
- Marble Mayhem Creations
- Neon Nonsense Clothing
- Quirky Quality Apparel
- Rising Star Collections.
Unique LLC Names Ideas for 2023
If you’re starting an LLC in the new year, here are some unique LLC names:
Horizon LLC
Element LLC
Nexus LLC
Prism LLC
Summit LLC
Velocity LLC
Catalyst LLC
Pulse LLC
Quantum LLC
Apex LLC
Multimedia Business Name Ideas for 2023
If you’re looking for a unique name to represent your business, consider these multimedia business names:
Artistic Vision Media
MultiFusion Media
CreativeClash Multimedia
Digital Harmony Media
Fusion Media Group
Mediaplex Studios
PixelCraft Multimedia
Spectrum MediaWorks
MediaWorks360
Pixel Perfect Multimedia
What are Free Business Name Generator's?
A free business name generator is a great way to get ideas for potential names for your small business. Most of these tools are automated and will generate a range of suggestions based on the keywords you provide. Some generators may be more specialized, such as those that focus on coming up with hipster-style or clothing line names.
What is a Catchy Business Idea?
A catchy business idea is a concept that stands out from the competition and draws attention. Good ideas can come in all shapes and sizes, but some common elements include an innovative or creative solution to a problem, a unique spin on an existing concept, or an eye-catching name.
For example, if you’re starting a business in the pet industry, a catchy name might be “Fur Babies” and your concept could offer custom-made, personalized pet accessories.
No matter what type of business you’re starting, a catchy idea can help you stand out from the crowd and draw customers in.
Catchy Business Names
A catchy business name can do wonders for your small business. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Biz Buzz Solutions
- Cloud Nine Consulting
- Diamond Edge Enterprises
- Electric Ideas Inc.
- Flash Forward Strategies
- Glittering Gems Services
- High Power Productions
- Ingenious Innovations
- Luxury Lifestyles Corporation
- Peppy Products Group
- Superstar Solutions.
These names are sure to get your customers’ attention and help differentiate you from the competition.
Positive Names for Business
- Brighter Days Enterprises
- Good Vibes Inc.
- Radiant Ventures
- Sunburst Solutions
- Happy Go Lucky Co.
- Blissful Holdings
- Kindred Enterprises
- Uplift Inc.
- Sparkling Innovations
- Inspire Co.
Creative Business Name Ideas
If you’re looking for something unique and creative, consider these creative business names:
- Aquamarine Adventurers
- Brilliant Bosses Inc.
- Creative Creations Group
- Dynamic Designs Company
- Enchanted Elegance Services
- Fabulous Futurists
- Giddy Gear Corporation
- Imagination Innovators
- Joyful Journeys
- Radiant Results Solutions
- Supreme Sparkle Enterprises.
These creative names are sure to add a spark of inspiration to your small business.
When building your business, it’s important to keep in mind the reason for your creation during your building process.
Your reason for building a business will bring you longevity, and it will create a more fulfilling journey as to why you are doing what you are doing.
Keeping in mind your reason for the business will be as rewarding as the profits your earn, if not more.
Also, as you build your brand, it’s okay to change your business name if things change. It’s yours to build and you have the freedom to pivot in any direction. But make sure you are being mindful of the steps of rebranding.
As you keep going, invest time and money into your brand strategy, and you’ll find your business developing. We can help you with this, too. As a full-service agency, we’re experts at scaling businesses from their first sale to full scale.
We hope this blog post has given you some tips and ideas on not just how to formulate a business name, but also to remind you of your capability to excel in your business journey.
You can do this.
It’s time to build your business because now you know what makes a good business name.
