Starting a new business is a long and complicated process that involves many steps. But choosing a business name can present a surprising challenge – mostly because it has to be perfect.
After all, the name you give your business establishes your presence amongst the competition and provides new customers an easy way to build brand recognition.
The problem is, you’ll often find that the best business names are already taken, leaving you frustrated and not knowing what to do next.
If you’re struggling with coming up with the perfect business name, then keep reading. We’ve rounded up the best business name generators around for those in need of a unique, professional, and all-around memorable business name.
So, let’s get started.
Table of contents
Top Business Name Generators
The generators discussed below use a variety of techniques to come up with their selection of business names. In other words, it’s best to keep in mind that some of the recommendations may seem random and pointless.
That’s why it’s important you give a few of the business name generators a try before making a final choice.
1. Namelix
According to its developers, Namelix uses sophisticated AI to come up with brand name solutions that are short and catchy. The filtering options tell you whether you prioritize shorter names, include specific keywords, or require a domain name extension to reach your target audience.
Adding to that, as you generate more business names, the algorithm keeps up and continues to provide better results every time. Namelix understands that long, multi-word business names aren’t proven to be better than short, unique ones. That’s why this business name generator is so helpful for those launching a new company.
2. NameMesh
NameMesh is a free business name generator giving you access to 20+ name generators from one easy to use interface. In addition, it also provides some social proof for each of your selections. Once you input your keyword selections, NameMesh will automatically check domain availability, and even include names with hyphens. This is perfect for those looking to create an online business or at the very least have a company website.
There are eight name-building techniques built into NameMesh: common, new, short, similar, SEO, fun, extra, and mix. The tool generates relevant names by replacing words you enter with similar words. It also seeks to give you the best results possible by sticking to the same 2-3 words in your options.
3. FitSmallBusiness
FitSmallBusiness.com is another free, but highly useful business name generator. All you have to do to use it is input a small amount of information about your budding business and let the generator do the rest. For example, input the services you provide or the goods you sell, the primary geographical region, and the last name of the founder of the company. Then, click ‘Generate names’ and see what pops up.
Not only will the results display business name ideas, it will also show you the available .com domain names. And if Bluehost is the web hosting provider you’re hoping to use for your company’s website, there’s a quick link to register your domain name right from the generator itself.
In need of Australian based web hosting services? Check out this roundup of the best Australian web hosts for your WordPress website.
4. Cool Name Ideas
Cool Name Ideas takes your keywords, type of business, customer benefit, style, and domain name extension you need and then spits out a bunch of suggestions for you to check out.
If you see a result you like in the list of options, you can check the domain name availability by clicking on it. You can then decide whether you want to register the domain name immediately and move on to the next step of starting your own business, or continue searching.
5. Wordlab
Wordlab takes a different approach to business name generation. Instead of asking for keywords that relate to your business idea, you continuously click on the “Get Name!” button to receive a randomly chosen selection of business names from their list of more than 7 million combinations.
The neat thing about Wordlab is that it offers people a variety of different name generators including team, brand, restaurant, craft beer, and much more. So, if you know your new business is part of a specific niche, you can use a more targeted name generator instead. While this online tool is not as comprehensive as the other options on this list, it is a great way to brainstorm your ideas.
6. Freshbooks
If you need a more comprehensive business name generation tool than Wordlab, then FreshBooks is worth a look. After clicking the ‘Let’s Get Started Button,’ you’ll be taken through several steps designed to pinpoint the type of business name you’re after. Once you’ve made your industry selection, you’ll then be asked for your keyword options.
The business name generator will churn out a few brand names. If you don’t like any of the options, simply click ‘Show me more names’ or ‘go back and change key words.’
7. Namesmith
Namesmith lets you enter five keywords into the tool before displaying any business name option. Or, if you’re feeling daring, you can have the tool generate random names too, which is a great way to spark some creativity if you’re at the beginning stages of launching a new business.
When Namesmith creates business name ideas for you, you’ll have the option to filter the results based on domain name extension if you want. You’ll also see business names that include the exact keywords you inputted or even blends to get a more unique twist. If you find the perfect name, you can register the domain name right away by clicking the button and heading over to Namecheap to finish up the process.
8. Hipster Business Name
Hipster Business Name is an online business name generator that works very much like Wordlab. In fact, the moment you click on the website, you’ll see a random business name that may inspire your next big project.
Don’t like what you see? Just keep clicking ‘Refresh’ until you find something you like. When you do, you can buy the domain name, if it’s available of course, and continue your journey as a new business owner with a website.
9. NameStation
NameStation gets you started right away with business name ideas thanks to its extensive list of names ranging in the millions. Simply add the keyword and the thing that you are naming and click ‘Get Name Suggestion’ for a list of ideas.
Once you get your results, there’s lots to look at. For example, you can check out the names that were generated for you or filter your results based on things like compound words, alternative names, three-word names, blends, and so much more. In addition, you can modify based on domain name extension, allow related keywords to be included in your results, and even check domain name availability if you’re thinking about starting a website to complement your new business.
10. Domain Puzzler
Domain Puzzler provides three different strategies for creating unique business names. The first is via keywords for exact match domains and names. The second option allows you to enter additional related keywords you think might work. The third option is excellent for SEO purposes as it allows you to enter your suggestions, which are then matched up with popular keyword searches.
You can modify your search based on domain name extension (you must choose at least one) and then check out the results. Lastly, you can email your favorite business names, which is a great strategy if you co-own a business with someone, have a marketing team, or just want to advice of someone else before choosing a name.
11. Wordoid
Wordoid helps you find a unique but natural sounding business name by letting you first choose a language, quality level, length, and pattern. You also have the option to select whether to have Wordoid check domain name availability so you can purchase and register your business name.
The resulting words for your domain options are all made-up words, which is excellent if you want a name that is short, unique, and highly brandable. If you come across a name you like, you will then be redirected to GoDaddy or Namecheap for registration.
Things You Should Consider Before Choosing a Business Name
Have you ever imagined a big business without a captivating business name?
The perfect business name can catapult you toward success.
Just remember to keep these things in mind while choosing a business name for your new company:
- Make it catchy and informative so people know what you’re all about
- Never copy your competitors exactly (this is wrong and confusing to people)
- Consider related words and use them in a creative way
- Keep it simple and memorable
- Avoid using generic or vague keywords
- Consider buying the parked domain for the extra SEO juice
- Choose an evergreen/scalable name that can grow with you as your business does
- If you plan to have a website (and you should) make sure the domain name is available too
Business Name Legal Concerns
Anyone looking to start a new business has to be concerned about the legality of starting a running a business. This usually starts with the structure of your business:
- Company: when you register your company, you need to register your business name too. So, make sure you have a business name set before starting your company.
- Sole Trader/Partnership: if you are a sole trader or are within a partnership, you’ll need to register your business name with the ASIC (Australian Securities & Investments Commission) unless your business is named after you or your partner.
In addition, you’ll want to make sure the business name you want to use isn’t already being used by another business.
That said, unless a business name in Australia is registered as a trademark, multiple businesses can use it. However, this might not be a wise decision since customers may become confused and not know which business to use.
Wrapping Up
In the end, choosing the right business name for your startup is going to take some effort. That said, using any one of the above-mentioned business name generators is going to get you started in the right direction.
If you have the perfect business name picked out, and you’re ready to launch your company’s website and blog but don’t know where to start, get in touch with us here at Keen to Design.
We can help you design you site, create highly-converting landing pages, and even help with content writing to help drive traffic to your site. In addition, we can take things a step further and help with the marketing and social media aspects of your new business so that you succeed from the very start, no matter what the competition looks like.