How to Choose an LLC Name: Tips for Naming Your LLC

For many limited liability company (LLC) owners, choosing a business name is probably the most important thing on the to-do list. As a business owner, you want a distinctive name that tells people what services or products you offer or sell. You want something memorable but, at the same time, easy to pronounce. And above all, you need a legal business name—that is, one that meets all the rules for LLC names set out by your state.

This blog post will guide you through how to choose a business name that ticks all the right boxes. We’ve got you covered, from understanding legal name requirements and state-specific naming rules to brainstorming creative LLC name ideas and securing your chosen name. Let’s dive in!

Key takeaways

• Make sure your business name meets your state’s legal name requirements and rules.
• It should be memorable, unique, and easy to pronounce.
• It should reference your product and brand values.
• It should be domain-ready and social media-friendly.
• Check LLC name availability by conducting a business search.

 

LLC naming requirements

Be mindful of the legal requirements of most states when naming your LLC. These requirements ensure that your company name complies with state laws and avoids conflicts with existing businesses. You’ll also need to use legal abbreviations and sidestep prohibited or restricted words in your LLC name.

Legal abbreviations

Your LLC’s legal name needs to incorporate specific legal abbreviations to signify your business structure. These abbreviations, such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.,” denote that your company is a limited liability company, providing essential information to regulatory authorities, customers, and potential partners.

When selecting a business name for your LLC, focus on complying with state regulations and ensuring that your chosen name is distinguishable from other businesses in your area. Remember, these abbreviations make it easy for regulatory authorities to know your business structure, but they are not mandatory in your trademark or logo.

Prohibited and restricted words

Certain words and phrases may be prohibited or restricted in LLC names, depending on the state where your business entity is registered. For example, words like “bank” or “insurance” may require approval from specific state agencies before they can be included in your company name.

Avoid potential problems by acquainting yourself with your state’s prohibited and restricted words and ensuring your chosen company name abides by these rules. This helps you comply with local laws and prevents potential conflicts with other businesses and trademarks.

Offensive language

When choosing a business name, it’s important to avoid offensive language or anything that suggests illegal activity. This helps maintain a professional image and ensures compliance with state regulations, which often reject names with misleading or illegal meanings.

For example, names like “Backdoor Imports,” “Loophole Larry’s Tax Services,” or “Counterfeit Kings” could imply illegal activities and damage your business’ credibility. Keeping your name respectful and lawful builds trust with potential customers and authorities.

State-specific naming rules

Aside from avoiding certain words, each state may have additional rules and regulations governing LLC names. For example, many states require that a business name be in English.

Acquaint yourself with state-specific requirements to ensure your chosen business name complies with local laws. This may involve checking with your state’s Secretary of State office or consulting relevant statutes and regulations. By understanding state-specific business law, you can avoid potential legal name issues and ensure a smooth registration process for your new LLC.

How to craft a descriptive and memorable LLC name

Good business names are worth their weight in gold. Choosing the right LLC name for your business is an important part of the start-up process. Your future LLC name not only works to identify your company. It’s also the name on which you’ll be building your brand. The best LLC name ideas will help you establish your brand identity, stand out, and draw in potential customers. Follow these steps to start naming your LLC.

Make your LLC name meaningful

A meaningful name tells people what you’re in the business of selling. When choosing a business name, consider incorporating words or phrases that reflect your core offerings and values. This makes it easy for customers to understand what your business does and helps create a lasting impression.

Albert & Laura’s Fascinating Whatzits might sound like a fun, engaging name, but it doesn’t give any clue as to what you’re selling. Your company name is an important part of your marketing plan, and choosing one that lets people know what they can expect can be invaluable.

Make your LLC name original

You want your LLC name to be something people can remember. Whether you use alliteration or a play on words, choosing a memorable business name helps people keep your company in mind. The next time a potential client or customer needs the service you offer or the product you sell, they’re more likely to pull up your company name if it’s memorable.

However, there are certain situations—internet-based companies, for example—where originality in a name is more valuable than meaning. Look at some famous internet companies, and you’ll see the power of originality in a name. If your company is internet-based, an original name may help you stand out from the rest of the competition.

Make your LLC name domain-ready

Most businesses today, even brick-and-mortar ones, must maintain an online presence. A robust online presence is vital in the digital age, and your business name plays a significant part. That’s why you need to not only check LLC name availability, but also secure a matching domain name that makes it easy for customers to find you online.

Go through your list of potential names and come up with several possible domain names for each (longer business names, in particular, may have several possible variants). Check with a name registrar to see what domain names are available. There’s nothing worse than picking the perfect name for your LLC only to discover none of the possible domain names are available. If your desired domain name is already taken, explore creative alternatives or consider purchasing the domain from its owner.

Make your LLC name social-media friendly

Are you planning to use social media to help promote your new business? With most social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, you must choose a username for your company. Other social media platforms like Facebook and Pinterest allow you to choose a vanity URL. Whichever social media platforms you decide to use, it’s a good idea to check to make sure some variant of your LLC name is available.

Make your LLC name future-ready

Choosing a future-ready name helps you to adapt as your business grows and diversifies. Avoid being too specific about products, services, or locations, as your business may evolve and your locations may expand over time.

For example, Apple started as Apple Computer, but dropped the “Computer” as the company diversified its product line. And Sony started as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo, but needed a name that was easier to pronounce and didn’t tie them to one geographic area.

