Choosing A Name For Your LLC
Choose a business name that is distinctive, professional, available, and aligned with the future of your business.
Watch Our Step by Step How To Business Name Videos →"Remember, Your LLC's Name And Reputation Is The Foundation Upon Which Your Brand Will Be Built."
Choosing A Name For Your LLC
One of the first and most important steps in creating your LLC is choosing the right name. Your LLC's name is more than just a label — it is a representation of your brand, values, and identity.
Key Considerations
Relevance
Your LLC's name should reflect your business's nature, products, or services. It should give potential customers an idea of what your company does.
Uniqueness
Your chosen name should be distinct from existing business entities within your state. Conduct a thorough search to determine whether your desired name is available.
Memorability
A memorable name is a valuable asset. Choose a name that customers can easily recall and share with others.
Professionalism
Creativity is encouraged, but maintain a professional image. Avoid overly complex or confusing names.
Domain Availability
Consider whether a matching or related domain name is available for your business's website.
Future Expansion
Consider your long-term goals. Choose a name that can continue to make sense if you expand your products or services.
Important Guidelines For A Name
Before choosing your LLC name, research its availability and the requirements that apply in your state.
Consider name availability, uniqueness, compliance with state regulations, restricted words and names, trademark considerations, and domain availability.
It is also important to determine whether the name you choose is already being used by another business or protected by trademark rights.
Name Must Contain An LLC Designator
The name of your business generally must include an LLC designator required by your state.
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
Exact acceptable designations vary by state, so review your state's requirements before filing.
Check The U.S. Patent And Trademark Office
Checking federal trademark records can help you identify existing marks that could create a conflict with the name you want to use.
A state business-name search and a federal trademark search serve different purposes, so consider both when evaluating a business name.
Restricted Names
Certain words associated with regulated professions, financial institutions, education, or other industries may be restricted or may require additional credentials or approvals.
Examples can include:
- Bank, Banker, Banking
- Attorney
- University
- Realtor
- Pharmacy, Rx, Apothecary
- Architect, Architecture
- Certified Public Accountant / CPA
- Engineer, Engineering
- Daycare / School
- Landscaper
Restrictions vary by state and industry. Check the requirements that apply to your business before filing.
Naming Your Business: Do's & Don'ts
Do's When Naming Your Business
- Make It Descriptive — Choose a name that communicates something meaningful about your business.
- Keep It Simple — Choose a straightforward name that is easy for customers to remember.
- Choose A Comprehensible Name — Pick a name that is easy to pronounce and understand.
- Take Your Time — Consider the sound, meaning, and long-term usefulness of the name.
- Consult Professionals — Consider professional guidance when trademark or naming issues are complex.
Don'ts When Naming Your Business
- Don't Make It Too Hard To Say — Difficult names may be harder for customers to remember and share.
- Don't Make It Too Descriptive — A very narrow name may become limiting if your business changes or expands.
- Don't Skip Availability Searches — Check state business records and trademark records before committing.
- Don't Make It Too General — A generic name may make it harder to distinguish your business.
- Don't Ignore Domain Availability — Consider your online identity when selecting a business name.
- Don't Overthink The Name — Your business name is one part of your overall brand.
- Be Careful With Creative Spellings — Unusual spellings can make it harder for customers to find or remember your business.
Brainstorming Techniques
Identify keywords related to your industry and combine them creatively.
Consider using initials from important words or combinations of meaningful terms.
Combine two unrelated words to create a unique and memorable name.
Incorporate a geographic location into the name when it is relevant to your business.
Trademarking Your LLC's Name
What Is Trademarking For Your Business Name?
A trademark can help identify your business name, logo, or other brand elements and distinguish your goods or services from those of others.
Trademark rights and registration are separate from forming an LLC or registering a business name with a state.
Protecting Against Trademark Infringement
Trademark infringement can occur when another party uses a similar or identical mark in a way that creates a likelihood of confusion among consumers.
If you intend to use your LLC's name as a brand, consider researching existing trademark rights before adopting the name.
- Research existing federal and state marks
- Make sure trademark rights do not lapse
- Monitor your brand for potentially conflicting use
Reasons To Consider Trademarking Your LLC Name
- A federal registration can provide important legal benefits under federal trademark law.
- Registration may support certain enforcement rights in federal court.
- Registration can provide a basis for certain international trademark filings.
- Registered marks may use the federal registration symbol when permitted.
Reserving A Name For Your LLC
What Is A Name Reservation?
Name reservation for an LLC involves securing a specific business name for a designated period before officially forming the company.
The reservation is generally made with the state or relevant jurisdiction where you plan to register the LLC. The purpose is to temporarily hold the chosen name while you prepare the necessary paperwork.
Do You Have To Do A Name Reservation For Your LLC?
In many jurisdictions, name reservation is not a mandatory step when forming an LLC, but it can be useful if you need additional time to prepare your formation documents.
By reserving a name before registering the LLC, you may temporarily prevent others from using that name in the same jurisdiction. Requirements, fees, and reservation periods vary by jurisdiction.
Before You File
Make sure the name you choose is available, appropriate for your business, and consistent with the requirements of the state where you plan to form your LLC.
Ready To Choose Your Business Name?
Take the time to choose a name that represents your business today and gives you room to grow tomorrow. Each membership package provides step buy step videos to assist you in choosing a name that's right for your business.
Start Planning Your LLC Name →