• Our free company name checker tool seamlessly integrates with the Companies House Database.
  • Get feedback on using sensitive words and expressions and guidelines on aligning your trade name with all legal requirements.
  • Effortlessly reserve your ideal company name and register your business today.

Company Name Search Tool

Check if your preferred company name is available for registration.

Use our company name check resource, which is directly integrated with Companies House, the official registrar of companies in the UK. If your desired name is available, we recommend checking if the name is also available as a domain name and that it is not registered as a trademark before incorporation.

Companies House Rules to Consider Before Checking Your Company Name Availability

Before you check a company name, review the Companies House naming guidelines. These guidelines are easy to follow and not overly restrictive, ensuring a smooth search process as you look for the perfect trading name.

Below, you'll find the five primary name check rules to guide you:

1. A company’s name must not be identical, too similar or ‘same as’ an existing trade name.

Two limited companies cannot have similar names. Your company formation application may be rejected if your new company name is too similar to a registered one.

As an entrepreneur, your chosen company name must be unique and distinguishable if you wish to register a new business. You are not allowed to register a company with a name that is identical or too similar to an existing registered name. Differences in punctuation, special characters, or commonly used words (such as "Company," "Services," or "UK") are not considered sufficient to make a name unique and different from one that is already registered.

For instance, if you are in the energy sector, you cannot register a company by adding a common word like "UK" to the name "Shell" to distinguish it from the multinational energy company Shell.

name check

However, if you decide to use a name similar to another business, our free company name tool will inform you that while the name may be available, you’ll need to provide evidence that you have permission to use it.

Insight

With the appropriate documentation, the 'same as' rule will be waived for you if —

  • Your proposed company will be part of the same group as the existing company with the identical name.
  • The existing company consents to the registration of the identical name.
  • Your application to register the name includes a written statement from the existing company confirming its consent and indicating that the proposed company will be part of the same group.

But if your preferred name is (exactly) the same as an existing entity, the search result will show that the company name is unavailable.

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2. The name you want should not contain words that imply a connection to the UK government or local or specified public authority.

Unless you get explicit permission, your proposed name should not include a word that implies a connection with the devolved administration, national government, or local authorities. Our company name checker will flag names like royal, council, crown, government, and HM (Her Majesty).

name check

3. The name cannot include sensitive words or expressions without express permission.

These are words that could mislead the public about the company's nature, purpose, or legal status (e.g., "Chartered," "Accredited," "Architect," "Bank," etc.). Our company name availability search tool will flag such entries and advise you to prepare evidence showing you can use a sensitive word.

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4. The name should not be offensive, inappropriate, or likely to cause harm or offence to any group or individual.

Our Limited Liability Company Name Check UK tool will flag names that are offensive, inappropriate, derogatory, or likely to cause harm or offence. Companies House aims to approve enterprises that promote inclusivity and respect in the business community.

5. The name must not suggest criminal activity or be contrary to the public interest.

To maintain a positive business image, adhere to legal requirements, and promote decency in the UK business environment, choose a commercial name that avoids implying illegal activities, fostering discrimination or bias, or one that goes against public welfare.

6. The name must not infringe on an existing trade mark.

Your company name must not infringe on an existing trademark. While a registered company name is distinct from a trademark, it still cannot be too similar to an existing registered one, as this could lead to a complaint and necessitate a name change. It's crucial to search the UK trademark register before proceeding with registration to avoid potential issues.

Insight

Register as a trade mark with the Intellectual Property Agency, your brand name, to enjoy full protection after incorporation. Doing this grants you exclusive rights over your brand identity, which is crucial for marketing purposes.

Check if your company name is available.

Ensuring your preferred business name is available is a crucial step in the company formation process. This helps you avoid potential legal conflicts and brand confusion. By checking the availability of your desired name, you can confidently move forward with your business plans. Enter your preferred business name in the field above and click "Check availability" to start.

When you check company name availability, the search engine will query the Companies House database of registered company names. The result will indicate whether the name is available for use.

Case Studies to Explore as You Choose a Company Name.

MoneySuperMarket and PureGym are two prime examples of how a well-crafted registered name can significantly impact. Your registered trade name serves as the initial representation of your business and leaves a lasting impression on potential customers. A good name fosters a sense of trust and loyalty that ultimately contributes to your business's long-term success. Therefore, crafting and choosing a company name that effectively communicates your business's essence and value proposition is crucial.

In this section, we'll investigate these case studies to understand how these companies have successfully achieved this through their chosen names.

