Last Updated: 13/06/24
Check if your preferred company name is available for registration.
Use our company name check resource, which is directly integrated with Companies House, the official registrar of companies in the UK. If your desired name is available, we recommend checking if the name is also available as a domain name and that it is not registered as a trademark before incorporation.
Before you check a company name, review the Companies House naming guidelines. These guidelines are easy to follow and not overly restrictive, ensuring a smooth search process as you look for the perfect trading name.
Below, you'll find the five primary name check rules to guide you:
Two limited companies cannot have similar names. Your company formation application may be rejected if your new company name is too similar to a registered one.
As an entrepreneur, your chosen company name must be unique and distinguishable if you wish to register a new business. You are not allowed to register a company with a name that is identical or too similar to an existing registered name. Differences in punctuation, special characters, or commonly used words (such as "Company," "Services," or "UK") are not considered sufficient to make a name unique and different from one that is already registered.
For instance, if you are in the energy sector, you cannot register a company by adding a common word like "UK" to the name "Shell" to distinguish it from the multinational energy company Shell.
However, if you decide to use a name similar to another business, our free company name tool will inform you that while the name may be available, you’ll need to provide evidence that you have permission to use it.
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With the appropriate documentation, the 'same as' rule will be waived for you if —
But if your preferred name is (exactly) the same as an existing entity, the search result will show that the company name is unavailable.
Unless you get explicit permission, your proposed name should not include a word that implies a connection with the devolved administration, national government, or local authorities. Our company name checker will flag names like royal, council, crown, government, and HM (Her Majesty).
These are words that could mislead the public about the company's nature, purpose, or legal status (e.g., "Chartered," "Accredited," "Architect," "Bank," etc.). Our company name availability search tool will flag such entries and advise you to prepare evidence showing you can use a sensitive word.
Our Limited Liability Company Name Check UK tool will flag names that are offensive, inappropriate, derogatory, or likely to cause harm or offence. Companies House aims to approve enterprises that promote inclusivity and respect in the business community.
To maintain a positive business image, adhere to legal requirements, and promote decency in the UK business environment, choose a commercial name that avoids implying illegal activities, fostering discrimination or bias, or one that goes against public welfare.
Your company name must not infringe on an existing trademark. While a registered company name is distinct from a trademark, it still cannot be too similar to an existing registered one, as this could lead to a complaint and necessitate a name change. It's crucial to search the UK trademark register before proceeding with registration to avoid potential issues.
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Register as a trade mark with the Intellectual Property Agency, your brand name, to enjoy full protection after incorporation. Doing this grants you exclusive rights over your brand identity, which is crucial for marketing purposes.
Read more: Limited Company Name Change by Special Resolution Explained!
Ensuring your preferred business name is available is a crucial step in the company formation process. This helps you avoid potential legal conflicts and brand confusion. By checking the availability of your desired name, you can confidently move forward with your business plans. Enter your preferred business name and click "Check availability" to start.
When you check company name availability, the search engine will query the Companies House database of registered company names. The result will indicate whether the name is available for use.
MoneySuperMarket and PureGym are two prime examples of how a well-crafted registered name can significantly impact. Your registered trade name serves as the initial representation of your business and leaves a lasting impression on potential customers. A good name fosters a sense of trust and loyalty that ultimately contributes to your business's long-term success. Therefore, crafting and choosing a company name that effectively communicates your business's essence and value proposition is crucial.
In this section, we'll investigate these case studies to understand how these companies have successfully achieved this through their chosen names.
MoneySuperMarket, a price comparison website focusing on financial services, cleverly integrates three essential keywords: "money" and "supermarket." The word "money" holds universal recognition and immediate understanding, signalling their main business activity is in financial matters to potential customers without ambiguity. This straightforward association aids in the quick identification of its offerings.
The term "supermarket" conjures an image of a one-stop shop with diverse products. Combining "money" and "supermarket" in the name hints at providing customers with a broad range of financial services and products under one platform.
By leveraging familiar terms and concepts, MoneySuperMarket effectively communicates its value proposition. The name resonates with prospects, creating a clear, appealing, memorable corporate image.
PureGym, a chain of fitness centers in the UK renowned for its affordable and accessible gym memberships, strategically leverages two key terms: "Pure" and "Gym." The term "gym" immediately triggers associations with fitness training, which is crucial in a competitive market with numerous fitness centers vying for attention.
