Choosing a business name is a crucial step in establishing your brand identity. A well-crafted business name communicates your values, sets the tone for your brand, and is often the first impression customers have. It should be memorable, relevant to your industry, and ideally, convey a sense of what your business stands for. Striking a balance between creativity and clarity is key. A strong business name can leave a lasting impact, fostering recognition and trust among your audience.
We asked CEOs and business owners how they came up with their business names. Here are a few responses:
#1- Came about because of a tragedy
We are an inclusive, women's only Run Group based in Sydney and online. The name Boobs on the Run came about because of a tragedy in my life. 17 years ago I lost my Mum to breast cancer, and I wanted to give back to the community raise funds for breast cancer research, and create a legacy for my Mum. Boobs on the Run was born and the cheeky name has stuck with us ever since (and it sticks in everyone's mind too!). We have raised over $140k for charities and support the Mother's Day Classic by donating to both the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Thanks to Melanie Warman, Boobs on the Run!
#2- By blending personal and professional identity
The name “Rachel Beth Jewellery” is a blend of personal and professional identity, combining my first name, Rachel, with my middle name, Beth. It reflects the intimate and personalized nature of my jewelry creations. The decision to use my name was inspired by the desire to make my brand synonymous with trust, craftsmanship, and individuality. This name encapsulates the essence of the unique, handcrafted pieces I create for my clients, making every piece truly special.
Thanks to Rachel Lake, Rachel Beth Jewellery!
#3- As my body and mind went into relaxation mode
It took me months to come up with a business name. The stressors of starting a new business were real at the time. One day, I booked a 90-minute massage to have a break from all of the things that I had to do that were constantly on my mind, I really did let go and wind down. As my body and mind went into relaxation mode it came to me. A part of the Success coaching I do is about reprogramming your mind and just like that “Your2Minds” came to me. I felt inspired, I felt excited and I felt like the block in business I had at the time had lifted. I got it registered. So, relax, the answer is within you always.
Thanks to Suzana Mihajlovic, Your2Minds Pty Ltd!
#4- Found one that perfectly fit my service offering
Initially, when I started my SEO business I traded under my own name for the first year or so. To show my dedication, I would say to my customers “I put my own name to my work so if I under deliver then I can not escape bad feedback”. During this time I continuously thought about what I would name the company as I evolved the business. I found the domain Earned Media was available in my region so I jumped on it as this perfectly fit my service offering. I then relaunched my business as a company and started to align my personal brand with the company brand.
Thanks to Nick Brogden, Earned Media!
#5- Brainstormed several names
Our business is called “The Bunch Up“. When we brainstormed names, we wanted something that resonated with people and encapsulated our mission. Since our platform focuses on bringing like-minded individuals together through shared activities, we explored words like “Bored?”, “Bunch Up” and “Gather.” Ultimately, we landed on “The Bunch Up,” which evokes a sense of community and fun. We're currently in the process of rebranding to simply “Bunch Up” for a more streamlined and memorable name.
Thanks to Chai Bade, The Bunch Up!
#6- Overheard a conversation at my local coffee shop
When looking for a name for my wellness studio I knew my wellness studio was going to be aimed more toward helping people with their busy minds and reducing mental stress, but I couldn't quite find the correct name to represent that. One day while in the queue at my local coffee shop, I overheard a conversation between two ladies chatting about how busy their lives and jobs were. One said to the other “I just need to clear my mind” and that's when I knew the perfect name for my business was Clear Mind Studio.
Thanks to Karen Aird, Clear Mind Studio!
#7- To represent something fun, creative, and bubbly
I wanted the business name to represent something fun, creative, and bubbly and make people smile. So I thought about palm trees, the sun, a cocktail,..none of those sounded catchy, then I saw a pineapple! I have only ever heard of people being disgusted with pineapples when it's on a pizza. I also love chili, Thai dishes always have a lot of chili, so the name was forming, Spicy Pineapple. It sounded catchy, I tested the name networking and it stuck, people now call me spicy, or pineapple, but people remembered me and my brand.
