A strong business name is super important when you are starting out as a self-employed person. It is the first thing people see of you and it defines how your brand looks. In this article, you will learn how to choose a name that suits you and is also legally safe.
The importance of a good company name
A good company name makes it easy for people to recognise and trust you. Customers immediately think of quality when they hear your company name and remember you faster. A clear name online also helps you to be found better.
Practical tips for coming up with a company name
Coming up with a company name is often trickier than you think. It has to suit you, appeal to your target audience and also be unique. These tips will help you stay sharp and creative:
- Keep it short and sweet: that way everyone remembers it easily.
- Be clear and descriptive: show immediately what you do.
- Think about your target audience: connect with your customers.
- Be original: avoid boring, generic names.
- Make it easy to write and pronounce: no tricky words or characters.
- Stay professional: don't overdo it or cause confusion.
Tools: company name generator, brainstorming and AI
Can't manage with just pen and paper? Then there are plenty of tools. There are handy tools and creative ways to get you started. They give you new ideas and help you combine things you didn't think of yourself.
For example, use name generators like Shopify's. Or consult AI tools such as ChatGPT for inspiration. Combine keywords, look for synonyms or translate words for new ideas. Also talk to others to get feedback.
Legal concerns
Coming up with an original name is step one, but you also need to be sure you are allowed to use it. This is because the law sets rules for trade names. So pay attention to these legal points to avoid problems:
- Check with the Chamber of Commerce if the name is still available.
- Is the domain name available? Register it right away.
- Check with the Trademark Office (BOIP) that the name is not already registered.
- Do not use misleading words like "& Partners" if you are alone.
- Register your name officially with the Chamber of Commerce when you start.
Examples
Here are a few good examples
| Good name | Why it works |
| The Vegetarian Butcher | Original, descriptive and creative |
| Metabolism | Clever pun, sticks |
| SnapFit Training | Short, clear, targeted |
| PureCoder | Combination of discipline and style |
And below precisely less good examples
| Less good name | What goes wrong |
| Jansen & Partners | Misleading, not distinctive |
| Garden maintenance Groningen | Too generic, not future-proof |
| Blue Banana Entertainment | Too vague, creates confusion |
| X-treme! Events 4U | Unprofessional, poor to spell |
Common mistakes
As a start-up, it is best to avoid some pitfalls when choosing your name. Some mistakes can damage your name recognition or even cause legal problems. These are the most common mistakes with company names:
- too complicated or too long
- no clear connection to what you do
- incorrect spelling or use of language
- did not check whether the name is still available
- chosen too locally or too specialised
Conclusion
A good company name is short, clear, unique and legally sound. Use useful tools, ask others for feedback and always check with the Chamber of Commerce and for a domain. And choose a name you are proud of that your customers won't easily forget.
