{"id":5493,"date":"2016-04-04T10:48:00","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/pros-and-cons-business-name-choices.html"},"modified":"2026-05-08T11:44:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T16:44:00","slug":"pros-and-cons-business-name-choices","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/pros-and-cons-business-name-choices.html","title":{"rendered":"Sample Business Names: Pros and Cons of Each"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sample Business Names: Pros and Cons of Each<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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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
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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
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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

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A business name is a unique identifier for a company to establish its brand identity and distinguish its products or services in the marketplace. The title should be memorable and descriptive while complying with naming rules in your state.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Virtually every business wants that “perfect” name that will resonate with the target market<\/span>, is easily remembered, and unique. While perfection is always elusive, the best <\/span>business names<\/span> strive for a delicate balance of these goals. The process of choosing a business name<\/span><\/a> should not be taken lightly, as it will form a substantial part of your image, however superficial it may seem.<\/p>\n

Many business owners<\/span> use business name<\/span> generators<\/span> found on the web. However, you should evaluate the names to make sure you have a catchy<\/span> name while promoting a professional image<\/span>.<\/p>\n

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The following sample business names<\/span>, with their respective advantages (pros) and disadvantages (cons) are intended to help you in the naming process. See Starting a Business<\/a> for additional articles on what it takes to launch a successful start-up<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Business Name<\/b><\/td>\nPros<\/b><\/td>\nCons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Stacey’s Sewing Supplies<\/td>\n\n

Describes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Gives the business a personal touch by associating it with the name of the owner.<\/p>\n

Limits the potential for future expansion into sewing services, craft supplies, etc.<\/p>\n

Personally identifies the business with the owner, which could prove troublesome if the business fails.<\/p>\n

May not get as much protection under trademark<\/a> laws.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Schlzenski’s Sausage<\/td>\n\n

Describes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/p>\n

Gives the business a personal touch by associating it with the name of the owner.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Limits the potential for future expansion into other food products and services.<\/p>\n

Personally identifies the business with the owner, which could prove troublesome if the business fails.<\/p>\n

Hard to spell, pronounce, and remember.<\/p>\n

May not get as much protection under trademark<\/a> laws.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

ABC Home Repairs<\/td>\n\n

Describes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/p>\n

Gets an early listing in alphabetized directories.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Limits the potential for future expansion into home additions, decks, commercial work, etc.<\/p>\n

Lacks a unique identity.<\/p>\n

Could be confused with other similarly named businesses.<\/p>\n

Name may not be available because already taken.<\/p>\n

Other businesses with similar names could sue for infringement.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

The Coffee Shop<\/td>\nDescribes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/td>\n\n

Lacks a unique identity.<\/p>\n

Could be confused with other similarly named businesses.<\/p>\n

Name may not be available because already taken.<\/p>\n

Other businesses with similar names could sue for infringement.<\/p>\n

Would not receive as much protection under trademark laws.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

The Beth Olson Co.<\/td>\n\n

Gives the business a personal association with the owner.<\/p>\n

Allows for future expansion into other products or services.<\/p>\n

Usually doesn’t require registration.<\/p>\n

Unlikely to be confused with other businesses.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Personally identifies the business with the owner, which could prove troublesome if the business fails.<\/p>\n

Doesn’t tell potential customers what type of business it is.<\/p>\n

Company’s initials could prove to be embarrassing.<\/p>\n

Would not receive as much protection under trademark laws.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Y2K-9 Sitters<\/td>\nDescribes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/td>\nTrendy names can quickly lose their impact and seem outmoded and untimely.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mildred’s Milwaukee Millinery<\/td>\n\n

Describes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/p>\n

Gives the business a personal touch by associating it with the name of the owner.<\/p>\n

Immediately informs potential customers of the business’s location.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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Limits the potential for future expansion into other clothing and accessories.<\/p>\n

Personally identifies the business with the owner, which could prove troublesome if the business fails.<\/p>\n

Could affect the potential for expansion into other geographic areas.<\/p>\n

“Cute” names don’t always work.<\/p>\n

Alliteration in the name can make it a tongue-twister.<\/p>\n

May not receive as much protection under trademark laws.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

United Postal Shippers<\/td>\nDescribes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/td>\n\n

Could create impression that the business is government-related.<\/p>\n

Likely to be confused with major competitor, which could be bad for business and could likely lead to lawsuit.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Old MacDonald’s Restaurant<\/td>\n
Describes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/td>\n		Likely to be confused with major competitor, which could be bad for business and could likely lead to lawsuit.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kwik-Pix Photos<\/td>\n\n

Describes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/p>\n

Creative name is likely to get greater trademark protection.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Could be same as or confusingly similar to other business names.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Materni-Tees<\/td>\n\n

Describes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/p>\n

Creative name is likely to get greater trademark protection.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Limits the potential for future expansion into other clothing and accessories.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tasty Foods<\/td>\nDescribes the business so that customers are immediately informed of the business’s purpose.<\/td>\nOrdinary, descriptive names may receive less protection under trademark laws.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Make Sure Your Business Name<\/span> Meets Legal Requirements<\/h2>\n

While you want to pick a company name<\/span> that describes your business, you must make sure you follow the naming requirements in your state. Typically, state laws require business names<\/span> to be a unique name<\/span> so to not be confused with other businesses. Additionally, to be registered as a business entity such as a corporation or LLC, the business name<\/span> must have a corporate ending. For example, a corporation must have a corporate ending of \u201ccorporation,\u201d \u201ccorp.,\u201d \u201cinc.,\u201d etc. An LLC must have an ending such as \u201cLLC,\u201d L.L.C.,\u201d or \u201cLimited Liability Company.\u201d<\/p>\n

Secure Your Business Name<\/span><\/h2>\n

In addition to registering your name with the Secretary of State, you may also want to protect your brand name<\/span> with trademark registration<\/span> or register as a domain name<\/span>. To search and register trademarks, go to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO<\/span>)\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Get Professional Legal Help<\/h2>\n

Choosing a business name<\/span> is more of an art than a science, requiring plenty of creativity and soul-searching. But there may be instances where an attorney can help with the naming process, whether it\u2019s the registration of a trademark or a dispute with another business claiming the same name<\/span>. Consider speaking with a business and commercial law attorney<\/a> in your area.<\/p>\n

Looking to start your own business? Use FindLaw\u2019s DIY forms<\/a>\u00a0to get a legal business entity set up in minutes.<\/p>\n

Related Resources<\/h2>\n