Thanks to Jordan Louise Knight, Spicy Pineapple Marketing!
#8- Representation of the lens of love and empathy
Mimi, is the nickname that my family calls me, it gives me a lens of love when I hear someone call me that and that is important in this space, the lens of love and empathy. Moon, as my maiden name is Luna means moon in Yugoslav. As women, we live by cycles, just like the moon. Meno, well that is short for Menopause. Which of course is a cycle and a time of life that needs a lens of love.
Thanks to Megan Hayward, Mimi Moon Meno!
#9- Name to reflect the energy of my town
I wanted to create products that would reflect the energy of the town I had been living in for 20 years Byron Bay. I also wanted a name that would convey what it is to live there, to love it, to BE it. That’s why I chose BYRON BE Mists of Byron Bay. The aromatherapy mists and body oils we are creating are VERY Byron, filled with crystals and pure essential oils. They convey the essence of Byron Bay.
Thanks to Carine Appo, Byron Be!
#10- Through a friend's reference
When we were considering entry into the CBD market, we didn't like how so many companies in the space tried to almost hide the fact that their products were made from cannabis. It was when a friend referred to cannabis as “the devil's lettuce” that the idea for our name arrived – we switched ‘devil' for ‘Diablo', and settled on CBDIABLO, putting cannabis right at the center of our brand name. We've had so much fun with this name over the years – people often stumble over how to pronounce it, but it's memorable and represents what we do very well.
Thanks to Sam Williamson, CBDIABLO!
#11- By combining my kitchen and maiden name
When I first came up with the name of my business, I had no idea what it would become. The story goes… I was bored one day. So I started a recipe website as a way to occupy my spare time. It began merely as an ‘online recipe book' for my own personal use. And as for the name? As cooking took place in the kitchen, and my maiden name was Mason – the two came together to form Kitchen Mason. Simple. Since then, my website has evolved tremendously. It's now my main source of income, and it is still known as Kitchen Mason.
Thanks to Emma Wallace, Kitchen Mason!
#12- By trying different prompts and variations in AI
I wanted a timeless and unique name that represents my business values and gives a calm and happy feeling. After a few weeks of trying to come up with a name and brainstorming with my partner, I thought I would provide AI a shot. I tried many different prompts and variations and came up with Barefoot Basil. I was not sure at first, but the name stuck in my head for days; the domain and social handles were free, and it perfectly represented my wellness business. I love Barefoot Basil now!
Thanks to Silvija Meilunaite, Barefoot Basil!
#13- To communicate our brand value
We started as an adventure small group tour operator focusing on multi-day tours in Mexico and the region. Thus, ‘adventures' had to be part of the name, giving ideas about the product and also the spirit of exploring the horizons for curious souls. Then I just came up with 10 different options of other words combined with it, and “Vibe” was one of them—providing the impression of a fun, informal, cheerful, and easygoing atmosphere on the trips. So, Vibe Adventures was the best combination that complied with all conditions and was successfully adopted as a business name.
Thanks to Alex Veka, Vibe Adventures!
#14- Inspired by a childhood detective show
Watching a 1980”s detective show set in the tough Chicago streets of the '60s called “Crime Story' I was hooked when the intro featured tough guy Denis Farina and his crew in long trench coats and fedoras. So after 14 years as a not-as-cool Detective, and then an English Teacher and Writer, what else was I going to call my Experiential Workshops? Embedded throughout the program is learning for literacy, communication, resilience, conversation management, and psychological safety in the workplace.
Thanks to Luke Taylor, Crime Story!
#15- Through a blend of inspiration and practicality
Choosing the right name for my business was a blend of inspiration and practicality. I started by brainstorming words and phrases that reflected the essence of my brand and the services I offered. I also considered the emotions and the impression I wanted to leave. It was important for the name to be unique, memorable, and easy to spell. I conducted market research and sought feedback from friends, family, and trusted advisors to gauge their reactions and after much contemplation, I found a name that captured the essence of my business and resonated with my target audience.
