How To Choose an LLC Name For Your Business in 2024 - Shopify (2024)

Choosing a name for your limited liability company (LLC) is one of the fun parts of starting a business. You might already have an LLC name in mind, or you could be brainstorming a few options.

Your LLC name influences a customer’s first impression of your brand and sets you apart from the competition. It also protects your business at the state and federal levels. Registering your name ensures that your business name is unique and can’t be used by any other company.

In this guide, learn about the importance of an LLC name, how to create one, and when to consider trademarking your LLC name. You’ll also see125 AI-generated LLC names to help you create a memorable, legal name for your business.

What is an LLC name?

An LLC name is the legal business name under which a limited liability company operates—and an integral part of your brand’s identity. It’s how customers recognize your business, and distinguishes you from other companies.

Accepted LLC name variations

When you start an LLC, the name you choose can’t include anything that falsely represents your business. For example, you can’t imply that your LLC is a corporation.

Your LLC’s legal name also must be approved by your state. Check your state agency’s website for local LLC naming requirements.

Typically, your business’s name must end with the words “Limited Liability Company” or an accepted abbreviation, such as:

• Limited Company
• LLC
• LC
• Ltd.

How to create an LLC name: 8 tips

A unique, memorable name can make your LLC stand out and help customers find your products or services. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating a name for your LLC:

1. Find a unique name
2. Make it memorable
3. Combine existing words
4. Be aspirational
5. Use a metaphor
6. Check that your name isn’t misleading
7. Think about your website domain
8. Pick a name that allows you to grow

1. Find a unique name

Legally, the name of your LLC can’t be the same as another business entity registered in your state, or the same as a trademarked phrase.

A state business name database can tell you whether an LLC name is available in your state, but not whether the name is trademarked. To see if your desired business name is still up for grabs, conduct an LLC name search via your local Secretary of State office, and then do a trademark search at the United States Patent and Trademark Office site.

Even if the name is available in your state, you might not want to use it if it’s too similar to a trade name used elsewhere. For example, if you’re starting a coffee roasting company in New York and want to name it Coffee Plan, a quick Google search will show that customers might confuse you with Coffee Project, a popular NYC café.

2. Make it memorable

A memorable LLC name leaves a lasting impression on potential customers. Your name doesn’t necessarily need to be quirky or funny, but it should be easy to remember.

If you were looking for a new place to exercise, which company name would be more likely to stick in your mind: Planet Fitness or Gym Services LLC?

Consider using techniques like alliteration and rhyme. For instance, Coca-Cola is a globally recognized brand that uses alliteration, while lululemon athletica combines alliteration with unique word choice to create a catchy name.

Another way to make your business name more recognizable is to reference nature, literature, or historical events. For example, the name of outdoor apparel retailer Eagle Creek creates a mental image that aligns with outdoor adventure. Similarly, Warby Parker, a popular eyewear company, took its name from two characters in Jack Kerouac’s unpublished journals, creating a relevant literary connection.

3. Combine existing words

Combining two or more existing words to form a unique LLC name can help convey your business’s mission. For example, Snapchat combines “snap” and “chat” to describe the app’s function of sending quick photo messages.

Similarly, the certification organization Fairtrade combines “fair” and “trade” to convey its mission of promoting equitable working conditions.

LifeLock, an identity-theft protection company, combines two concepts that evoke a sense of complete security.

4. Be aspirational

An aspirational name can reflect the goals, dreams, or values that your business aims to fulfill. It’s an easy way to align yourself with your target audience on an emotional level.

For example, multinational supermarket Whole Foods has an aspirational name that reflects its commitment to wholesome, healthy produce—reassuring customers that the business shares its priorities.

Video game and software company Epic Games chose an aspirational name that does two things. First, the word “epic” promises customers an awesome gaming experience that surpasses expectations. Second, when founder Tim Sweeney picked the name, it represented a vision for the company’s future that made the team seem larger and more established than it actually was.

5. Use a metaphor

Using a metaphor in your LLC name can communicate your business’s unique perspective on your industry. Metaphors can also convey complex ideas in a simple and intuitive way, making your brand more accessible to a wider audience.

Meal subscription service Blue Apron was named after the aprons chefs wear while learning to cook, suggesting that its product is restaurant quality, yet easy enough for beginners to use.

Tech company Research in Motion decided to use a metaphor when naming its line of mobile phones. It chose BlackBerry, after their devices’ dark casing and berry-like shape. It’s a name that proved so popular, RIM later adopted it as its company name.

6. Check that your name isn’t misleading

Misleading business names can harm your brand’s reputation and potentially lead to legal issues. Plus, some words cannot legally be used in your business entity name.

While rules vary by state, terms that indicate an entity type different from an LLC generally are not allowed. These include “corporation” and “Inc.,” as well as “limited partnership.”

Your LLC name must not include words that indicate your company is a governmental organization such as “city,” or a bank, like “insurance company” or “trust.”

