01/07/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/07/2025 06:15
Updated: January 07, 2025
Published: March 08, 2019
Your ticket to standing out in a crowded market is having a business name that is unique, memorable, and attention-grabbing. To help you get started, I've put together a comprehensive list of business name ideas that can set you up for success as you launch a business.
These unique business names will help you build a memorable brand - one that your customers will recognize online, in advertisements, or at stores - and one that will ensure your products and services stand out from the competition.
As the former head of marketing for two different startups, I've learned that choosing the right business name is critical. Below, I'll share some of my top business name ideas to inspire you as you brainstorm your own. Then, I'll dive into what makes a business name great, how to name your business, and some of my favorite examples of creative business names and insight from the owners who chose them.
Table of Contents
To kickstart your company naming journey, here are some unused company name ideas. These business name ideas aren't just for inspiration - they're available to use, so feel free to use any that suits your business.
Once you choose a business name, use HubSpot's free Brand Kit Generator to create a logo for your new business.
9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.
All fields are required.
9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.
All fields are required.
To create and curate the list of business name ideas above, I used the following process, combining research, AI, and a dash of creativity.
First, I wrote out a list of words to describe the emotions that small businesses strive to elicit, like loyalty, productivity, and satisfaction. Then, I added words for business goals for all types of businesses, like quality, cash flow, and awareness. Finally, I added motivational words to the list, like commit, imagine, and uplift. This led to a list of about 200 words.
I used an AI tool to generate some business name ideas. I started with the prompt, "Create 20 original business names inspired by the following ideas." Then, I edited each prompt with different sections of the list.
The steps above created 816 potential business names. I figured this was a great collection of business names, and it would be easy to pull out 100+ names with potential. But a quick review gave me just 74 business names I liked and most of those needed a lot of editing.
So, I tried again. To develop more useful business names for inspiration, I created a list of popular brand names from different industries. Then, I asked the AI tool to create more business names for each category that aligned with the tone and feel of each industry.
I also edited the prompts and results by asking for business name alternatives with a specific tone or "vibe." This last step helped to yield business name ideas that matched what I liked best about existing companies' brand names. I added to these names by grabbing some options from a business name generator.
9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.
All fields are required.
Once I had a list of about 200 business name ideas, it was time to start editing. Some of the AI business names were great. But others needed more personality, so I sat down with a notebook and my list of names to experiment.
The Make My Persona tool was useful for this process. I used this tool to build an ideal persona for each business type. These personas helped me keep the customer in mind as I edited each business name.
Sometimes, just changing a few letters, capitalization, or spacing was enough. Other times, the act of writing inspired completely new business name ideas. Through this process, I came up with 155 new business names. The list of names felt pretty unique, so I didn't think that I would find much during a domain check.
But I was wrong: The domain check cleared out 73 of the 155 names I'd come up with. Overall, I lost 47% of my list of business names.
At first, I was frustrated - but this was actually a positive outcome. It meant that the names I'd come up with were workable for a successful business. But it was also a reminder of how important it is to come up with more than a couple of business name ideas when you're naming your new business.
For business names where the .com domain was unavailable but other domains were open, I did an online search for the business name. This step reminded me that any new business isn't just competing with other companies in a given industry. It's also competing with bands, Twitch streamers, YouTube influencers, and more.
For example, "Propellant" sounds like an exciting and easy-to-remember business name for a startup. But it's also a word in the dictionary and a component of rocket fuel. So even if this domain was available, it probably wouldn't be a great business name, because it would be hard to find online.
In total, this process took many hours and several rounds of edits to bring you a list of over 160 business names. Your naming process may not take quite as long, but chances are it will feel even more complex and urgent.
I know that the steps above might sound like a lot of work for just a word or two. But your business name is the center of your new brand. Over time, the name will take on more meaning as you grow your business and establish your value proposition.
There are a few characteristics that set apart good business names from bad ones. So, what are some of the elements that make it easy to spot a great company name? I've shared some of the most important factors below.
Your business name is prime real estate. It's your chance to give a mini elevator pitch, before you even speak to a prospect.
To brainstorm a descriptive company name, consider stating what you do and how you do it in a few words. Then, pare it down to the essential words or phrases. See how they look on a screen, and say them out loud to see how they sound.
If you don't measure your marketing and sales efforts, do they really matter? No Fluff Selling makes its value clear with a descriptive company name.
Why The Owner Chose The Name: No Fluff Selling helps customers establish effective and focused strategies to achieve growth without any bells and whistles - no fluff. Rex Biberston, CEO, told me that "Many prospective clients use the phrase 'no fluff' when they describe what they need, highlighting that we are well aligned philosophically, and increasing the likelihood we'll do business together. It's a bit odd, but I love it!"