Thanks to William Clark, SATX Concrete Contractors!
#16- To reflect my brand's mission and values
I wanted something that reflected my brand's mission and values. I started by brainstorming keywords that resonated with what my business stands for. Then, I played around with different combinations, keeping it short and easy to remember. I also made sure the name was unique and had an available domain. Getting feedback from friends and potential customers helped too. Finally, I checked for any trademark issues to avoid legal troubles. The whole process was about finding a name that felt right and represented my business well.
Thanks to Jason Jones, ATX Epoxy Floors!
#17- To summarize who I am and what I do
It was ‘outrageously easy' to come up with my business name. I love that it summarises, with perfection, exactly who I am and what I do. I'm delighted no one else had nabbed the business name before me, and somewhat amazed that the web domain was available. I often say ‘Divine Assignments have Divine Alignments', and everything to do with my business is a Divine Alignment.
Thanks to Jo Hayes, EtiquetteExpert.Org!
#18- To help me focus better and tell people what I do
I am someone who has so many ideas that I sometimes lose focus and want to do loads of different things artistically. I felt that if I have the word ‘word’ in my name along with something representing flowers it will serve as a reminder to me to focus on lettering and calligraphy and also be clear to people what it is that I do. I added the ‘sweet’ to the beginning because I want my brand to come across as feminine and soft. The decision was made when I ran it past my Mum and teenage nephew…he said ‘Sweet Word Flora…rolls nicely off the tongue’!
Thanks to Anureet Sra, Sweet Word Flora!
#19- Inspired by the blend of “ice” and “glide”
The name “Glice” was inspired by the seamless blend of “ice” and “glide,” reflecting the core essence of our product—synthetic ice that offers a smooth, gliding experience. When we founded the company, my partner Toni Vera and I wanted a name that conveyed both the functionality and the innovation behind our eco-friendly ice rinks. We aimed for something that captures the spirit of what we offer: a revolutionary alternative to traditional ice skating that is accessible to everyone, everywhere. “Glice” perfectly encapsulates our mission to democratize ice skating with sustainability.
Thanks to Viktor Meier, Glice!
#20- Inspired by the Amazon show “Sneaky Pete”
When naming my consulting company, I got inspired by the Amazon show “Sneaky Pete” because it had a catchy ring to it. I wanted something fun but also reflective of my strategic focus—hence, “StrategicPete.” It shows that I don't just consult on marketing or sales but offer full strategic guidance. One client even joked, “I love the name! It sounds like a master strategist who moonlights as a secret agent.” My corporate colors are pink to stand out, and while clients call me StrategicPete, my son humorously calls me ‘Papa pink pants'.
Thanks to Peter Murphy Lewis, Strategic Pete!
#21- To convey both expertise and accessibility
The name “DrSensory” was crafted to encapsulate the essence of our mission, particularly those concerning conditions like sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and autism. I wanted to ensure that our brand conveyed both expertise and accessibility. The term “Dr.” reflects the background of the doctorate therapists and reinforces credibility with our audience. By combining this title with “Sensory,” we highlight our focus on sensory issues. This unique blend positions DrSensory as not just a leader on sensory matters, but also as a compassionate partner in guiding our community.
Thanks to Dr. Eva Lassey, DrSensory.com!
#22- After our family dog's breed
After recent changes by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, we were required to change our company's trading name as it was no longer compliant. After weeks of naming roadblocks, we decided to keep it simple & name it after our family dog's breed. (The Golden Retriever) Now, this may sound ‘basic' & unorthodox, however, the true lesson is… Simple can be eloquent if branded correctly.
Thanks to Marlie, BY GOLDEN!
#23- Went for something that reflected our values
When choosing the name for our business— I wanted something that truly reflected our values of courage, innovation, and resilience. The word “brave” immediately came to mind as it captures the mindset needed to take risks and push boundaries in both business and life. By adding “is,” the name became more action-driven, like a declaration that bravery is central to everything we do. I find that it's simple and memorable, as well symbolizes the bold steps we take as a company. The name not only speaks to our focus on innovation but also aligns with the idea of facing challenges head-on.
