Struggling to Name Your Brand? You’re Not Alone
Coming up with the right name for your brand can feel like an impossible task. Whether you’re launching a new business, creating a product, or rebranding an existing company, your name is the first impression you make. It sets the tone for everything—from your website and logo to your marketing strategy and online presence.
If you’re saying, “I don’t know what to name my brand”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common challenges we see from startups and business owners across the UK. At InfaCloud, we regularly help clients clarify their brand identity and develop names that feel authentic, professional, and future-proof.
The truth is, most great brand names don’t appear in a flash of inspiration—they’re the result of structured thinking, a bit of creativity, and knowing how to test ideas. In this post, we’ll guide you through a clear process to take the pressure off and get you closer to a name you can feel proud of.
What Makes a Brand Name Work?
Before diving into ideas, it’s useful to understand what makes a brand name effective—especially in today’s digital-first landscape.
Strong brand names usually have several things in common:
- Memorability – Easy to remember after a quick glance or conversation.
- Clarity – Communicates what you do or the feeling you want to evoke.
- Simplicity – Easy to say, spell, and search for online.
- Uniqueness – Stands out in your industry and avoids sounding like the competition.
- Scalability – Works even if your offering expands over time.
A good name should support your brand’s purpose and personality. For example, a family-run artisan bakery might choose something warm and traditional, while a bold tech startup might favour a short, punchy invented word.
It’s tempting to go ultra-creative, but clever puns or overly abstract words can confuse potential customers. Aim for something distinctive, yes—but still understandable. And always think ahead: Will the name still make sense if you launch new services or grow nationally?
How to Generate Brand Name Ideas
When you’re stuck, the best first step is to start brainstorming in a structured way. Don’t over-edit yourself in the early stages—focus on generating volume, then shortlist later.
Here are four ways to get the creative flow going:
1. Think about your brand values
What do you stand for? Are you innovative, reliable, fun, disruptive, traditional? List words that reflect your mission, personality, and promise to customers. These can become great name triggers.
2. Consider your audience
Who are you trying to reach? Your name should resonate with them. Think about the kind of language, tone, and energy your customers respond to.
3. Use word association
Pick a central word (like “clean”, “fast”, “local”, “green”) and start noting all the ideas or phrases that relate to it. Let it spiral out organically—you might discover unexpected directions.
4. Try online tools
There are several free brand name generators online (like Namelix, Shopify’s generator, or Oberlo) that can help spark ideas. Even if the suggestions aren’t perfect, they can offer inspiration for themes, combinations, and styles.
You’ll likely end up with a mix of styles:
- Real words (Evernote, Monzo)
- Invented terms (Google, Spotify)
- Acronyms (ASOS, IKEA)
- Compound names (QuickBooks, WordPress)
- Personal or location-based names (Hudson Digital, Sunderland Studios)
Once you’ve got a longlist, start testing them out loud. Ask yourself:
- Can I say this naturally in a conversation?
- Would people remember it after hearing it once?
- Does it feel aligned with what I offer?
Important Checks Before You Decide
Even if a name sounds perfect, it’s essential to do a few quick checks before committing. These steps can save you legal headaches and branding confusion down the line.
1. Domain name availability
Check if the name is available as a .co.uk or .com. A clean, matching domain helps build trust with visitors. Use a domain registrar like 123 Reg or Namecheap to search.
2. Trademark search
Make sure the name isn’t already legally protected. Use the UK Intellectual Property Office’s trademark search tool to check for conflicts.
3. Social media handle availability
Is the name free on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (Twitter)? Consistent handles across channels are a big plus.
4. Language and meaning checks
Double-check what the word means in other languages or dialects—especially if you plan to sell internationally or to diverse audiences.
Once your name passes these filters, share it with a few trusted people. Get honest feedback—especially from potential customers. Listen for reactions like: “That sounds professional” or “I’d remember that.”
Your Brand Name Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect
One of the biggest myths in branding is that your name needs to be perfect. The reality is, a strong name is helpful—but what you build around it is what truly makes a brand successful.
Think about some of today’s most recognisable brands. Apple, Spotify, Nike—none of these names say what the business actually does. But they became powerful because of the experiences, consistency, and quality built around them.
That means you don’t need to wait for the “perfect” name to strike. A name that’s clear, unique, and aligned with your values is good enough to launch—and you can build from there.
If you’re still stuck, we’re here to help. At InfaCloud, we support UK businesses with branding, website design, and strategy that connects. Whether you need help naming your business or building an identity from scratch, we can guide you through every step.
Need help naming your brand? Contact InfaCloud today to start your journey.
