Say you have started up your very own little enterprise – sure, you could give it any old name and lean on that great service or product you provide. Or you could give your new business a cheat code that will have the customers kicking in the door – a name! And not just any name, an epic, pithy, and catchy one that will draw clients to you like a moth to a flame. Let’s get the skinny on all things business names!
Why is a business name important?
Your company name is your very first impression to the world. The face of your brand. The essence of your business. An eloquent, intelligent name will attract attention, customers, and respect. You can stand out among your competition. Toil more effectively in a noisy space. And most importantly, tell people — in just a few words — about who you are and what you do. Think of great taglines, pithy social posts, and meaningful web addresses.
Even better? The best names don’t just tell your customers what you are all about but also show them. A well-crafted name creates an emotion, tells a story, and gives a little insight into who you are. More importantly, it creates interest. It makes people think and wonder. Which, ultimately, can add to the impact you have on your audience.
Types of business names
Understanding the types of company names available to you can provide a lot of insight as you begin the journey to creating a great name. These are some of the most common. Thinking them over isn’t a bad starting point.
- Descriptive Names: Tell your customers what you are doing. “Pizza Palace” lets your customers know exactly what you serve.
- Invented Names: Catchy made-up words or combinations. Think “Google” or “Kodak.” Great names that stand on their own and turn into something powerful over time.
- Acronyms: Say more with less. “IBM” and “KFC” might be easier to remember than “International Business Machines” or “Kentucky Fried Chicken.”
- Eponymous Names: Your name, your game. “Walt Disney” and “Ben & Jerry’s.” Easy. Also more personal.
- Geographic Names: Name a place. “Brooklyn Brewery” tells us where they are making the beer.
- Suggestive Names: Suggest the type of company you are. “Sweet Tooth Bakery” says it all and to the exact perfect audience.

Tips for choosing a business name
Ready to get your brainstorm on and have some fun with your creative genius? Here are some time-tested strategies for how to create a great business name:
- Define your brand identity
- Brainstorm keywords
- Use creative techniques
- Keep it simple
Define your brand identity
Before you jump into the creative thinking waters, it’s important to have a good sense of who you are as a brand. Think about what your business does, as well as the feelings and thoughts that you want your business name to evoke. Think about what your target audience is, what your core purpose is, and what you do better than anyone else. You want your name to reflect your brand’s voice and personality. Do you have a fun brand or more of a serious, conservative one? Your answers can help guide you as you brainstorm.
Brainstorm keywords
Grab a pen and paper (or an open note on your iPhone) and start writing down words that resonate with your vision of what this business will be. Think about industry jargon, the feelings you want to evoke, and the perfect adjectives for your brand’s vibe. This part can be very liberating — let your mind go for it! Think out of the box and be as imaginative as you can be. The best ideas are usually ones that come out of left field!
Use creative techniques
Feeling stuck? Here are some creative techniques to unearth unique business names:
- Chain Reaction Word Association: Start with one word and then map out all of the related words that come to mind. You might be shocked at the awesome word that comes to you from doing this exercise!
- Splice it up: Combine ideas from different names to create one of your own. And have fun with puns, too!
- Linguistics: Invoke the use of another language as part of your business name. This can make it exotic and fascinate customers.
- Inspiration from an App: There are online tools like name generators that can help jumpstart your creativity.
Keep it simple
Classic, short, and sweet: The shorter your business name is, the easier it is for a customer to remember, spell, and pronounce! Avoid unusual spelling unless it’s really part of your brand. You are looking for a name that your customers will easily understand.
What to do once you’ve come up with a business name
Here are what to do once you’ve come up with a business name:
- Check availability
- Test its appeal
- Consider longevity
- Visualize the name
- Ensure it’s culturally appropriate
- Ensure it’s culturally appropriate
- Finalize and register
Check availability
Don’t get attached just yet. Determine its availability first. Make sure it’s available for you to use by running trademark searches. You don’t want to lead your customers to confusion. Also, check available domain names. You’ll want one if you plan to create a website.
Test its appeal
Get feedback. It’s time to ask for an opinion. Test your business name with family and friends or even potential customers. Gauge their sentiment on how the name resonates with them. Is it a memorable one? What impression does it give off? Pay attention to the expression on their faces. This feedback will help you make necessary adjustments or confirm how great the name is!
Consider longevity
Does your business name have staying power? Think ahead. Is this a name your business will answer to years down the line? Will your business develop new products or services and grow in the future? You might serve yourself well with this. A name that’s too limiting will constrict room to evolve and adjust down the road.
Visualize the name
Remember, your name is going to be on everything – so picture it and how it would look. From designs for your name to how it could look on a shirt or pen. Your name will appear on a variety of platforms like business cards, websites, signs, merchandise, etc. Think ahead in order to imagine how to build a logo around it. This will enhance the visibility of your brand.
Ensure it’s culturally appropriate
Going global? Make sure your name is palatable in other places and cultures. Will your business serve international markets? You don’t want to offend anyone with your name in different regions and languages. Avoid troublesome words and phrases. Also, don’t create unintentional offense in various cultures and regions.
Finalize and register
If you’ve made it this far, and you feel comfortable with the previous steps, follow through on a decision to register this name along with the required trademarks. Make sure that someone else can’t claim it as their own. All clear? Good! You’re ready to forge ahead with confidence so you can let your business take off without the concern of others stepping into that space!
A business name that is unique to you
Naming your business really isn’t difficult – it is as easy as – well – this guide. You can easily find a name that means something to you, that works for you in the market, and looks great on some “merch.” So get to brainstorming; the perfect name awaits!
If you find your business name, it’s time to establish your business with Workhy!