Using "Pure" as a prefix adds depth to the name. It conveys simplicity, focus, and dedication to fitness, suggesting that PureGym prioritises essential aspects of training and offers an uncluttered and straightforward experience. This resonates with prospects seeking a no-nonsense approach to fitness devoid of distractions or complications.
The combined term "PureGym" creates a corporate image of commitment to delivering a streamlined, practical, affordable fitness experience. Additionally, the name's simplicity contributes to its memorability, making it easy for prospects to recall when considering gym options or recommending one to others.
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Industry-specific keywords in your trade name foster immediate recognition and connection with your target audience. This not only boosts the memorability of your company name but also enhances its appeal and relevance within your industry.
Here are the key takeaways from PureGym and MoneySupermarket to consider as you come up with a memorable commercial name:
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Having relevant keywords in your trade name allows you to convey your value proposition and strategically position your company for improved search engine rankings. Since 90% of Google users do not venture beyond the first page of search results, prioritising ranking higher on Google is just as crucial as selecting the perfect name.
To find the most effective keywords for your commercial name, focus on understanding the language and terms your potential customers commonly use when discussing or searching for businesses in your niche. You can gather these insights by examining questions and comments on social media platforms like Facebook groups, Reddit, Quora, and Twitter.
Keep in mind that language and word usage can evolve. Therefore, it is beneficial to review your business strategy, including your company name, periodically, ideally every five years. Regular strategy assessments help you stay current with changing trends, customer preferences, and industry advancements, ensuring continued relevance and alignment with your target market.
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When combining words, consider their sound and flow. Choose words that sound good together and create a pleasing rhythm. Ensure the combined terms do not result in ambivalence or unintended negative connotations.
We found that Namelix works best when users select the auto option for name style and medium randomness. To generate the most relevant names for your business, input two to three keywords pertinent to your industry and provide a brief, one-sentence description.
Overall, NameLix is a powerful and intuitive tool that can help entrepreneurs and startups quickly and easily generate unique and memorable names for their businesses.
⚡ Fast Fact
Namelix takes the keyword you provide and applies advanced AI algorithms to generate a range of unique and exciting options for you to consider. The tool allows users to select name styles (e.g., opt for compound words such as Microsoft) and the degree to which the generated name should be random (choices between low and medium randomness) to help users generate the most relevant and personalised name suggestions. While the Shopify company name generator is more straightforward. It adds qualifying words to the keyword you provide and gives you hundreds of basic options to consider.
Consider using any of the above company name generators to help you discover your business's perfect name. Compile a list of at least five potential names and use our company name search to verify their availability.
Before you choose your company name, it's essential to prioritise the list according to your preference, placing the one you find most appealing at the top. Check your company name using our name search tool to determine which name is available to register. This will allow you to settle for one that accurately represents your company and resonates with your target audience.
Simply enter your preferred names in the search box and click ‘check availability.’ Our name search engine is integrated with the Companies House website and will tell you if a name is registered.
You must first form a company to reserve your company name in the UK. These processes are interconnected and co-occur. Register a dormant company by selecting our digital package for just £2. Afterwards, simply notify us, and we’ll provide you with a draft letter you can use to notify HMRC that your company is dormant for corporation tax.
You can protect a preferred company name without registering the company by leveraging the trademark regime or registering it as a domain name. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) manages trademark registration in the UK. Start by checking the name's availability in their database. If it meets the criteria, submit your application. The IPO will review it and grant you exclusive rights to the name if unopposed.
Additionally, check if the company name is available as a domain name. If it is, purchase it to deter others from using it.
In many jurisdictions, including the UK, certain words and expressions are restricted or prohibited from being used in a company name without prior approval. These restrictions are in place to prevent misuse that could suggest a connection with the UK government, local authorities, or other regulated or sensitive sectors when no such connection exists. Some examples of restricted words include —
All private limited companies, whether limited by shares or limited by guarantee, must end with the word limited. However, section 60 of the Companies Act 2006 provides a leeway for a registered charity or a private company limited by guarantee to apply for exemption if their articles of association provide that —
If your company meets these criteria, you can apply for exemption during incorporation or after using form NE01.
For other forms of company structures, the following ending rules must apply -
Please note that the Registrar will automatically add 'Limited' to the end of your company name during the incorporation process, even if you do not include it on your application. However, suppose you would like it to appear in a specific format (e.g., Limited, LIMITED, Limited, Ltd, LTD, ltd, or any Welsh language equivalent) on the certificate of incorporation. In that case, you specify the same in your application form.
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