1. MoneySuperMarket (price comparison website for financial services)

MoneySuperMarket, a price comparison website focusing on financial services, cleverly integrates three essential keywords: "money" and "supermarket." The word "money" holds universal recognition and immediate understanding, signalling their main business activity is in financial matters to potential customers without ambiguity. This straightforward association aids in the quick identification of its offerings.

The term "supermarket" conjures an image of a one-stop shop with diverse products. Combining "money" and "supermarket" in the name hints at providing customers with a broad range of financial services and products under one platform.

By leveraging familiar terms and concepts, MoneySuperMarket effectively communicates its value proposition. The name resonates with prospects, creating a clear, appealing, memorable corporate image.

2. PureGym (Fitness Centers)

PureGym, a chain of fitness centers in the UK renowned for its affordable and accessible gym memberships, strategically leverages two key terms: "Pure" and "Gym." The term "gym" immediately triggers associations with fitness training, which is crucial in a competitive market with numerous fitness centers vying for attention.

Using "Pure" as a prefix adds depth to the name. It conveys simplicity, focus, and dedication to fitness, suggesting that PureGym prioritises essential aspects of training and offers an uncluttered and straightforward experience. This resonates with prospects seeking a no-nonsense approach to fitness devoid of distractions or complications.

The combined term "PureGym" creates a corporate image of commitment to delivering a streamlined, practical, affordable fitness experience. Additionally, the name's simplicity contributes to its memorability, making it easy for prospects to recall when considering gym options or recommending one to others.

Insight

Industry-specific keywords in your trade name foster immediate recognition and connection with your target audience. This not only boosts the memorability of your company name but also enhances its appeal and relevance within your industry.

Companies House check name lessons from MoneySuperMarket and PureGym

Here are the key takeaways from PureGym and MoneySupermarket to consider as you come up with a memorable commercial name:

  • If possible, use industry-specific keywords in your commercial name — Use keywords in your entity’s name to resonate with your target audience and effectively communicate your business's value proposition. Research popular, relevant, and competitive words and terminologies within your industry to ensure maximum impact.

    Insight

    Having relevant keywords in your trade name allows you to convey your value proposition and strategically position your company for improved search engine rankings. Since 90% of Google users do not venture beyond the first page of search results, prioritising ranking higher on Google is just as crucial as selecting the perfect name.

    To find the most effective keywords for your commercial name, focus on understanding the language and terms your potential customers commonly use when discussing or searching for businesses in your niche. You can gather these insights by examining questions and comments on social media platforms like Facebook groups, Reddit, Quora, and Twitter.

    Keep in mind that language and word usage can evolve. Therefore, it is beneficial to review your business strategy, including your company name, periodically, ideally every five years. Regular strategy assessments help you stay current with changing trends, customer preferences, and industry advancements, ensuring continued relevance and alignment with your target market.

  • Simplicity and uniqueness — Creating a simple and unique limited company name is crucial for setting your business apart from competitors. Opting for a name that is easy to remember and pronounce significantly increases the likelihood of your target audience recalling your company when they're ready to purchase.
    Keeping it simple also enhances your business's recognizability, improving customer engagement. Additionally, a unique name helps avoid confusion with other companies and minimises the risk of infringement lawsuits.
  • Consider combining words — Combining two or three relevant words related to your business can result in a descriptive and distinctive name that reflects your company's purpose. Successful companies like Microsoft, Pinterest, and Snapchat have utilised this strategy to create memorable names. For example, Microsoft blends "microcomputer" and "software," Pinterest merges "pin" and "interest," and Snapchat combines "snap" and "chat."

    Insight

    When combining words, consider their sound and flow. Choose words that sound good together and create a pleasing rhythm. Ensure the combined terms do not result in ambivalence or unintended negative connotations.

  • Leverage a company name generator — A trade name generator may help streamline your brainstorming process. Using such tools, you can get a range of suggestions that can help you get started by searching for a suitable name.
    Some of the best company name generators are —
    • Namelix.com – A highly sophisticated trade name generator that uses advanced AI technology. The tool prompts users to input a keyword, select filters such as name style and degree of randomness, and provide basic information about their company.
      We found that Namelix works best when users select the auto option for name style and medium randomness. To generate the most relevant names for your business, input two to three keywords pertinent to your industry and provide a brief, one-sentence description.
      Overall, NameLix is a powerful and intuitive tool that can help entrepreneurs and startups quickly and easily generate unique and memorable names for their businesses.

      Fast Fact

      Namelix takes the keyword you provide and applies advanced AI algorithms to generate a range of unique and exciting options for you to consider. The tool allows users to select name styles (e.g., opt for compound words such as Microsoft) and the degree to which the generated name should be random (choices between low and medium randomness) to help users generate the most relevant and personalised name suggestions. While the Shopify company name generator is more straightforward. It adds qualifying words to the keyword you provide and gives you hundreds of basic options to consider.