Your brand is so much more than a logo. Your company name can broadcast not only what you do but also why it matters.
What's one thing every job seeker wants? To have their chance at landing a job.
MyTurn's goal is to reduce the talent gap in cybersecurity, and I think its name speaks to the core of what it does in an incredibly clear way: helping job seekers find their turn at success. The name clearly reflects its mission.
Why The Owner Chose The Name: Amit Doshi, Founder & CEO, told me: "When I brainstormed the name, I wanted it to be simple yet resonant, something that spoke to the core of what we do: create opportunities and remove barriers. It's a name that invites action, evokes personal ownership, and resonates universally. It's not just a recruiting platform; it's a place where people and businesses feel the confidence to say, "This is my moment."
Doshi adds that the clarity of the name helps with branding: "It's memorable, actionable, and reflects our mission to transform hiring into a journey of mutual success."
Your name can make your business relevant for non-branded search queries, giving you an edge when attempting to rank on search engines for your highest-value keyword.
If you're Googllng wedding rings, you'll likely search for phrases including the type of diamond (or other gem) you want. When a company called "Kimberfire" pops up on your search results page, it'll likely grab your attention. Working keywords your user might be searching for into your title is a smart way to stand out.
Why The Owner Chose The Name: Here's what Jonathan Goldberg, Founder & CEO, told me: "The name Kimberfire was chosen to reflect the core vision of our brand. We wanted a name that stood out in the diamond industry, where many businesses lean on traditional or generic names. Kimberfire conveys innovation, expertise, and elegance while resonating with the emotional significance of our products."
You want prospects to remember and recognize your brand. To help in this effort, your business name should be simple and easy to spell, pronounce, and recall. This will ensure that no one gets frustrated typing out your name or saying it aloud to devices like Alexa.
I like Swag42's name because it's simple - a one syllable word associated with its offer, paired with a simple number. It's pretty easy to figure out what the brand is, easy to spell, and easy to remember because, well, Swag42 sells swag.
Why The Owner Chose The Name: Sandra Bondare, co-founder and Head of Fashion at Swag42, tells me that the name also uses wordplay to convey a simple meaning. She says, "Swag42 also has a wordplay: our products are designed to work 'for two' - you and your client, you and your partner, for you and your teammate, with people proudly wearing and becoming ambassadors of your brand."
One way to make sure people remember your business is by being witty. Jokes, puns, and wordplay are all ways to make your prospects chuckle at your business name and get it stuck in their heads.
Chunky Squirrel is nuts about helping its customers with website and SEO needs.
I like Chunky Squirrel because it's catchy, witty, and memorable - all important elements of a strong business name. Guaranteed you won't find another business that offers the same thing with the same name, setting it apart from competitors.
Why The Owner Chose The Name: Memorability is why owner Tanja Aelbrecht chose the name: "It's [Chunky Squirrel] memorable. In the B2B world, most companies sound very businessy. Having a company name that evokes some emotion makes you stand out immediately…An additional side effect of this name is that it attracts clients who enjoy a similar sense of humor."
One marketing tip is to position your business as a problem solver rather than a product seller. You can start that positioning with your business name.
Every company wants customers to easily understand the value it provides, and what better way to start than with your business name? That is exactly why I think Life Architekture's name is great; you can easily infer that you'll bring solid structure to your life.
Why The Owner Chose The Name: "The name represents the idea that life can, and should, be designed intentionally, rather than left to chance," says Bayu Prihandito, founder.
The last thing you want to do is decide on a business name, only to run into trouble securing its domain and other branding assets. What if those assets are already taken, or worse, what if you run into legal trouble for trademark infringement?
Plus, you don't want to cause confusion when prospects land on your website but are looking for the other company (or vice versa). That's why finding a unique business name is so important.
A simple search for wedding dresses brings results for a lot of businesses that have some sort of "bridal" or "wedding" in the name, which is not that unique in a saturated market.
Having similar names doesn't result in harm to any company, but it does make it harder to stand out. That's why I like When Freddy Met Lilly's name: it's unique and sets itself apart from the many businesses that use some combination of the words I mentioned above. It's also a call to When Harry Met Sally, one of the most popular rom coms.
Why The Owner Chose The Name: Vanessa Ford, the owner, says that choosing the name was a conscious decision to stand out in the bridal industry. She says: "The name [When Freddie Met Lilly] draws inspiration from the classic love story of 'When Harry Met Sally' but with a personal twist. It symbolizes the meeting of two individuals who create something extraordinary together, much like the magic we craft for brides and grooms on their special day."
