How to Name a Business When You Have Absolutely No Ideas Left

January 11, 2012 by 111 Comments

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about how to name a business. I’ve been thinking a lot about what a business name should represent. For instance, I have found the answers to the following questions; what does the name Yahoo mean, and what does Google mean? I had never heard the words before I started using their search engines. And what about Zappos? The name is awesome, but I have no idea what it means or represents.

Looking at those name, I’ve been thinking that I just want a really cool name. But, is that how to name a business?

How to name a business when you are all alone

I have not only been thinking about how to name a business in general, but what if you’re all by yourself, and your business is you? Should the name of the business be your name?

I have been thinking about John Falchetto’s brand new website. He is using his name, and that’s it. It seems like the right thing to do when you have an awesome name like John Falchetto, but what if your name is something boring?

I have also been thinking about using a last name and then adding something to it, like a word that explains what your business is all about. I started thinking about this when I visited Robert Dempsey’s website, Dempsey Marketing. If you add words like Marketing or Media, the name of the business could be regular names like Smith Media or Anderson Consulting.

But, maybe you don’t want to use your name at all, what should you think about when you’re thinking about how to name your business?

Are there any rules to how to name a business?

Let me just tell you what I’m thinking about when it comes to how to name a business.

The name should be fairly short, easy to remember and easy to spell. To me, that’s the easy part. But, the name should also have a visual element. This way it will be a lot easier to remember. The visual element can be whatever, as long as you can visualize the name. That’s hard, especially if you add the parts where the name should be short, easy to remember and easy to spell. And finally, there are two things that makes it even harder to find the “perfect” name for a business. The name should have a positive connotation. I’d love a name that makes people smile when they think of it. And, the name should include information about what our business does.

How to name a business by using a name generator

During my quest to find an answer to how to name a business, I have tried various business name generators. What I discovered was interesting. I found some really creative names by just pressing a button. Some of the business name generators will just list lots of creative, short and (more or less) cool words that you can use for your business, while others will ask you for some words that describes your business and will combine the information you add into a new name for your business.

Here are 10 free business name generators I’ve tested:

To me, using a name generator is how to name a business when you have absolutely no ideas. But is it the right thing to do?

Your tips on how to name a business

I am still not sure if there’s a perfect answer to how to name a business. And there are laws that regulate how to name a business (I don’t know much about these laws, other than the obvious).

I’ve listed some options. And now it’s your turn.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you own a business? What’s the name, and why did you use that specific name? And are there any really cool business names that you like?

One of my favorite business names is Razorfish. I don’t know why, but it’s a cool name.

Filed Under: Marketing

Comments

  1. Keith says:
    January 11, 2012 at 12:21 pm


    Twitter:
    I came up with my name from a photography effect (Tilt Shift Marketing) and tilt shift is about a focal point in an image, I liked the concept with marketing, bringing certain aspects of your online efforts into focus.

    I understand the “average” customer won’t understand what it means, but like you said, neither do we when it comes to Google, but I use it every day!
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    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 12:27 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Keith,

      That’s really interesting, and i especially like that it’s actually a meaning to the name. I was cutting my hair at a hair dresser yesterday, and I asked the guy why his business was called Vinus Hair Dresser. He said that he just liked the name Vinus, and that he believes that it’s a girls name in Latin, but he wasn’t sure. This got me thinking about…

      I really like names with a meaning to it. Tilt Shift Marketing is awesome.
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      Reply
      • Joe Lampo says:
        January 17, 2012 at 6:48 am

        Hi, Jens. You have another interesting post here. I read over the comments your readers posted, and I just wanted to offer some additional comment here. The “Vinus” your hair dresser referred to is actually “Venus,” the Roman Goddess of Love. Her Greek equivalent would be Aphrodite. So, you see those names have meanings, too. My surname, for another example, in Italian means “lightning.” It can also mean “electric lamp.” So, if I wanted to name a business involved in electricity in some form, it could properly be called Lampo Electric. So, you are correct in gravitating towards names that have meanings in their own right.