Other misleading professional terms like “legal” and “medical” are against the rules, for obvious reasons, unless you have the necessary licenses.

One common way to make your business name more descriptive is to add a commonly accepted identifier, such as:

• Studios
• Media
• Consultants
• Advisers
• Holdings
• Assets
• Associates
• Collective
• Management
• Firm

7. Think about your website domain

Your website’s domain name is more than just an online address. It’s a key part of your brand identity and can impact your business’s visibility on search engines.

A domain name containing words related to your industry signals to search engines like Google what your website is about and helps customers discover you online. So, depending on how reliant your business will be on organic search traffic, it may make more sense to start by finding the right domain name, then choose an LLC name that matches.

8. Pick a name that allows you to grow

It’s important to think about the future when naming your LLC. Choose a name that reflects what you’re offering now, but isn’t so specific that it limits your growth potential.

For instance, if you’re a solo entrepreneur forming a single-member LLC, using your personal name might seem like a good idea. However, as your business grows and you add staff, a name like “Erika Jones Coaching LLC” could confuse clients who expect to interact only with you.

Similarly, if you’re selling a product, consider keeping your LLC name general—rather than tied to a specific item.

Imagine you’re starting a craft beer company, and you decide to name your LLC Hop Haven Craft Beers Ltd. While the name appeals to your target audience, it could cause confusion in the future if you decide to expand your product line with other types of beverages. Better to stick with Hop Haven Ltd. and keep things flexible.

125 AI-generated LLC names

Choosing the perfect LLC name can be a daunting task. To help you get started, here’s a list of125 AI-generated LLC names inspired by the tips in this article.

Remember to check your state’s database and perform thorough research before deciding on a name for your business.

1. Skyward Ascent Ltd.
2. Eventfull LLC
3. Quantum Innovations Limited Company
4. Pinnacle Performance LLC
5. Visionary Ventures Ltd.
6. Stone Masonry LLC
7. Catalyst Consultants Limited Company
8. FreshField Ltd.
9. Gaze LLC
10. Sunrise Yoga Limited Company
11. Mountain Majesty Ltd.
12. Nest Realty LLC
13. Beacon Advisors LLC
14. Drift Motors Limited Liability Company
15. Island Adventures Ltd.
16. Peak Cleaning LLC
17. GatsbyGlamour Limited Company
18. Summit Limited Company
19. Trail Landscaping Ltd.
20. Blaze Fireworks LLC
21. Crest Jewelers Limited Liability Company
22. Dawn Bakery Ltd.
23. Terra Firma Holdings Ltd.
24. Momentum Assets Limited Liability Company
25. SweetBake Limited Company
26. Edge Landscaping LLC
27. HarmoHomes Limited Liability Company
28. Flame Hot Sauce Limited Company
29. Grove Orchard Ltd.
30. EnlightenmentEnergy Ltd.
31. VineValley Limited Liability Company
32. Horizon Music LLC
33. Isle Coaching Limited Liability Company
34. Journey Travel Ltd.
35. DesignDare Ltd.
36. Epic Eateries LLC
37. Key Fitness LLC
38. Light Photography Limited Company
39. Meadow Ltd.
40. Nook Childcare LLC
41. Oasis Ltd.
42. VictorianValues LLC
43. Path Art Supplies Ltd.
44. Code Craft Ltd.
45. Ridge Solar Limited Company
46. Stream Aquariums Ltd.
47. Tides Seafood LLC
48. Unity Limited Liability Company
49. TrailBlazer Ltd.
50. Voyage Cruises Ltd.
51. Wave Health Foods LLC
52. Expanse Landscaping Limited Company
53. Yield Ltd.
54. Iconic Ltd.
55. KeystoneKraft Limited Company
56. Zenith Climbing Gear LLC
57. Apex Jewelers Limited Liability Company
58. Bloom Florist Ltd.
59. Twain Travels LLC
60. Serene Bottled Water Ltd.
61. RadiantRentals LLC
62. Rainbrella LLC
63. NannyNet Limited Liability Company
64. Gourmet Glow Ltd.
65. Wilde Ideas Ltd.
66. Revolutionary Rise LLC
67. Infinity Bridge Ltd.
68. Dreamcatcher Ltd.
69. Silver Lining Limited Liability Company
70. BlockchainBounty LLC
71. Pixel Frontier Ltd.
72. Data Alchemy LLC
73. Hashtag Dynamo Limited Company
74. Riot LLC
75. Outlaw Marketing Ltd.
76. Peak Innovations LLC
77. Blue Ridge Artistry LLC
78. Greenlight Solutions LLC
79. Zenith Builders LLC
80. Echo Point Ventures LLC
81. Silverline Dynamics LLC
82. Orchard Gate Properties LLC
83. Crimson Edge Consulting LLC
84. SkyHigh Networks LLC
85. Golden Horizon Enterprises LLC
86. Aurora Insights LLC
87. Bridgeline Associates LLC
88. Crystal Clear Media LLC
89. Deep Dive Analytics LLC
90. Emerald Estates LLC
91. Flamepoint Services LLC
92. GlobeTrotter Travel LLC
93. HarborView Advisors LLC
94. Infinity Solutions LLC
95. Jade Forest Technologies LLC
96. Kite Runner Ventures LLC
97. Luminous Path Wellness LLC
98. Mystic River Productions LLC
99. Noble Quest Realty LLC
100. Opal Bridge LLC
101. Pinecrest Holdings LLC
102. Quantum Leap Labs LLC
103. Riverside Capital LLC
104. Starlight Entertainment LLC
105. Traverse Digital LLC
106. VistaView Strategies LLC
107. Willow Creek Designs LLC
108. Xenon Technologies LLC
109. Yellowstone Services LLC
110. Zephyr Innovations LLC
111. Alpha Crest Consulting LLC
112. Beta Wave Media LLC
113. Cedar Grove Investments LLC
114. Dragonfly Dynamics LLC
115. Eclipse Enterprises LLC
116. Falcon Ridge Capital LLC
117. Granite Peak Systems LLC
118. Horizon Reach LLC
119. Ivory Tower Education LLC
120. Jupiter Holdings LLC
121. Kingsway Group LLC
122. Lakeside Ventures LLC
123. Midnight Sun Studios LLC
124. North Star Development LLC
125. Oasis Energy Solutions LLC