Now, let me explain the steps you'll need to take to name 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 a business plan, this would be a great time to review it.
As a baseline, you should be able to answer the following questions:
What I like: Developing a clear understanding of your business helps you come up with the best name for your unique organization.
9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.
All fields are required.
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 find the words that reflect the image you'd like to create.
Pro tip: Think outside the box! Don't just limit yourself to your specific product or industry, but do some brainstorming to come up with creative keywords.
For example, if you're starting a photography business, words like "camera," "snap," "shoot," "capture," and "lens" are all good starting points for your business name.
Part of a good name is its ability to get found by potential prospects. As such, it's important to consider how well your name can position you on search engines.
Consider the following as you make this evaluation:
One strategy is to name a business based on a highly searched keyword, making the business relevant for that keyword. For example, 24 Hour Fitness may appear when someone searches for their brand specifically, but it'll also show up when someone searches for any gym that's open around the clock.
While it's helpful to choose a name that people are already searching for, it's also vital to balance that with ensuring that you have enough authority related to that keyword that your business will beat out the competition.
For example, let's say you chose "Five Star Restaurant" as a name for your new establishment. You might notice that the search engine results pages (SERPs) for this keyword are dominated by review sites like Yelp and local newspaper columns. As a result, with a name like this, you might not be found even by prospects who are actively searching for you.
Finally, 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" might be looking for strategies, not a business.
To evaluate your names based on these three considerations, I'd suggest using a combination of manual Google searching and SEO tools such as Ahrefs and SEMrush.
Best for: SEO is particularly important for businesses that plan to do a lot of marketing via online channels.
Once you've homed in on the right keywords, it's time to start thinking about creative ways to craft a unique name. Here are a few of my favorite styles to consider:
What I like: Personally, I think alliterative names are often particularly fun and memorable. But it's important to find the style that's best for you and your business.
Before you settle on a name, think about the thoughts and emotions you want it to evoke. If the name you're considering doesn't reflect the story you want to tell, or if it doesn't align with the mission and value proposition of your business, you'll need to return to the drawing board.
Pro Tip: To make sure your name tells a story, think about your company's narrative and mission. If you're feeling stuck in this step, I recommend using our Business Startup Kit. The business name brainstorming work book walks you through things like understanding your business, finding descriptive keywords, and ideation until you come up with a name you're proud of.
Click here to download the kit
Let me tell you: There is nothing as frustrating as coming up with the perfect name, only to discover that someone else got there first.
Unfortunately, if another organization has trademarked a name, you risk legal action being 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 make sure that there isn't an existing trademark for it.
Best for: It's vital for any company to make sure they're not risking legal action by using a name that's already been trademarked.
If there's no trademark, a business name is fair game from a legal standpoint. However, that doesn't mean there aren't other businesses already operating under the name you want.
To avoid confusion and ensure your business name is truly unique, I'd recommend checking your state's Secretary of State entity filings and DBAs for other businesses operating under the name.
Pro Tip: It's also good practice to run a Google search for your desired name to see what's out there. This can alert you to existing organizations that have similar names and keep you from accidentally choosing a name that another business is already using.
You can verify domain name availability by searching on a domain registrar such as GoDaddy or Namecheap.
If a .com domain name isn't available (or if it's really 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.
What We Like: In my experience, it's best to make sure the .com domain is available before settling on a name. This is important to ensure you'll be able to have the website you need.
In addition, it would be a pain to settle on a name, only to find out that its social media handles are taken. Having variation between your brand's social media handles could confuse prospects, so it's best to avoid this where possible.
One easy way to verify the availability of social media handles is with a tool such as Namechk, which checks multiple platforms with a single search.
Finally, once you've researched and decided on your name, you're ready to register your business name. Congratulations!
Depending on the type of company you're registering for, 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 can help you determine which registration process is right for you and your business.
Looking for inspiration? I spoke to a few more owners and founders about how they named their businesses, and why they chose those names.
Mojo Dojo started off as WebOptimizers, and Ajay Chavda, CTO, says the rebrand was one of the best decisions they've made.
I like the name because it's unique and inspires curiosity, which has clearly paid off as Chavda says emails and callbacks have skyrocketed.
"The name itself is fun…unlike our old, more serious name, Mojo Dojo lets our creativity shine through. People immediately get the vibe that we're offering innovative marketing solutions, and it's helped us position ourselves as more than just a service provider-we're a creative force in the industry," says Chavda.