        By the way, I am getting closer to having my blog go live on the web. Will let you know so, when you have time, perhaps you can critique it for me. Stay well, keep up the good work, and keep on bloggin’.

        Reply
    • Simon Duck says:
      January 11, 2012 at 3:03 pm


      Twitter:
      I didn’t realise the meaning behind your name, but I have to say I like it. When people are researching your company and come across that they will be impressed that you actually thought into the same I am sure.

      Regards,
      Simon Duck
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      Reply
    • James says:
      January 21, 2012 at 12:56 am

      Bustaname (http://bustaname.com) is an awesome service for linking together keywords and generating random domain names. Lean Domain Search (http://leandomainsearch.com) is an awesome, brand new tool that helps you come up with Web 2.0 Style domain names, most are quite good!

      If you feel that most of the good names are taken, Launchkite.com(http://launchkite.com) is a directory listing of a bunch of awesome “pre-branded web 2.0″ domain names. I paid $250 for a domain name and a logo for my startup, not a bad deal, and I got a pretty good name. If you’re in the market, I’d recommended browsing what they have to offer. Sometimes you can find something better than those naming services can come up with.
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  2. Ryan Biddulph says:
    January 11, 2012 at 12:44 pm


    Twitter:
    Hi Jens,

    No business here but you just gave me a neat idea for my opt-in form ;)

    Keeping your biz name short and memorable seems to work best. Make an impression and your business presence expands more quickly than if your biz name is dull and drawn out.

    Thanks for sharing :)

    RB
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  3. Harleena Singh says:
    January 11, 2012 at 1:54 pm


    Twitter:
    Wonderful ideas there Jens!

    Though not from the marketing or business niche, I think having your own name makes a lot of sense as people already relate to you, know you well enough, and know what you do. I guess it would be easier and better to connect and make a niche with your own name, rather than selecting a totally new name. Just thoughts…though of course you would do what feel best. :)

    Hope you get lots of views and ideas, though they don’t really confuse you :) Wishing you the best :)
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    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 2:06 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Harleena,

      That’s what I have been thinking. My problem is that I have a very long name, and I just wished my name was shorter and a very cool one and easy to remember :)

      Reply
      • Harleena Singh says:
        January 11, 2012 at 2:21 pm


        Twitter:
        I can understand that, though for most I guess you would always remain Jens Berget :) What does the P stand for that makes it so long? Or may be you could have it along with the P- hardly matters once people get to know of it.
        Harleena Singh invites you to read.. My Father, My PrideMy Profile (dofollow)

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        • Jens says:
          January 11, 2012 at 2:25 pm


          Twitter:
          My name is Jens-Petter Berget, so my first name is really Jens-Petter, but for most people not living in Norway, they have no idea how to say my name or won’t probably remember it either. I have been thinking about naming my business Jens of Norway (but there’s a business called Jens of Sweden, so I guess not) :)

          Reply
          • Harleena Singh says:
            January 11, 2012 at 2:31 pm


            Twitter:
            Nice to know that Jens! Well in that case have a long name, no harm done- people would know you with an additional ‘Petter’ added to the usual Jens Berget. Because its your name, you would feel its long, but within no time everyone will get used to it. If you count the number of alphabets, there are many people who have 15-16 alphabets in their site name. But of course its all upto you and what makes you feel good within also :)
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            • Jens says:
              January 11, 2012 at 3:02 pm


              Twitter:
              Thanks a lot Harleena.

              I feel that my name is both too long and too boring, but that might not be the case when it comes to people outside of Norway. They might look at my name as exotic :)

              Reply
  4. Ameena Falchetto says:
    January 11, 2012 at 1:56 pm


    Twitter:
    Interesting stuff Jens!

