Business Startup Tools1 min check

Business Name Checker

Get an indicative score for your business name idea across length, memorability, brandability and domain potential.

Short answer

A great UK business name is short (≤14 chars), easy to say aloud, distinctive (not generic), has the .co.uk and .com available, and isn't already trademarked at gov.uk/search-for-trademark or registered at Companies House. Avoid hyphens, numbers, and words that limit you geographically or by service line.

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Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Proposed business name, Industry / sector.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Business Startup Tools. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

How it works

The scorer rates the name on 6 dimensions: length, pronounceability, distinctiveness, spell-aloud test, geographic flexibility, and trademark/scope risk. Each factor is independently linked to brand recall and acquisition cost.

Worked example

"London Plumbing Services Ltd" scores low (long, generic, geographic). "Kitto" scores high (short, distinctive, brandable, neutral scope).

Who should use this

•First-time founders choosing a name
•Rebrands considering a new identity
•Startups with shortlisted name candidates

Common mistakes

×Choosing a name that limits future expansion (geography or product)
×Using a name with poor spell-on-phone results
×Skipping the trademark search — costs £170 to register but £10,000+ to defend a clash

Frequently asked questions

Do I need .com or just .co.uk?▾

For UK-only businesses .co.uk is fine. If you might trade internationally, secure both.

Can I trademark before incorporating?▾

Yes — trademarks are independent of company registration.

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