{"id":5146,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:57","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/chronology-choosing-a-business-name.html"},"modified":"2026-06-17T01:40:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T06:40:00","slug":"chronology-choosing-a-business-name","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/chronology-choosing-a-business-name.html","title":{"rendered":"7 Steps for Choosing a Business Name"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

7 Steps for Choosing a Business Name<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A business name is a unique identifier used by a company to establish its brand identity and conduct legal operations. It serves as the foundation of a startup’s marketing, distinguishing it from competitors on search engines and social media platforms.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n

Choosing a business name<\/span> is a critical step in your business formation. The name of your business<\/span> will become an important part of your brand and identity.<\/p>\n

If it’s too clever or unique, you run the risk of causing confusion<\/strong><\/a> with your target market. But you also don’t want a name that is too generic, since it won’t stand out enough for customers to remember. It can seem a little overwhelming at first, which is why it’s important to take it one step at a time. The following list will help you get better organized as you search for the perfect name<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The step-by-step guide<\/span> below is meant to help entrepreneurs<\/span>\/new <\/span>business<\/span> owners<\/span> as they go through the steps of naming and incorporating<\/span> a startup<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Form your LLC with confidence.\u202fOur trusted partner LegalZoom has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

A 7-Step Checklist for Choosing a Business Name<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Compile a list of names that you like and are relevant to your small business<\/span>. Consider brainstorming<\/span> with friends and colleagues, or using a business name<\/span> generator<\/span> to get started.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Will your business name<\/span> become an acronym<\/span>, or might your name be shortened to be abbreviation<\/span>? During the naming process<\/span>, test both the full company name<\/span> and any shortened version with your friends, family members, and others.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Avoid names that:<\/p>\n