    I think it really depends on what you are offering or selling …

    My first business was called “Untitled” because my marketing services were to help other people’s brands and not mine … it was also a play on words because I have an arts background and so many great paintings are called “Untitled” :)

    Many businesses are called people’s names and sound cool due to the power of repetition not because the name was particularly special to begin with: Ford, Hoover, Ferrari, Boeing, etc …
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    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 2:09 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Ameena,

      Untitled, that’s a very interesting name, and the first time I’ve heard of something like that.

      Is your current business Ameena Falchetto, or do you have a different name for it?

      And the other thing I’ve been thinking about is the domain name, even though I have found an interesting name, if the domain name isn’t available, I’ll just go with another name. I don’t like to add – or an extra letter or an extra word just to get the .com or .no (for Norwegian).
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      Reply
  5. Joana says:
    January 11, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Thanks for the great idea. I do have business partner when we build our business here in our city and really it so hard for me to make decisions without the confirmation for the others. For now on, I just need to manage a capital to put up a business so that I can handle for my own.
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  6. Simon Duck says:
    January 11, 2012 at 3:01 pm


    Twitter:
    Hi,

    I understand why people use their name as the business name, but then when you look into it these are all relatively small businesses, therefore I think if you want to aim high then you need a name to show people that. Obviously there are lots of big companies which are people’s names, but I cant think of any at the moment.

    I think the best business names are ones which mean something, but are interesting as well. Like your example, Google and Yahoo both have great names, especially Google, as you want to find out what it is, and it is easy to remember and slips of the tongue.

    Keith says it well, although not everyone will know what it means, making a name which represents something within your business is a great idea. Love the reasoning behind ‘Tilt Shift Marketing’!

    Regards,
    Simon Duck
    Simon Duck invites you to read.. Listen to Your Own AdviceMy Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 3:07 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Simon,

      I agree, “Tilt Shift Marketing” is an awesome name, and we probably should be aiming high when it comes to creating the “perfect” name for our business. If my business is named after me, it would probably be hard to sell it (if that’s something I’d consider doing).

      On the other hand, it might be easier to create strong relationships with your name as the business name?
      Jens invites you to read.. Social Proof Makes You Do Crazy ThingsMy Profile

      Reply
      • Simon Duck says:
        January 11, 2012 at 4:07 pm


        Twitter:
        Very true, I think people feel they can approach businesses with a persons name, because they always seem ‘smaller’ and ‘friendlier’, but whether the perceptions are correct i do not know, some research would have to be done! I think most people think of companies with the persons name as sole traders most of the time?

        As well if I was running a business under my name, if it wasn’t doing too well etc. I would be much more inclined to try and save it, working harder due to the fact that it represents part of you because it is you (in a way). Although for example ‘Profit Duck’. I love that because I have so much history with it and I have thought about starting again before, to start from the beginning with a the strategy I am using now, but I could never pull myself away from the name and branding I have created.

        At the end of the day, I think as long as people can remember your company name easily, it isn’t offense (thinking other languages) and it represents the business in the appropriate way, then you are all set.

        Regards,
        Simon Duck
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        Reply
        • Jens says:
          January 11, 2012 at 4:20 pm


          Twitter:
          That’s true Simon.

          My business will be all about me, and I won’t have any employees every. That’s part of my strategy. And it’s the reason why I have been thinking about using my own name, but Berget Media might be better than just my name, don’t you think?

          Profit Duck is awesome, it’s short, easy to remember :)
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          Reply
  7. Bill Dorman says:
    January 11, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    Berget’s Business Blog – the killer Bees……….:).

    Personally, I would opt for your name; plus you have that Euro uniqueness to it which is worth something.

    I think most of the ‘branded’ names got that way because they brought something to the table first; it just wasn’t the name that catapulted them into consciousness.

