Choosing the perfect name for your company is a crucial step in building your brand identity. Whilst it may be one of the first steps you take when forming a company, it shouldn’t be overlooked. A name is the first impression your brand makes. It plays a vital role in setting the tone for your company.

This blog will outline how to pick the perfect company name, the specific rules for naming a UK company and how to check if your chosen name is available for trading. 

Key Takeaways

• Picking the perfect company name starts with your brand identity, your name should reflect your values, purpose and audience, and be simple enough for people to spell, say and remember.
• UK company names must follow Companies House rules, they cannot be identical or too similar to an existing company, must avoid offensive or misleading terms, and usually need to include “Limited” or “Ltd” if you are forming a private limited company.
• Before you commit, check that your company name is available on the Companies House register and not already protected as a UK trademark, this helps you avoid legal issues and confusion later.
• Make sure your company name is also available online, check domains through a registrar and secure a matching web address so customers can easily find your business.
• Save your digital identity by registering consistent social media handles for your company name, even if you are not ready to start posting, so no one else claims them first.
• When you have checked the rules and confirmed availability on Companies House, trademarks, domains and social media, you can feel confident that your chosen company name is ready to support your brand for the long term.

Picking the best name for your business 

Your company name is more than a word or phrase, it is the essence of your brand identity. It should reflect your company’s values, missions and purpose.

A well-chosen name is key for brand recognition and recall. It can help you connect with your target audience and even influence the perception of your brand.

Think of iconic brands like Nike. Over time, the brand name has become synonymous with quality and innovation. Nike is both the name of the sportswear brand but also the name of the Greek Goddess of Victory. You can see the thinking behind naming the iconic brand. Athletes (both professional and not) chase victory so why not wear a brand inspired by the Goddess of Victory?

Finally, Your company’s name will appear on all of your marketing materials. From your website to stationary and business cards. It must be easy to spell and search. If you find yourself correcting others on how to spell or pronounce your company name, you may want to simplify it. 
 

Rules for UK Company Names

In the UK there are specific requirements for naming your company. According to Companies House, your company name:

• Must not be the same as or too similar to an existing company name.
• Should not contain any offensive words or suggest a connection to the government or local authorities unless you have permission.
• Must include 'Limited' or 'Ltd' if it is a private limited company.

You also have to avoid certain sensitive words such as ‘official’ or ‘national’ which can be misleading. 

Make Sure Your Company Name Is Available

Make sure your company name is available both online and on the Companies House register. 

Check Company Name

Before you fall in love with a particular name, make sure it’s available for use. Use our free online tool, the Company Name Check Tool, to see if your chosen name is already in use. Simply type your company name and press search to see its availability.

Also, make sure to search UK trademarks. If your company name is trademarked it means intellectual property rights protect it. The Intellectual Property Office provides resources for this purpose.

Save Your Digital Name

You need to check whether your company name is available online. Use a domain registration platform to check if your company name is available as a web address. If the name is available, don’t forget to purchase and save it! Even if you don’t plan to start trading straight away, you may want to reserve the name just in case anyone else snaps it up.

Finally, make sure to search and save any social media handles under your company name. Social media is even more lucrative when it comes to name-stealing. So be sure save your social media handles on every platform- even if you don’t want to advertise there yet. Just in case! 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the perfect name for your company is a foundational step in building your brand.

It requires careful consideration of your brand's identity, sticking to legal requirements, and making sure your name is on all platforms. By following these guidelines, you can select a name that not only complies with UK regulations but also sets the stage for your company's success.

Ready to start your company journey? Check your name’s availability with our Company Name Check Tool and start your company today!

FAQs

How do I choose a good name for my company?

A good company name is clear, memorable and reflects what your business does or stands for. Keep it simple so customers can pronounce and spell it easily. Before you commit, make sure the name is appropriate and available on Companies House, does not infringe trademarks and works well across branding, domains and social media.

What rules does Companies House have for naming a company?

Companies House requires your name to be unique, not offensive and not too similar to existing company names. Your name must not mislead customers by implying a special status and must include “Limited” or “Ltd” unless you qualify for an exemption. Sensitive words may need specific permission before they can be used.

How can I check if my company name is available?

You can check availability using the Companies House name search tool. Simply type in your proposed name to see if it is already taken or too similar to an existing company. It is also wise to check domain availability and search for existing trademarks to avoid disputes later.

Do I need to check trademarks when choosing a company name?

Yes, checking trademarks protects you from using a name that is already legally protected. A quick search on the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) database shows whether your chosen name, or something very similar, is already registered. This step can prevent legal issues and costly rebranding in the future.

Should my company name match my website domain?

Matching your company name to your website domain helps customers find you easily and supports consistent branding. If the exact domain is not available, look for close variations, but avoid names that may confuse customers or direct them to existing businesses.

Can I use any name for my limited company?

You can choose most names as long as they follow Companies House rules. You cannot use offensive terms, restricted words without permission or names that closely match another registered company. It is helpful to choose a name that supports long term growth rather than one that limits what your business can offer.

Should I secure social media handles for my company name?

Yes, securing matching social media handles helps protect your brand identity online. Even if you are not ready to use social media immediately, reserving the handles ensures no one else claims them and keeps your branding consistent across all platforms.