Make your LLC name search engine-friendly 

Choosing a search engine-friendly business name is key to helping customers find you easily online. A company name that’s too generic, like “The Coffee Shop,” can be tough for customers to find online because it blends into millions of similar results. Instead, aim for something unique yet relevant to your business. Include keywords related to your industry but avoid generic terms like “store” or “services.”

Before deciding, search online for the desired business name to check for strange meanings, unexpected associations, or competitors with similar names. You wouldn’t want your brand linked to unrelated or negative content. This simple step ensures your business stands out and is easy to find online. 

Conduct a business name search

You’ve brainstormed and have a list of several LLC names that might fit your company well. Now, you need to review your list and see which ones are available to register in the state where you want to conduct business. Generally, you’ll be prohibited from choosing a name that is identical or confusingly similar to the name of another business already registered in your state. Remember that certain elements, such as punctuation or conjunctions, do not create distinguishability in LLC names.

Most states offer a searchable business name database. Search each name on your list to see which ones have not yet been taken as a business name. If your desired business name is unavailable or too similar to an existing name, consider using an alternative name that still reflects your brand and offerings.

You should also search the United States Patent and Trademark Office trademark database. This search will help you narrow your list of potential names, as you’ll want to eliminate any names identical or similar to a name in the database. If you find an existing trademark with the same name, check their status to see if they are “live.”

 

Reserving and securing your LLC name

After choosing a name for your business, reserve and secure it by submitting the necessary forms, legal documents, and fees to your state’s Secretary of State office. This process may vary depending on the state, so consult local guidelines and procedures.

Reserving your LLC’s legal name prevents other businesses from using it and gives you time to complete the necessary legal documents and registration processes. By taking these steps, you can protect your chosen business name and lay the groundwork for success.

Trademarks and protecting your brand

Understanding the difference between trademarks and LLC names is key, as they serve varying protective roles for your brand and marketing materials. While an LLC name is your legal business name, a trademark protects the elements of your brand identity, such as logos, slogans, and product names.

Conduct a search with the Trademark Office before finalizing your LLC name to safeguard your brand from potential infringement. If your desired business name conflicts with an existing trademark, you may need to choose another name for your business or risk facing legal consequences. Taking these precautions can ensure your brand’s long-term success and prevent disputes with other businesses over trademark infringement.

Using a DBA (doing business as) name

You might occasionally want to conduct business under a name that differs from your official legal name or use an alternative if your preferred name is unavailable. In such situations, a DBA (Doing Business As) name, also known as a fictitious name or trade name, can be an invaluable tool for your business entity. A dba name allows your business to operate under a separate name, offering flexibility and adaptability.

You must follow specific requirements to use a fictitious name, such as filing the appropriate forms and paying any required fees with your state or local government. By using a fictitious name, you can maintain the integrity of your legal name while exploring new branding opportunities.

Tips for brainstorming and using business name generators

Thinking of the perfect legal name for a limited liability company can be daunting. Brainstorming strategies like word association and exploring synonyms can help you generate unique and descriptive LLC name ideas.

• Word association. In this exercise, you write down every associated word you can think of that’s related to another word. For example, if you’re starting a coffee shop, you might write down java, beans, caffeine, mug, roast, brew, and so on. 
• Synonyms. Similar to word association, but instead of writing down related words, you write down synonyms. So if you’re opening a clothing store, you might write down apparel, attire, costume, outfit, threads, ensemble, and so on. If you’re stuck, just consult an online thesaurus. 

Online business name generators can also provide suggestions based on your input and preferences. When using a business name generator, consider factors such as the length of the name, the target audience, and the type of business to ensure your chosen LLC name aligns with your brand and offerings.

Choosing the perfect company name for your LLC is critical in establishing a successful business. By understanding the legal name requirements, ensuring uniqueness, and creating a descriptive and memorable name, you can lay the foundation for a thriving brand. Additionally, considering factors such as domain name, long-term vision, and state-specific naming rules can help you easily navigate the naming process’s complexities.

Now that you know how to choose a business name, it’s time to embark on your entrepreneurial journey. Remember, well-chosen LLC names reflect your brand’s identity and are the cornerstone of business success.

 

Frequently asked questions

What is a good name for an LLC?

For a limited liability company (LLC), it’s best to choose a memorable name that incorporates a common word and reflects what the business does, for example, Dandelion Consulting or Rose Petal Café. It must also comply with your state’s rules for LLC names, avoiding restricted words and names that are already taken. Always check availability through your state’s business name database.

How do you come up with a catchy LLC name?

Creativity is key when coming up with a catchy LLC name. Consider using wordplay, alliterations, acronyms, rhyming, puns, abbreviations, symbolism, and personifying your product. Tools such as WordHippo and VisualThesaurus can help you find inspiration while utilizing popular idioms, books, movie titles, or famous quotes can give your business the memorable identity it needs.

Is there a comma before LLC?

Most limited liability company owners prefer to use a comma before LLC in their business name, although it is not a requirement. This grammatical preference is largely up to the business owner and whether they think it will work best for their unique business name. States do not mandate the use of a comma when naming the business.

Do I need to include “LLC” in my domain name?

It is not necessary to include “LLC” in your domain name. Most businesses keep it out to maintain a cleaner, simpler domain. You can still mention your limited liability company status on your website. And, remember, you also don’t need to include “LLC” in your dba name, but you do need to include it in your legal name.

Can I use the same LLC name as a business in another state?

You may use the same name as a business in another state unless it has a federal trademark. State regulations govern LLC names, so you won’t conflict with other businesses at that level. Trademarks, however, protect a brand throughout the U.S.

 

Daniel Mikelonis contributed to this article.