    Good luck; the next step might be picking a few and then do a reader vote as well, huh? Just be prepared to get different recommendations…….:)
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    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 4:06 pm


      Twitter:
      Maybe Berget Media would be something? My business will be about many different things, not just my blog, but it will also include my novel, and some projects related to writing short stories for Kindle and social media strategies for different businesses.

      Berget Media? Maybe…

      Thanks a lot Bill, it seems that all I’m currently doing is thinking (and trying to be creative) :)

      Reply
  8. Praveen Rajarao says:
    January 11, 2012 at 4:11 pm


    Twitter:
    I personally feel there is not much in a name, you wouldnt use Google if not for what it helps you with. Just because a name has a meaning, it doesnt necessarily mean it would hit-off.

    All that matters is the way you promote it and how you build the business and I am sure you would do a great job at that. So no matter what name you give it, it will be a success for sure.

    However, I do like some of the ideas above where they say to name it after you, it makes perfect sense and people who already know you will relate to it better.
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  9. Ricardo Nuñez says:
    January 11, 2012 at 5:58 pm


    Twitter:
    The name of my business is Lusosystems: a prefix meaning “Portuguese” (wikipedia). It started in college and was a friend’s idea.

    I’ve pivoted many times over. The services are not the same since my days in college, but still I think the word systems apply.

    You can also have a website with one name, an the business with another name. I have seeing a lot of people using personal name or other name and using a different name for their legal business.

    Is hard to get a good name. My advice is that it doesn’t have to be your name, it can be something that resonates with you.
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    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 6:14 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Ricardo,

      Lusosystems, that’s an interesting name, and a name that I’ll remember for sure. I didnt know about the meaning, until you said it, but I don’t think that the meaning of a business name is a big deal until you’ve actually created a relationship with the business. So you’ve had this business for many years?

      I’ve also thought about having several websites and a completely different name for the business. But, I’m not sure. I’d like to create a hub for my business, and that name should probably be the name of my business. At least that’s what I’m thinking right now.

      I’m thinking that I’ll create a business name with my last name, Berget and maybe I’ll add a word like Media to it. But like you said, it’s hard to find the “perfect” name :)

      Reply
  10. Ruth - The Freelance Writing Blog says:
    January 11, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    First of all, I like Jens Petter or Petter Berget…I agree with Bill, it’s got that Euro-interest that will make it memorable.

    I want to know what names the generator created for you Jens? Anything interesting?
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  11. Carolyn says:
    January 11, 2012 at 6:49 pm


    Twitter:
    Hi Jens, I never have named a business but I named my blog. I would suggest going for a name where you could get the URL with a .com suffix. Also do a search to make sure it isn’t taken.

    Names such as Google, Amazon, Mashable, etc. say nothing about the products and services they sell. You probably want to be searchable unless you have a multi-kazillion Krona budget.

    Berget Media sounds very impressive to me! That covers your blog, novel, videos, etc.

    Do you ever foresee selling the business? Would you want someone else to own your name? Just another thought.

    I’m looking forward to following your journey, Jens! Thanks for giving us a glimpse into the process. :-)
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    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 7:02 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Carolyn,

      I’m thinking that my business will always be my business, it’s going to be something I’m truly passionate about and it will always be just me, and not a single employee, no matter if I have success or not. So, I’m never going to sell it :)

      I don’t have a budget at all, not a dime.. but hopefully content marketing and relationships will save me :)

      Reply
  12. Adrienne says:
    January 11, 2012 at 8:14 pm


    Twitter:
    I also agree, what kind of business are you looking to create and then I would decide whether or not to go with just a name of your name. Personally, I love your name Jens because it’s different and unique just like you.