    • Shopify — The Shopify Name Generator requires you to input a few desired keywords for your registered name. It then supplements your keywords with other words to create a list of potential names.
      Knowing the words you want to include in your company name is handy with Shopify. Although it may not be as advanced as Namelix, the generator remains valuable for crafting keyword-based names that effectively represent your enterprise.
    Consider using any of the above company name generators to help you discover your business's perfect name. Compile a list of at least five potential names and use our company name search to verify their availability.
    Before you choose your company name, it's essential to prioritise the list according to your preference, placing the one you find most appealing at the top. Check your company name using our name search tool to determine which name is available to register. This will allow you to settle for one that accurately represents your company and resonates with your target audience.
  • Let it resonate with you — After you’ve followed all the rules, settle for a name that resonates with you. Your brand reflects who you are; therefore, choose one that reflects your values and unique way of seeing the world.

See also: How to Find & Update Company Information on Companies House Search GOV.UK.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check if my preferred company name is available to register?

Simply enter your preferred names in the search box above and click ‘check availability.’ Our name search engine is integrated with the Companies House website and will tell you if a name is registered.

Is it possible to register your company name without forming a company?

You must first form a company to reserve your company name in the UK. These processes are interconnected and co-occur. Register a dormant company by selecting our digital package for just £2. Afterwards, simply notify us, and we’ll provide you with a draft letter you can use to notify HMRC that your company is dormant for corporation tax.

You can protect a preferred company name without registering the company by leveraging the trademark regime or registering it as a domain name. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) manages trademark registration in the UK. Start by checking the name's availability in their database. If it meets the criteria, submit your application. The IPO will review it and grant you exclusive rights to the name if unopposed.

Additionally, check if the company name is available as a domain name. If it is, purchase it to deter others from using it.

What words cannot be used in a company name?

In many jurisdictions, including the UK, certain words and expressions are restricted or prohibited from being used in a company name without prior approval. These restrictions are in place to prevent misuse that could suggest a connection with the UK government, local authorities, or other regulated or sensitive sectors when no such connection exists. Some examples of restricted words include —

  • Words like "Bank," "Banc," "Banking," or "Banker," might give the impression that your company is engaged in banking activities, so you'll need approval from the Prudential Regulation Authority.
  • Terms like "Charity," "Charitable," or "Charity Commission" can suggest your company is a charity or linked to the Charity Commission. In that case, you'll need permission from the Charity Commission for England and Wales or the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator for Scottish companies.
  • Words like "Government," “Gov.uk,” "Parliament," "Crown," "Royal," or "Regulatory," which imply a connection with or endorsement from the government.
  • Suppose you want to use "University," "Institute," "Academy," or "School," names which may suggest that your company is involved in education. In that case, you'll need permission from the Department for Education or other relevant education authorities.
  • Finally, terms such as "Health," "Medical," "Dental," "Pharmacy," or "Optician" might suggest that your company is engaged in regulated healthcare services. In that case, you'll need permission from the relevant health authorities.

Can I be exempt from using ‘Limited’ or ‘LTD’ in a trading name?

All private limited companies, whether limited by shares or limited by guarantee, must end with the word limited. However, section 60 of the Companies Act 2006 provides a leeway for a registered charity or a private company limited by guarantee to apply for exemption if their articles of association provide that —

  • Objectives promote or regulate commerce, art, science, education, religion, charity, or any profession.
  • A statement that profits will not be distributed to shareholders but will be used to promote the company's objectives.
  • In the event of the business being wound up, all of the company assets will be transferred to another entity with similar (charitable) objectives.
If your company meets these criteria, you can apply for exemption during incorporation or after using form NE01.

For other forms of company structures, the following ending rules must apply -

  • A public corporation must conclude its name with 'public limited company' or 'p.l.c.'. However, if the registered office address is declared in Wales (a 'Welsh' company), the name may alternatively conclude with 'Cwmni Cyfyngedig Cyhoeddus' or 'CCC'.
  • Specific phrases and abbreviations that denote a particular type of company (including Welsh equivalents) can only be utilised at the end of a name, such as 'Limited Liability Partnership' or 'Community Interest Company.'
Please note that the Registrar will automatically add 'Limited' to the end of your company name during the incorporation process, even if you do not include it on your application. However, suppose you would like it to appear in a specific format (e.g., Limited, LIMITED, Limited, Ltd, LTD, ltd, or any Welsh language equivalent) on the certificate of incorporation. In that case, you specify the same in your application form.

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