Tips for Naming Your Brand That Sticks

The Power of a Name

Nike. Apple. Netflix. TikTok.

What do all these names have in common?
They stick. They’re short. Memorable. Emotionally charged.

And whether you realise it or not, they’ve shaped how you see the brand.

The truth is, a good name is not just a label; it’s the first impression, the emotional hook, and the ongoing story of your brand. It’s what people remember when your logo’s gone and your pitch deck is closed.

But how do you find that magic? That one word or phrase that sounds like a whisper but echoes like a roar?

This article isn’t just a checklist. It’s a deep dive into how you, whether you’re a startup founder, content creator, side hustler, or full-blown entrepreneur, can create a brand name that:

• Commands attention

• Sparks curiosity

• Refuses to be forgotten

Let’s name something unforgettable.

1. Know Your Brand Before You Name It

The best brand names don’t exist in a vacuum. They’re born from clarity.
Before you start scribbling ideas, answer these:

• Who are you serving? (Teens, moms, gamers, luxury buyers?)

• What vibe do you want? (Bold, playful, elegant, mysterious?)

• What problem are you solving?

• What emotion should people feel when they hear your name?

Pro Tip: Describe your brand in 3 adjectives. Your name should echo at least one.

Before the name comes the soul.

2. Keep It Short, Punchy, and Easy to Say

If people can’t spell it, say it, or search it, they won’t remember it.

Follow the 3 S Rule:

• Short: One or two words max

• Simple: Easy to pronounce

• Sticky: Hard to forget

Think of:

• Zoom — fast, relevant, catchy

• Spotify — sounds like a vibe, ends in “-fy” (like amplify)

• Snug — a DTC home brand that sounds like what it sells

Avoid overly long or complicated names. If you need to explain how to spell it, it’s not the one.

3. Use Wordplay, Rhymes, or Invented Words (If It Fits)

Some of the best names come from playful or made-up roots:

• Google (a twist on “googol,” a huge number)

• Lululemon (invented word, fun to say, unique)

• Mailchimp (a blend of product and humour)

If your brand allows for it, get creative with:

• Puns

• Alliterations

• Blended words

But stay on brand. If your product is serious (like finance or law), a punny name might dilute your credibility.
Creativity counts, but clarity wins.

4. Make Sure the Domain (and Social Handles) Are Available

Before you fall in love, make sure your name is usable.

Check:

• .com availability (or a relevant domain like .co, .io)

• Social media handles (Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn)

• Trademark conflicts (Use USPTO.gov or consult a legal site)

💡 Pro Tip: If your name is taken, consider slight tweaks like:

• get[brand]

• [brand]app

A great name is only great if you can own it online.

5. Make It Visual: Can You See It as a Logo?

Your brand name doesn’t live in isolation. It shows up everywhere:

• Packaging

• Websites

• Merch

• Ads

Ask yourself:

• Can you see this name in a bold logo?

• Does it look good in lowercase? ALL CAPS?

• Would it stand out on a t-shirt or billboard?

Sometimes a name sounds great but looks awkward in print.

Do a mockup. Design quick samples. Make sure the name feels good on the eyes too.
If it looks right, it usually is.

6. Tell a Story With Your Name

Humans remember stories more than syllables.
If your name hints at a story—even subtly—it’s gold.

Examples:

• Warby Parker — named after Jack Kerouac characters, gives a literary edge

• Tesla — nods to inventor Nikola Tesla, hints at innovation

• Notion — sounds like a spark of thought

Even if the story is personal, like how your grandma used to say a certain phrase, it can build emotional depth.

“A good name introduces the brand. A great name introduces the mission.”

7. Test It Out Loud, In the Wild, and With Strangers

Names live in conversation. So:

• Say it out loud. Does it roll off the tongue?

• Ask strangers. What do they think of when they hear it?

• Text it to friends without context. What’s their reaction?

If people mishear it or assume the wrong vibe, reconsider.

Bonus: Run a quick poll on Instagram or Twitter to get votes.
If they can say it and love it, you’ve won.

8. Don’t Rush the Process, Let It Breathe

Some names come like lightning. Others take time. Either way:

• Keep a running list

• Come back to it in 24 hours

• Let it rest. Then say it again

The right name should age well. It gets better with time, not cringeworthy later.

If it sticks in your head like a good song, that’s your sign.

Real-World Examples That Nail It

Here’s a quick list of brand names that did it right:

These names are proof that you don’t need to overcomplicate things to make them iconic.

Conclusion: Your Brand Name Is a Legacy

Your brand name is more than just a word. It’s:

• The invitation to your story

• The vibe people feel before they know your product

• The memory that sticks long after they scroll away

So take your time.

• Be bold

• Be clear

• Be unforgettable

And when you find the right one, you’ll know.
Because it won’t just sound good, it’ll feel like home.

Every great brand starts with a name whispered in confidence.