Coming up with a business name isn’t just about standing out anymore. It’s about choosing something that feels authentic to you and your customers. Something that makes people feel something when they hear it.
Let’s start with the name itself.
Business names are the beginning of a brand’s life. It’s the spark. It’s when an idea becomes real.
A good name doesn’t shout. It whispers what you stand for. It’s a small word with a big promise behind it.
Think about names like Apple, Nike, or Ben & Jerry’s. They don’t just describe what the business sells. They make you feel something. Clean. Strong. Comforting. Fun.
That’s the goal.
Three Things a Good Name Should Always Do
1. Tell the Truth
Start with honesty. What is your business really about? If your brand is about adventure and the outdoors, look at how Patagonia feels. It’s wild. Untamed. Real. You can almost see the mountains in the word.
A truthful name connects instantly.
2. Be Easy to Remember
People forget complicated things. Short names win. Simple words stick. Think of Zoom, Target, Etsy. You say them once and they stay with you.
Try rhyme, rhythm, or familiar sounds. Coca-Cola works because it’s fun to say. Slack works because it feels casual and human.
You don’t have to sound like anyone else. Just make it easy to say.
3. Work Everywhere
If someone across the world saw your name, would it still make sense? The best names travel well. They don’t get confused. They don’t sound strange in another language.
If you’re not sure, ask someone who doesn’t know your business. See what it makes them think of. That little test can tell you a lot.
How to Find One Right Name
Start with why you started your business. What do you want it to feel like? Warm? Bold? Simple?
Write down words that match that feeling. Mix them up. Try new combinations.
You can also use a tool like NameFatso. It’s a free naming tool that gives you ideas based on your brand’s vibe. It doesn’t just spit out random names. It helps you see what direction feels right.
When you find a few names you like, put them somewhere you can see them. Write them on paper. Type them out. Put them on fake packaging in Canva. Look at them until one of them feels like home.
That’s usually the one.
The Shadow Side of Naming
Names have weight. They shape how people see you.
Look at Tesla. It’s more than a company name. It carries a sense of innovation, speed, and ambition. But it also carries the energy of its founder. That’s power, but it’s also pressure.
So choose something that feels true to you, not trendy. Trends fade. Meaning lasts.
Test It Out
Once you’ve got a favorite or two, say them out loud. Ask a few trusted people what they think. Don’t ask everyone. Too many opinions can kill a good idea.
If it sounds right and feels right, trust it. You’ll know.
In the End
Your name is more than just what people call your business. It’s how they’ll remember you.
Pick something that makes you feel proud when you say it. Something that makes your chest warm for a second.
A good name is like a heartbeat. It’s small, but everything depends on it.
So choose one that makes your heart skip a beat.