    I did form a business a few years make and used my initials with my maiden name and put Enterprises in there. Wanted it to be related somewhat to me because let’s face it. You can get more boring then Smith! :-)

    Let us know what you come up with.
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    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 8:33 pm


      Twitter:
      Thanks a lot Adrienne, I’m thinking that Berget Media is the name right now, but I’ll have to think about it for a few more days :)

      That’s the great thing about being Norwegian, to me Smith is exotic :)

      Reply
  13. Jack says:
    January 11, 2012 at 8:20 pm


    Twitter:
    I used “TheJackB” intentionally because it is short, memorable and offers lots of flexibility in how to brand it.
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    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 8:35 pm


      Twitter:
      That’s what I’ve been thinking about, and that’s the reason why I have been considering Berget Media. It’s not very creative, but I can use it for almost anything I do online :)

      Reply
  14. Rizwan Sultan says:
    January 11, 2012 at 9:09 pm


    Twitter:
    Hey Jens!!

    You don’t think when this type situation is occur you have even no idea for name of business before start is worst case how we get good outcome without making research about business.
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    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 9:13 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Rizwan,

      I have a good idea what my business is going to be. I haven’t done a lot of research, but the business is all about what I’m good at (and it’s not a lot of things that I’m good at). But, the name of the business, that’s a completely different story… it’s really hard :)

      Reply
  15. olatoun-graceny says:
    January 11, 2012 at 9:12 pm


    Twitter:
    Interesting to know that business name generator exist..your name sure sounds unique so if you want to add Norway to it you can. Name the business Jens.P.B of Norway (just a thought). I am not good at name as a legal pract. I register business name for cilents and I praise them for creativity when they give names like brickstones,redhazel etc. I believe my law firm name is even boring(olatoun. A.kolawole&co).I just think any name that sound pleasing to you should suffix.

    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 9:16 pm


      Twitter:
      I’m thinking that Berget Media might be it, even though I could probably find some fancy and really cool short names from one of the business name generators :)

      Reply
  16. olatoun-graceny says:
    January 11, 2012 at 9:20 pm


    Twitter:
    Pls pardon all the typographical errors.
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    • Jens says:
      January 11, 2012 at 9:22 pm


      Twitter:
      You don’t have to say pardon. I’m Norwegian and have all sorts of errors when it comes to the English language :)

      I think you’re doing an awesome job.

      Reply
  17. Sam says:
    January 12, 2012 at 12:01 am

    Naming a business is one of the fun parts, because the work is pretty hard. I always loved to name businesses, but always did it as I should. The most important part is the time, in order to name a business, you need time – let’s say a couple of days, 2-3/maximum 4 days for thinking about a name. Make a list with possible names, make a list with related keywords to the business and then you have a starting point for the domain name. Thanks for sharing!
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    • Jens P. Berget says:
      January 13, 2012 at 6:11 am


      Twitter:
      Hi Sam,

      Yes, it takes time, and that’s usually something I’m not good at. I love being creative, and many times I just want to finish everything in a matter of minutes. I’m saying to myself that if I don’t finish the task in 7 minutes I won’t find a good name :)

      But, you’re right, we should spend some time to think about the name, and probably talk to people about it, maybe even our “potential” customers first. This way we’ll be sure that it’s the right name.

      Thanks a lot for stopping by.

      Reply
  18. Eddie Gear says:
    January 12, 2012 at 5:03 am

    Hi Jens, I’ve taken some time off my busy schedule to leave a few comments on my fav blogs. I did use about three of the tools you mentioned here for my new start up. Things are going great. Love your work, keep it up.
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  19. Ashvini says:
    January 12, 2012 at 4:28 pm


    Twitter:
    The fun part is that when elders from your family are part of the business. When I started my own e commerce venture, there were number of weird names in my head. I got them by combining parts of various words such as tech , know, inter, tera,alpha etc.
    What is funny is that my father shot down all the crazy sounding names. In the end we settled for the name that was a full word. There was no glamour in it but at least I was able to add “e” to it. If I were alone in the venture I am sure I would have picked up from the names that I decided :)
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  20. Les Inggris says:
    January 13, 2012 at 5:18 am

    Nice post, thank you for sharing…
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  21. Barry Wells says:
    January 13, 2012 at 3:44 pm


    Twitter:
    Hi Jens,

    You’ve raised a very good question here my friend. This is something that has been on my mind for sometime. I agree that it should be short, memorable and think it should describe what it is the business does.

