Business Name Generator

What Makes a Business Name Work

A name is the single word or phrase people will type, say, and remember about your business, so it earns a little upfront thought. A generator is superb for the hardest part — producing a wide field of options to react to — but the final choice should pass a few practical tests. Use the ideas below as a filter for the list you generate.

Memorable, sayable, spellable

The best names are easy to say out loud, easy to spell after hearing them once, and short enough to stick. If you have to spell it for people over the phone or explain the pun, that friction compounds every time your business is recommended by word of mouth. Read each candidate aloud and imagine it in a customer's sentence: "Oh, you should try …"

Check availability before you fall in love

This is the step people skip and regret. Before committing, confirm the .com domainis obtainable, the name isn't already trademarked in your industry, and the social handlesare free. A perfect name you can't legally use, or can only get as an awkward domain, is not actually available — so vet your top few candidates early rather than designing a logo first.

Leave room to grow

Beware of names that box you in. "Boston Bike Repair" is clear today but limiting if you expand to another city or add products. Likewise, chasing a trend or a cute misspelling can date your brand quickly. Aim for a name that will still fit five years from now, when your business may look quite different from the one you're naming today.