When I see Buddy Run I think of the movie AirBud, which makes me think of the timeless bond between an owner and their dog.
That's exactly what founder James Murray was going for with its name: "The name reflects both the evolution of the business and our commitment to keeping dogs and their humans at the heart of what we do. It started with a simple idea and grew into a platform that supports dog owners in their everyday lives."
MYNDIFY is an extremely unique name, and Anggie Jimenez, CEO and Founder, says it's intentional. "We chose 'MYND' to reflect our focus on the mind and personal knowledge, while 'IFY' connects to action-oriented words like clarify, amplify, and simplify."
As I mentioned above, unique names, and names that demonstrate your value from the start, can go far in terms of drawing customers in.
"The 'MY' adds a personal touch, reinforcing our commitment to empowering individuals to take control of their insights and experiences," adds Jimenez.
When people decorate their homes, they look for stuff that really makes a space shine - or pop, if you will. That's why I like Pop Maison's name so much: it speaks directly to a potential customer's desire.
Shaofeng Li, the business's founder and designer, told me that Pop speaks to something that excites you, like a unique color palette, and Maison (French for house) reminds him that everything he sells should feel like it belongs in a home rather than a showroom.
He adds, "Together, 'Pop Maison' represents my mission to offer bold, modern designs that are still comfortable and timeless, pieces that stand out but also make you feel at home."
Check out some more of my favorite examples of real company names below.
Everything great and interesting in the digital world begins with a swipe, and SwipeWire is no different. Their brand and narrative is reflected by their fun name; plus, including the word "swipe" lets their customers know they have plenty of options to choose from with this team of technology experts.
In 2024, hackers can access all your company documents in one click. That means securing programs, devices, and technologies requires smart and creative solutions. Secure Smart Solutions offers the answer. Their creative name tells customers that they're not getting any average cyber security: They're getting the best.
When you're looking for movers, you want a company that is big enough to handle all your needs but small enough to care for you. From their name, you can expect that your experience working with Exela Movers will be excellent.
Kaboom Fireworks is a large company that deals with fireworks. While the company's name is pretty straightforward, the kaboom part conveys the experience you'll get with their products.
Formonix specializes in distributing pressure, level, calibration, and temperature instruments. They pride themselves on their customer service, assuring flexibility, speed, and personal connection.
This is exactly what their name stands for: Monix means someone who loves to mingle and socialize with others. It also stands for someone who can meet all situations with ease.
When someone gets married, many people use the phrase "tying the knot." Wedding marketplace The Knot makes use of this common idiom in its name, reflecting that it's a one-stop shop for all things weddings.
Kiddily is a learning platform that sells products to make early childhood education fun. The name is adorable - just like its target customers - and it's also relevant to what the company does.
Band camps give kids and teens a chance to hone their musical abilities, create new art, and share their songs. Music-sharing site Bandcamp references this nostalgic summer staple, reinforcing that their platform gathers musicians and gives them a way to share their songs.
Manifesting refers to the idea of making your dreams come true by being intentional with your thoughts and actions. The Manifest does the same thing by helping its customers manifest more sales from their business, and its name speaks to that compelling mission and narrative.
Vision Swipe helps its customers develop new software technologies. Referencing the idea that in the digital age, you can get whatever you want with a swipe, this name reflects their mission of helping customers swipe their way to something visionary.
This health- and environmentally-conscious ecommerce company created a funny and unique name by branding its business as brandless. This name communicates the company's core belief that "better doesn't have to cost more," aligning with its narrative that you don't need to pay a hefty price for a brand-name item to get a high-quality product.
Ollie offers fresh meals for dogs that can be delivered straight to your door. Using a human name personalizes this pet food business and makes the brand approachable.
Now, this is a name that grabs your attention! While this SEO company doesn't do anything frog-related, its website does describe how it "grew from its roots by leaping to the treetops," tying its creative name to a narrative of growth and reaching new heights.
Does this one need an explanation? This company sells huge industrial fans to businesses. It's rare to see a B2B company have such a consumer-focused presence with a name like this, but it works. After all, profanity can make anyone giggle - and in this case, it's both funny and descriptive.
Originally, Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield coined the company's name as an acronym for "Searchable Log of All Conversation and Knowledge." But with its single syllable and clever double meaning, the name Slack quickly caught on.
As the name suggests, the squatty potty is a device used to help people go a little easier. It's descriptive and playful - which is perfect for the task at hand. While the product is backed by research and science, at the end of the day, it's still a product to help you #2. And that's always going to be a little funny.