    Having said that your opening paragraph on Google and Yahoo kind of puts my thinking out the window because yahoo to me (before the internet) would have been a boys night out and Google would have been looking at all the girls at the end of the boys night out, in our drunken states :)

    I’ll follow your links and see what they come up with for me. I do have one in mind for when i get to that point, but I’ve a way to go yet.

    Thanks Jens,

    Barry
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    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 13, 2012 at 4:39 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Barry,

      Yes, google and yahoo are famous, but most people don’t have a clue what the names mean.

      I’m still thinking about mine, but i’ll probably end up using my last name (Berget).

      Reply
  22. Cristina Ansbjerg says:
    January 13, 2012 at 7:29 pm

    Hej Jens,

    Berget Media sounds really good. I’m very bad at naming businesses/blogs.
    I think the key is to keep it simple.

    Cheers,

    Cristina
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    Reply
  23. executive gifts says:
    January 14, 2012 at 11:26 am

    Using a name generator can definitely help a lot. Although I honestly like putting a personal touch on anything I come up with. I also like the idea of having a visual element along with a business name.

    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 15, 2012 at 6:20 pm


      Twitter:
      I have been testing the name generators, and there are some interesting names… but you’re right, personal touch is important, and that’s exactly why I’m not going to use a name generator for my company name :)

      Reply
  24. Hajra says:
    January 14, 2012 at 6:37 pm


    Twitter:
    Hey Jens,

    A friend of mine and I are planning something new (online!) and though we have outlined everything we will be doing and when, we are stuck on the name! Though I see such lovely names; karmic kappuccino being my favorite till date; every time I see a nice business blog name I go like this “Why didn’t I think of this?” ;) And every time I see an awesome name (John Falchetto ; Bill Dorman ; Danny Brown etc…. ) I simply blame my parents ;)

    So, I am pretty clueless about this! Maybe, I need to try that name generator!
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  25. Becca says:
    January 15, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    Using a tool like name generator can help you give ideas what you really want
    for the name of your business.
    Sometimes whether we like it or not we need to use software tools for our business.

    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 17, 2012 at 7:52 am


      Twitter:
      Hi Becca,

      Yes, absolutely. I have tested the name generators, and I found some interesting names… but it all depends on what you’re looking for. I’m probably going to use my own name for my business.

      Reply
  26. Nicholle Olores says:
    January 16, 2012 at 12:25 am

    I agree with using name generator in naming your business but it is more efficient if it is originally made from you however name generator may actually help.
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    • Jens says:
      January 17, 2012 at 7:54 am


      Twitter:
      Hi Nicholle,

      Yes, I believe that we should use name generators when we have no ideas left, or maybe to get even more creative in the process of finding a name :)

      Reply
  27. Anita Richard says:
    January 16, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    Hey I liked the tilt shift marketing name for a website. Similarly even untitled is a great name. Actually it all depends on what you are offering. Hoping to read more intellectual posts like this one.

    Reply
  28. free web templates says:
    January 16, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    I am very pleased with the thought and don’t feel like adding anything in it. It a perfect answer.

    Reply
  29. Alex Morris says:
    January 16, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    I don’t own a company but I think the most fun I could have with it is naming the thing. Making a decision would be the difficult thing, but if it the company doesn’t do well you can always change it in time. For anyone stuck just try jamming two arbitrary words together:

    Jam Soup
    Hodgepodge Dodgepodge,
    Musical Doorway,
    Yoghurt Cuppa,
    Brew Threw,
    Svelt Welt.

    Look at moonpig, if it’s catchy you’ll remember it. I’ve used their services purely because of that.

