How to Come Up with a Name for Your Business
Let’s face it—naming your business can feel like naming a child. You want something meaningful, memorable, and uniquely yours. It’s the first impression people get of your brand. It carries your voice, your values, and your vision—all wrapped up in a few syllables.
Whether you're launching something new or rebranding from scratch, this guide walks you through the creative process of naming your business—strategically and with intention.
1. Start with Your Story
Great names don’t come out of thin air—they’re rooted in your brand’s essence.
Ask yourself:
What’s the purpose of your business?
What makes you different?
Who are you here to serve?
What feelings do you want your name to evoke?
This clarity sets the tone for everything that follows. If you’re a minimalist jewelry brand, you may want something clean, poetic, and grounded. A digital marketing startup? You might lean bold, modern, and energetic.
2. Explore Naming Styles
There’s more than one way to name a business. Here are a few directions we often explore with clients:
Descriptive – says what it is (Bhutan Outdoor Co.)
Evocative – hints at deeper meaning (Virgin, Patagonia)
Invented – completely original (Sony, Ping Pong)
Founder-based – uses your name or initials (Chanel, Ford)
Metaphorical – symbolic, visual, or story-driven (Amazon, Jaguar)
Choosing a style helps narrow your focus and aligns the name with your brand personality.
3. Brainstorm Without Judging
At this stage, quantity over quality wins. Don’t overthink—just let ideas flow. Consider:
Keywords from your industry or niche
Cultural references or local influences
Nature, mythology, art, or design terms
Translations from other languages
Word combinations or playful spelling tweaks
Use mind maps, online name generators, and collaborative jam sessions—get messy before you get refined.
4. Filter with Strategy
Now, refine your list. Here’s our quick name checklist:
✅ Easy to say and spell
✅ Unique in your industry
✅ Not too long or complicated
✅ Feels like you
✅ Has domain and social media availability
✅ Passes the “radio test” (can someone understand and spell it just by hearing it?)
If a name checks most of these boxes, it’s worth considering seriously.
5. Check Availability
Before falling in love, do your due diligence:
Is the .com available? (Or a suitable domain variation?)
Are the social media handles free?
Any existing businesses using the name?
Is it trademarkable in your country or region?
Tools like Namechk, GoDaddy, and WIPO can help here. If the name’s taken, don’t force it—there are always other great ideas.
6. Test It Out
Put your shortlist to the test:
Say it out loud in conversations
Mock up a logo or Instagram page
Ask potential customers for honest feedback
Imagine the name in real-world scenarios: on packaging or signage.
Names often grow on you—but if something feels off, it probably is.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Bold
The best names often feel strange at first. Trust the process. Don’t settle for something generic just because it feels safe.
Your name is the first chapter of your brand story—make it count.
Need Help Naming Your Business?
This is where we come in. At Creative Peaks, we help startups, creatives, and businesses in Bhutan and beyond find names that carry meaning, build trust, and make an impact. Whether you need a full naming workshop or a creative push in the right direction, we’re here to collaborate.
