Validate your preferred company name against the full UK register before applying.
Search any UK company by name or number. Verify a business, check compliance, or research ownership.
Search any director's full appointment history across active, dissolved, and struck-off companies.
How Names Are Evaluated
The similar names list in the results is not cosmetic. It surfaces names most likely to cause a rejection at registration, even when the exact name appears free.
Two tests apply to every application. The "same as" test strips punctuation, common words, and company suffixes, then compares the core words. The "too like" test evaluates phonetic similarity and customer confusion potential.
Triggers include: abbreviations that sound identical, different spellings of the same word, number substitutions (4 for "for"), reordered core words, and letter substitutions that produce the same sound.
A rejected application delays registration and does not result in a refund of the filing fee. Where outcome is uncertain, choose a more distinctive name.
Available Name Result
"Acme Ventures Ltd" is not registered
No company on the UK register currently holds this name
Similar Registered Names to Review
Acme Trading Ltd
No 09123456
Acme Holdings Limited
No 07654321
Acme Ventures UK Ltd
No 10234567
Restricted Words
Certain words trigger a mandatory approval process. Submitting an application without the relevant approval letter results in automatic rejection.
| Category | Examples | Who Approves |
|---|---|---|
| Royal and government | King, Queen, Royal, British, National | Cabinet Office |
| Financial regulated | Bank, Insurance, Assurance | Financial Conduct Authority |
| Professional terms | Architect, Pharmacy, Solicitor | Relevant professional body |
| Status indicators | Institute, Academy, Foundation, Trust | Varies by word |
The approval process takes 2 to 4 weeks. Factor this into the registration timeline and include the written approval with the Companies House application.
When the name is taken
Modify the name by adding an industry qualifier, location, or initials. Modifications work best when they add genuine meaning. Companies House still applies the similarity test to modified names
When a name belongs to a dissolved company, it is available to register immediately. No protection period applies once a company is struck off the register. Check separately whether the similarity rules apply to your version of the name, and verify through the UK Intellectual Property Office that no trademark was registered against it.
Where the existing company gives written consent, or where both companies form part of the same corporate group, Companies House waives the "same as" rule.
Three Options When the Name is Taken
Beyond the Register
The tool searches Companies House only. A name free on the register may still be protected by a trademark. A business that registered a trading name as a trademark before dissolving retains that trademark after dissolution.
UK trademark register
Search at gov.uk/search-for-trademark. Check exact name and phonetic variations. Review both registered and pending applications.
Domain availability
Check .co.uk and .com before committing. Mismatched names between company registration, website, and social media create ongoing brand confusion.
Social handles
Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X. Consistent handles across all platforms strengthen brand recognition from day one.
For the complete seven-step name checking process including trademark guidance and domain strategy, read the full guide.
No. The tool searches the public register and surfaces exact matches and similar names.
A company name is the legal name registered at Companies House.
No. The tool searches the public register and surfaces exact matches and similar names. The final decision rests with Companies House at the point of submission.
A company name is the legal name registered at Companies House. A trading name is the name used publicly, which may differ from the registered name.
No. Companies House does not offer a name reservation service. The only way to secure a name is to complete the full incorporation.
Companies House may direct the company to change its name if a trademark holder raises a formal objection.
The first application to be processed by Companies House takes the name. With electronic filing, processing happens in the order submissions are received.