Thanks to Jonas Torrang, IsBrave.com!
#24- While reminiscing about our pregnancy experience
When my partner and I were expecting our first child, the idea of starting a parenting blog began to take shape. One evening, as we reminisced about the tender and whimsical experiences of our pregnancy, the word “cuddle” stood out, embodying the comfort and love we felt. We needed a touch of enchantment, and the thought of pixies – tiny, magical beings full of wonder – came to mind. “Cuddle Pixie” felt just right, combining the warmth of a parent's embrace with the enchanting moments of childhood. And so, our blog was born, a cozy corner of the internet where we share our parenting adventures.
Thanks to Zohaib Sunesara, Cuddle Pixie!
#25- To encapsulate our philosophy of empowerment
I wanted a name that clearly communicated our commitment to empowering clients through the often complex and emotional process of estate planning. The word “Empower” reflects our dedication to providing clients with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their future. It also signifies our aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our team, where everyone feels valued and capable of making a difference. This name encapsulates our philosophy of empowerment, both for our clients and within our practice.
Thanks to Oliver Morrisey, Empower Wills & Estate Lawyers!
#26- To reflect our accessibility and dedication
The name “Mid City TMS” was inspired by our central location in New York City and our commitment to providing advanced Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. “Mid City” reflects our accessibility and dedication to serving a diverse urban population, making mental health care more available to those in need. “TMS” highlights our specialization in this innovative, non-invasive treatment for Depression. The name encapsulates our mission to offer cutting-edge mental health solutions in a convenient and welcoming environment, helping patients achieve better outcomes.
Thanks to Dr. Bryan Bruno, Mid City TMS!
#27- It captured the spirit and promise of our brand
The process of naming our company was based on the same criteria we use to professionally generate, vet, and ultimately secure a winning name for our clients: It must be meaningful, it must be memorable, and it must be ownable. Banner Day triumphed because it out-scored our other contenders on all three fronts: It captured the spirit and promise of our brand, and it was easy to recall correctly. Our goal was to pick a name that portrayed an immediate uplifting and celebratory feeling to compliment our brand values, and Banner Day fit the bill perfectly.
Thanks to Molly Dickinson, Banner Day!
#28- It was a thoughtful process rooted in my passion
Creating the name for my business, Morse Decoder, was a thoughtful process rooted in my passion for both technology and communication. I wanted a name that embodied the essence of translating complex data into understandable insights, much like how Morse code conveys messages. The word “decoder” signifies the transformation of seemingly random signals into meaningful information, reflecting my commitment to clarity in the world of data analysis. This distinctive name not only resonates with my expertise but also encapsulates the mission of my business, connecting the past of communication technology with the future of artificial intelligence.
Thanks to Burak Ozdemir, Morse Decoder!
#29- It resonated with the essence of what I offer
When choosing the name for my business, I wanted something that resonated with the essence of what I offer. “As Well You Should” reflects the philosophy that individuals deserve and should pursue wellness actively. The name emerged from my belief in making informed choices about health and wellness, emphasizing that everyone has the right to engage in holistic practices. I brainstormed numerous options, but this one stood out as a reminder to others and myself that prioritizing health is essential. In its simplicity, the name encapsulated my mission to empower and educate individuals on their wellness journeys.
Thanks to Caroline Bogart, As Well You Should!
#30- To create a business that is bigger than me
My business is in photography and I know the common theme for many photographers is to use their name for their business but I had big plans to create a business that is bigger than myself and could potentially be sold one day…and it's hard to sell a business when you ARE the business. My daughter is Alice and she was the reason I started photography so while tossing around names I thought “Why not play on Alice's name?” So Wonderland Photography was born. Not only does it have meaning to me, but it also gives clients the impression the experience is fun magical, and creative.
Thanks to Lyn Pettitt, Wonderland Portrait Photography!