naming your brand? don’t wing it.
you’re building something big.
you’ve got the vision. the vibe. the offer.
but then comes the question that freezes everyone:
what do we call this thing?
spoiler: a good name can launch your brand into orbit.
a bad one can bury it in the forgotten pile of “what was that brand again?”
naming isn’t just creative – it’s strategic. it’s emotional. it’s psychological.
let’s break down how to do it right.
what makes a strong brand name?
great brand names do one thing really well:
they stick.
and not just in your mind – but in your customer’s mind.
a solid name is:
- distinctive – doesn’t sound like everyone else in your space
- memorable – easy to say, easy to recall
- relevant – aligns with your product, vibe, or mission
- scalable – won’t box you in as you grow
- available – the domain, socials, and trademark aren’t already taken (yes, check that)
think nike. airbnb. push 😉
they’re short, punchy, and pack meaning.
step-by-step: how to name your brand like a pro
1. start with your brand strategy
before you brainstorm names, answer this:
- who are we talking to?
- what makes us different?
- what emotion or feeling do we want to evoke?
your name should support your positioning – not work against it.
2. explore different name types
not all great names look the same. some common styles:
- descriptive: tells you what it is (e.g., General Motors, PayPal)
- invented: made-up but catchy (e.g., Google, Kodak)
- evocative: taps into emotion or imagery (e.g., Patagonia, Apple)
- founder-based: named after a person (e.g., Ben & Jerry’s)
- acronyms: quick, snappy shorthand (e.g., IBM, HBO—though these days, not recommended unless you’re already huge)
pro tip: evocative names build emotional connection, which = long-term brand love.
3. make a long list. then cut ruthlessly.
brainstorm 20 – 50 names. no judging yet. go wild.
then start narrowing based on:
- uniqueness
- clarity
- vibe fit
- pronunciation (say it out loud!)
- spelling and searchability
anything hard to say, spell, or explain? cut it.
4. check availability
this is where names go to die.
before you fall in love with anything:
- google it
- check .com domain availability
- check instagram / tiktok / linkedin handles
- search trademarks (especially in your country)
5. test with focus groups
run your final 2 – 3 names by people who’d actually buy from you.
not your mom. not your design friends. real potential customers.
ask:
- what does this name make you think of?
- is it easy to say or remember?
- what kind of brand do youthink it belongs to?
the psychology of naming (and why it matters)
names are sticky because our brains want shortcuts.
great brand names:
- trigger curiosity (“what’s this about?”)
- tap into emotion (cool, calm, bold, clever…)
- create associations (ex: Push = motion, momentum, energy, growth)
beware of negative associations
if your name sounds like something weird in another language, or gets autocorrected to “toilet” – probably rethink it.
common naming mistakes (that can kill a brand early)
playing it too safe
generic names like “next solutions” or “global ventures” say nothing. they sound like corporate beige wallpaper.
trying too hard to be clever
if people need a decoder ring to get your name, it’s not working.
ignoring future growth
don’t call yourself “the candle co” if you plan to sell skincare in 6 months.
choosing a name just because the .com is available
yes, domains matter – but don’t sacrifice a good name just for the URL. there are creative ways around it (getpush.co, join[brand], etc.)
not checking for duplicates
a quick trademark search or domain check can save you thousands in rebranding later.
real-world examples we love
- notion – simple, flexible, open to interpretation
- liquid death – disruptive, unforgettable, emotionally loaded
- canva – soft, visual, rolls off the tongue
- push – (yep, that’s us)—evokes action, power, momentum, and moving brands forward
in short:
your name is the first brand impression you make—don’t waste it.
nail the strategy, understand the psychology, and dodge the obvious traps.
and if you want a name that actually sticks, converts, and grows with you?
📞 we’re push. and we name brands that work.
let’s build yours
