The Business Name Finder generates six brandable name candidates per run in the style you choose, with domain ideas for each. Names are the beginning of a decision, not the end of one — so this guide covers both how to use the tool and how to check the shortlist.
Step 1: Describe the business
In "What does the business do?", write one or two sentences covering what you sell and to whom: "Subscription box of small-batch hot sauces for people who like trying new flavours". Mention anything that should shape the name — a place, a material, a feeling you want to evoke.
Step 2: Choose a style
The style has the biggest influence on the results, so it's worth running the tool once for each style you're considering:
- Invented — made-up words. Easier to trademark and find domains for, but you'll need to teach people what they mean.
- Descriptive — says what you do. Good for search-led categories; harder to trademark and stand out.
- Playful — puns and wordplay. Great for gifting and impulse products.
- Compound — two familiar words joined. Easy to say and remember.
- Tech / Modern — short, sharp names that sit comfortably on .ai or .io domains.
- Luxury / Minimal — restrained, often surname-style; suits premium and beauty brands.
Not sure which fits? Read the style section of How to Name Your Business.
Step 3: Add filters (optional)
- .com Focus — favours names more likely to have an exact-match .com. Fewer, stronger candidates.
- .tech / .ai Focus — opens up shorter names by accepting modern domain endings.
- Under 7 Letters — keeps names short and handle-friendly; expect more invented results.
Step 4: Generate several rounds
Run the tool several times — with different styles, or with slightly different descriptions — and copy any name you like into a list. Aim for 20 to 30 candidates before you start judging.
Step 5: Shortlist
Cut the list to five or so using quick tests:
- 1.Would someone spell it correctly after hearing it once?
- 2.Is it easy to say?
- 3.Does it mean anything unfortunate in the languages your customers speak?
- 4.Does a web search show a big, established brand with the same or a similar name?
- 5.Would it still fit if you added more products?
Step 6: Check availability properly
The domain ideas the tool provides are suggestions based on the name — the tool does not check live domain registrations or trademarks. For each shortlisted name:
- Trademarks: search the official databases for each country you'll sell in (for example, the USPTO in the US, the UK IPO, EUIPO in the EU, or WIPO's Global Brand Database). Look for similar names in related categories, not just exact matches.
- Company registry: check whether a business is already registered with that name where you operate.
- Domain: check availability at any domain registrar.
- Social handles and marketplaces: check the platforms you'll actually use, including Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify store names.
If you're investing significantly in the brand, get advice from a trademark professional before committing.
Step 7: Test with customers
Show your final two or three names to a few people who match your customers and ask "what do you think this business sells?" and "how would you spell it?". Their answers are more useful than "which do you like?".
Worked example
Description: "Subscription box of small-batch hot sauces from independent makers". Style: Compound. Filter: .com Focus.
You might get candidates combining heat, flavour, or discovery words. Run a second round with Playful for punnier options, and a third with Invented for distinctive, trademark-friendly words. Then shortlist and check as above.
Why the tool asks for a style first
Generic name generators often produce random word mashups because they don't know what kind of name you want. Choosing a style up front means the results fit how your category tends to name itself — a luxury skincare brand and a hot-sauce subscription need very different names.
When you're ready to write about your new business, try the Product Description Generator or Ad Copy Writer.