    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 17, 2012 at 7:57 am


      Twitter:
      Hi Alex,

      That’s a very interesting method of naming a business. I have actually never heard of moonpig, but I’d definitively test their services… that’s one of the best business names I’ve heard :)

      Reply
      • Alex Morris says:
        January 17, 2012 at 11:02 am

        It’s a British company who sell speciality, bespoke cards – they were a surpirse hit based purely on their name and television advert. It is one of those insanely addictive little jingles that just refuses to leave your head no matter what. Possibly the most successful example I can think of based on advertising and a company name. In England, anyway.

        Reply
  30. julie says:
    January 16, 2012 at 8:44 pm

    hmmm, thanks for giving me food for thought, yes youre right that by keping your biz name short and memorable you make an impression and your business presence expands a lot quicker

    Reply
  31. Jeanine says:
    January 17, 2012 at 8:44 am

    This kind of food for thought is really good..I am really inspire reading on it..Thanks for sharing..
    Jeanine invites you to read.. PPI ClaimsMy Profile

    Reply
  32. toprankwebservices says:
    January 19, 2012 at 5:57 am

    that’s really interesting for newers that want to do buisiness….

    thanks alot for that..i request..plz provide us always that kind of ideas..

    i m interested to do my own buisiness…………!!!

    thanks
    Satish Chandra Sharma
    Ballia – U.P
    Mob NO: +91-8527531898

    Reply
  33. logo items says:
    January 20, 2012 at 7:04 am

    some people or businessmen tend to name there business on there last name. Especially if they are famous on there place and have good family background and reputation. While others tend to name it based on some facts and research like related terms and ideas.

    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 20, 2012 at 8:03 pm


      Twitter:
      Yes, you’re absolutely right. Things would be so much easier if I was famous :)

      On the other hand, I want my business to be as personal as possible, hence my name should be included.

      Thanks a lot for your comment.

      Reply
  34. Sergio Felix says:
    January 20, 2012 at 7:43 pm


    Twitter:
    Hey Jens,

    Well you’re a writer… so why not Berget Bublishing?

    I am VERY non creative when it comes to naming things, I don’t know why but that’s how it is.

    These word creation tools actually do help me when I need to brainstorm ideas.

    Lately I have been visiting a few blogs that are all about being unique, names like Live Your Legend, Do The Impossible, Man vs. Debt, etc., even though they are not companies, they address the issue of branding with a great engaging name.

    The same thing needed for a business or company brand.

    Really cool tools you mentioned here, I think I only knew a couple of those.

    Sergio

    PS. Ever heard of wordoid? It’s somewhat more flexible and robust than most of these (it’s free too).
    Sergio Felix invites you to read.. Corbett Barr’s How to Start a Blog that MattersMy Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
    • Jens says:
      January 20, 2012 at 8:06 pm


      Twitter:
      Hi Sergio,

      I have thought about Berget Publishing, but since I’m going to do a lot of different things, I don’t think publishing is the right name. But now I believe that the name of my business might be Berget Marketing… because everything I’ll be doing will be about marketing, and the english word will be ok in Norwegian as well (hopefully) :)

      I haven’t heard of wordoid before, but I’ll try to find it via google and test it.

      Thanks a lot for your comment Sergio. Have a fantastic weekend :)

      Reply
  35. John says:
    January 24, 2012 at 11:54 am

    Bing – Name derived from Chandler Bing… hahaha…
    John invites you to read.. Image Masking Services – Image Masking RomaniaMy Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
  36. John says:
    January 24, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    BTW….he’s one of the characters in the popular TV series – F.R.I.E.N.D.S :)
    John invites you to read.. Image Masking Services – Image Masking RomaniaMy Profile (dofollow)