This organization specializes in fast funding for people who are short on cash. The word "flagship" refers to the most important thing owned or produced by an organization, indicating to customers this company is a leader within its industry and has the resources to serve its customers.
Avid readers may be looking to downsize their collections by selling books they no longer need. Others may be looking for a bargain by buying used books. Recycle Bookstore, a used bookseller, offers both services - and from the name alone, you can tell the store specializes in used, pre-loved books.
The word platinum is evocative of a premium, top-shelf service. This company, which offers a range of services related to mortgages, brands itself as one of America's premium lenders, and its name aligns perfectly with that narrative.
This apparel brand puts its target audience right in the company name. The company sells shirts, hats, hoodies, and other products that proudly read "Asian American Girl Club," and you know exactly who you're supporting from the name alone.
With its clever name that even rhymes, this company is clearly focused on one thing: Hydration. It's perfect for a store that sells coffee, specialty drinks, and smoothies.
Rather than attempting to compete with larger stores, this little shop prides itself on being tiny. As such, the "petite" in its name is no accident. At this small boutique, you can shop from a curated collection of jewelry, home products, and art pieces.
Jordan Peele made a name for himself making horror movies, and his production company's name strengthens his association with the spooky and supernatural, referencing a story by W.W. Jacobs in which a shrunken monkey's paw grants wishes that go awry. This superstitious story mirrors the projects the company develops, while also being a fun and memorable name in its own right.
RC stands for RaeLynn Conner, the head photographer/videographer at this creative firm. In this way, the name clearly indicates the brand's ownership to potential customers. At the same time, the use of the word "creative" emphasizes the firm's versatility, rather than pigeonholeing it to one kind of creative service.
Kala Kutz is a hair salon, but the name replaces the "C" in "cuts" with a "K." This creates alliteration that makes it easier for customers to remember the business's name, resulting in a brand name that's both strategic and cool.
Patty's Locs specializes in the maintenance and styling of dreadlocks, and the business is run by someone named Patricia (or Patty, for short). While traditionally spelled "locks," this brand name went for a cooler alternative and spelled it without the letter "K."
While this jewelry store doesn't have much to do with mahogany, you can't deny that the name is unique, catchy, and definitely memorable while also emphasizing the unique nature of its products.
In addition to featuring music from underground artists, The BlaqHour releases podcasts that aim to enlighten and inspire its listeners. Its brand name is a reminder of the light that it offers listeners, while also calling to the length of its episodes.
I just love how this name rolls off the tongue. While this florist doesn't only sell ivy (or vines), its name clarifies the type of business while also being somewhat alliterative.
If you're in need of catchy business name inspiration, look no further. Here are some of my favorite names from real companies. These are business names that grab the attention of potential customers and clients alike.
A catchy business name may include alliteration or some sort of rhyme scheme -but most importantly, a catchy company name creates a connection in the brain to that particular company and/or product.
I've learned that it can be challenging to think of a creative and unique business name. Here are a few examples of real, creative business names to inspire you.
Need some more inspiration? Here are some real businesses with cool names to spark your creativity.
A cool company name can get customers interested in your products and/or services, demonstrating your company identity to your targeted audience.
Creating the perfect brand name is serious business. But if you've hit a creative roadblock, you can try to come up with some funny business names, just for fun - and who knows, you might stumble on a keeper.
I like to think that humor makes everything better. Of course, funny company names work better for some businesses than for others, so it's important to make sure you are appealing to the right audience. Here are some examples from which you can draw inspiration:
Looking for a simple process for naming your business? This Business Name Brainstorming Workbook offers a smart, streamlined process. It can help you get creative while keeping all the little things that can impact your business's success in mind.
9 templates to help you brainstorm a business name, develop your business plan, and pitch your idea to investors.
All fields are required.
In addition, if you're having trouble thinking outside the box, the business name generators below can be a great way to help you get the naming process started. A name generator helps with word pairing and gets the creative juices flowing to start coming up with a company name.
What I like: The generators above are usually free, and some may even help with searching for available web domains too.
Branding is a critical part of a company's personality, and a unique business name will help you stand out from your competitors and build a strong brand. Once you have a name, you'll want to identify your target market, define your positioning, and create a business plan to get your business off the ground.
In my experience, using a business name generator or AI tool is a great way to get the brainstorming started. From there, double- and triple-check that your business name isn't already in use. Free and clear of trademarks? Register your business name and start planning your marketing strategy to have a successful business launch. Get started today with HubSpot's free business startup kit.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in September 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. This article was written by a human, but our team uses AI in our editorial process. Check out our full disclosure to learn more about how we use AI.