How to Name Your Business (A Practical Checklist)

A good business name is short, easy to say and spell, distinctive, and available as a domain and social handle. The right name is an asset you build on for years.

A naming checklist

• Easy to say and spell — people should type it correctly after hearing it once
• Distinctive — stand apart from competitors, avoid generic terms
• Domain available — check the .com (and your local domain) early
• Meaning that scales — don't box yourself in to one product or city
• No hidden problems — check trademarks and meanings in other languages

Descriptive vs invented

Descriptive names (e.g. "General Motors") explain what you do; invented names (e.g. "Kodak") are distinctive and easy to trademark but need marketing to build meaning. Both work — pick the trade-off that fits.

Generate ideas

Brainstorm with the business name generator, then give your favorite a tagline with the slogan generator. Related: How to write a catchy slogan.