    Reply
  37. Shawn from Nameless says:
    February 5, 2012 at 2:47 am

    I have been staring at my computer screen for hours today using all the generators you recommend and I can’t seem to come up with anything. I recently decided to start my own online marketing consulting business to help small, struggling local business create or improve their online presence so they can actually get some results (SEO, web design, PPC, website analytics). I do all this for the family plumbing and home improvement business and have been very successful with Craigslist, Google, Angie’s List and other free listings without spending a dime, and want to communicate that I can do this for other small businesses like ours. But I can’t seem to come up with a name…

    Reply
    • Jens P. Berget says:
      February 5, 2012 at 8:32 pm


      Twitter:
      Too bad. What if you did what I just did, and use your last name and the niche you’re in? My new business is Berget Marketing. It’s not exactly a brilliant name, but it works :)

      Reply
      • Shawn from Nameless says:
        February 6, 2012 at 4:17 pm

        You know, I thought about that. Wilde Marketing, Marketing with Wilde, Marketing Gone Wilde. But then I see a popular SEO/Internet marketing company with the name Orange Soda: Marketing with a Fizz, and I can’t help but be envious. I about to walk into Piggly Wiggly and walk up and down the food aisles until I find my Orange Soda, too.

        Reply
        • Jens P. Berget says:
          February 6, 2012 at 4:27 pm


          Twitter:
          I know, there are so many awesome names out there. I have been thinking a lot about this, and to me, it was more like I had to get a name right now, I just couldn’t spend more time thinking about finding the “perfect” name for my business. Sometimes it’s more important to just do it, and that’s was what I thought :)

          Reply
          • Shawn from Nameless says:
            February 7, 2012 at 12:17 am

            Wow, I don’t even have the option of my own name. I checked out wildemarketing.com and not only is it taken, my browser says it’s been flagged as a dangerous site. I also checked out Marketing Gone Wild in case I wanted Marketing Gone Wilde… TAKEN. I am at a loss of words and ideas. I have been staring at this screen all day and just want to end it all. :)

            Reply
  38. Keith Craigo says:
    April 21, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    Great article,
    I tried one of the name generators, I just typed in Database #LightSwitch and Application and it returned Databasedisembowel, not sure that would go over to good in the business world, LOL

    Thank you for the article

    Keith

    Reply
  39. Business Name ideas says:
    June 4, 2012 at 9:36 am

    I suggest don’t use your name or surname in your business unless you are very popular in your business, because its not gives the idea of your business to anybody who don’t know about you. if you you use a meaningful and related name to your business will know the peoples whats the business is about and they will automatically know your name after trying your business.

    Reply
  40. Paul Blackburn says:
    July 19, 2012 at 7:59 am

    This is a good advice. Thank you so much for the information.

    Reply
  41. Company Name Generator says:
    August 17, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    Using a company name generator is not a bad idea, even if you don’t go for any of the names, it may just give you some great ideas for your own business.

    Reply
  42. Brandable Domain Names says:
    August 17, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    Don’t forget you need to get the corresponding .com domain name and only the .com. If you don’t have the .com, it doesn’t matter how great the name is you’ll just be sending people to the wrong website and worse, a competitor.

    Thanks for the blog.
    Brandable Domain Names invites you to read.. The Expandable Brandable NameMy Profile

    Reply
  43. ben rither says:
    September 28, 2012 at 6:56 am

    Also you guys should consider using a branding agency. Theres a lot of them out there, I chose http://www.namella.com. They were pretty good for the price, everyone else was charging $5k+ and they only charged $150.

    Reply
  44. mark says:
    October 18, 2012 at 10:49 am

    found another nice generator- http://www.namemesh.com

    Reply
  45. Business says:
    January 26, 2013 at 1:36 am

    Yowza. How many times can you use “how to name a business” in one article. I counted 5 before I stopped counting. Guess we know what you want to rank for on Google. ;-)

    Reply
  46. Jive Commerce says:
    April 22, 2013 at 9:44 pm


    Twitter:
    namesinteractive.com has a lot of good business name domains for just $149

    Reply

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