If you’re still struggling to come up with a unique LLC name, try Shopify’s business name generator.

Requirements for naming your LLC

Each state has differentrules for naming your LLC. But in general,the common rules are:

1. Uniqueness: Your LLC name should stand out from the crowd and not easily be confused with existing businesses.
2. LLC Designator:The name must include an LLC designator at the end, such as Limited Liability Company, LLC, or L.L.C. Everyone that interacts with your business must be aware that it is an LLC.
3. Restricted words:Certain words are restricted in LLC names. For example, you can't the company is a government agency ("FBI", "Treasury"), or suggest that it's a licensed business ("bank", "attorney").
4. Trademarks:Ensure that your company name is not trademarked by another entity. Look through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office database before committing to an LLC name to avoid any legal or rebranding issues.
5. Name reservation:Most state business registration agencies let you reserve a name for your LLC before you form it, whichcan bebetween 30 to 120 days.When the reservation period expires, the name becomes available for others to use.

LLC vs. DBA: when to use a fictitious name

Limited Liability Companies and doing business as (DBA) represent two different ways of legally identifying your business.

An LLC is a formal business structure that provides its owners with limited liability protection. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the company’s debts and liabilities. When you register an LLC name with your Secretary of State, it becomes the legal name of your business.

On the other hand, a DBA, also known as a fictitious name, trade name, or assumed name, is simply an alias that a business can operate under. It’s a way for a business owner to conduct business under a name different from their personal name or the legal name of their business.

When is a DBA a good idea?

Which type of business structure should you use? If your business is already registered as an LLC, a DBA allows you to retain the legal protections that come with an LLC, but adjust your name to stay relevant or reach new customers.

This could be the case if your LLC name is generic, such as “AAA Building.” In this case, you may decide that your marketing will be more successful when using a DBA name, like The Construction Brothers.

Perhaps your product line has changed dramatically since your company was formed. A DBA could help keep your business name on brand.

If your state requires you to identify your limited liability company status on marketing materials, a DBA allows you to drop clunky acronyms like “LLC” and “Ltd.”

When to consider a trademark

While your business entity name protects you at the state level, trademarks protect you at the national level.

A trademark protects a name, logo, or slogan that distinguishes your goods or services. As a business owner, you should consider registering a trademark for your LLC name if it plays a significant role in your branding and you want exclusive rights to use that name nationwide.

Alternatively, if you’re a small service business—say, a painting company whose customers are mostly local—trademarking is likely unnecessary.

Registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office prevents other businesses from using a name that is confusingly similar to yours. It’s an important step in safeguarding your brand identity and reputation.

What happens if your LLC name is taken?

Your chosen LLC name must be unique and not in use by another registered business in your state. This is a requirement set by the Secretary of State to avoid confusion among consumers.

If you find that your desired LLC name is already in use, don’t panic. Try brainstorming variations of your original LLC name. This could involve adding or changing a word, or using abbreviations or different spellings. Remember, the new name can’t be too similar to the original.

If your alternative LLC name is available, you typically can reserve it for a certain period while you prepare your LLC formation documents. This prevents other businesses from registering the name while you’re in the process of setting up your LLC.

After you’ve secured a new name, you’ll need to update your LLC formation documents and inform any relevant parties of your name change. This includes your bank, the IRS, vendors, and customers.

The final word

Choosing the perfect name for your business is no small feat. It’s a decision that will impact your brand’s identity and set the stage for interactions with your customers. The right LLC name embodies your mission and values, and the unique offering of your business.