Last updated Aug 26, 2026 and written by Daniel Tuckey

Which Characters and Symbols Can I Use in My Company Name?

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Companies House allows the standard alphabet, numbers, a set list of symbols, and accented letters like é or ü, though a few of those symbols can't appear right at the start of your name. Get this wrong and your formation application simply gets rejected, so it's worth checking before you fall in love with a particular name.

Key Takeaways

  • Letters, numbers, and accented characters like é, à, or ü are all permitted anywhere in a company name.
  • A set list of symbols is allowed, including & @ £ $ € ¥ # and standard punctuation, but some can't be used as one of the first three characters.
  • Your company name can't exceed 160 characters in total, spaces included.
  • Accented letters are treated the same as their unaccented version when Companies House checks whether a name is already taken, so "Café Ltd" and "Cafe Ltd" would be seen as a clash.

What Letters and Numbers Can I Use?

The standard A to Z alphabet, in upper or lower case, and any number 0 to 9, can be used anywhere in your company name. Accented and diacritical letters are also permitted, things like é, à, ü, ñ, or ø, so a name like "Café Ltd" is genuinely fine as written, accent included.

What Symbols Are Allowed?

Companies House permits the following symbols and punctuation marks:

& @ £ $ * = # % + ‘ ’ ( ) [ ] { } < > € ¥ ! " " ? \ / « » . – _ : ;

A handful of these can't be used as one of the first three characters of your name, so if you're planning something symbol-led at the very start of your company name, it's worth double-checking that specific symbol is allowed in that position before you submit your application. One symbol worth ruling out entirely: the heart (♥) isn't on the permitted list, despite the occasional assumption that it is.

Is There a Limit on How Long My Company Name Can Be?

Yes, 160 characters, including spaces. Very few companies come close to this, but it's worth knowing if you're set on something unusually long or descriptive.

Do I Have to Drop an Accent From My Company Name?

No, you can register the accent as part of your name. Where this matters is name-matching: Companies House treats an accented letter as equivalent to its unaccented version when checking whether your chosen name is already taken. That means "Café Ltd" and "Cafe Ltd" would be flagged as the same name, even though you're free to register and display the accented version if you prefer it.

FAQs

Can I use an accent, like é, in my UK company name?

Yes, accented letters are permitted characters. Just be aware Companies House treats them the same as the unaccented version when checking if a name's already taken.

Is there a maximum length for a company name?

Yes, 160 characters, spaces included.

Can I start my company name with a symbol?

Some symbols can't be used as one of the first three characters, so it's worth checking the specific symbol you want against current Companies House guidance before applying.

What happens if I use a character Companies House doesn't allow?

Your formation application will be rejected, and you'll need to choose a different name before you can proceed.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Companies House naming rules can change, so it's worth checking current guidance on GOV.UK before finalising your company name.