With over 33.2 million small businesses in the U.S., having a powerful and unique business name is a must if you want to stand out.
Choosing the right business name helps you effectively communicate your unique selling position, create a positive first impression with customers and enhance brand recognition.
Unfortunately, many business owners struggle with picking a name.
That’s where store name generators come in. Within seconds, these tools provide you with hundreds of creative, catchy and unique business name ideas and suggestions. You don’t have to spend days or weeks brainstorming and researching company name ideas.
This guide will reveal some of the top free store name generators available today. You’ll also get tips on how to use them effectively.
How do business name generator tools work?
Business name generator tools use artificial intelligence (AI) or algorithms to come up with creative business name ideas.
When using one of these tools, your first step to generate business name is to enter keywords and phrases that are relevant to your business. These could be the products or services you sell, your industry and niche or even specific terms you want your new business name to include.
The tool will then generate dozens or even hundreds of potential names for your company. From there, you can narrow down the list before making a final choice.
Once you have a suitable name, you can use Bluehost’s domain name tool to search for and select a fitting domain name and domain extension for your brand. After that, all you need to do is choose a hosting plan and set up your online store.
Best business name generators
Here are six of the top free business name generators to consider.
1. Namelix
Namelix’s store name generator tool uses a powerful AI to create short, catchy names for your business. It learns from your preferences and makes better suggestions over time.
One of this tool’s top features is that you can filter your search by several criteria, including name style, randomness and brand information. For example: When it comes to style, you can filter results to only include names with alternate spellings, compound words or non-English words.
You can click on each generated name to learn more about it, including its meaning, the inspiration behind it and similar names. Each name suggestion also comes with a complimentary sample logo.
Key features:
- Generates names in seconds.
- Lets you filter results to make it easier to find the perfect name.
- Includes an AI that adjusts the results based on your choices.
2. NameSnack
NameSnack brands itself as “the most powerful business name generator.” The tool uses machine-learning keywords and other naming techniques to create unique, brandable business names.
Each suggestion from this store generator includes a link to partner website Zarla, which offers a free logo maker to help you complete your brand identity.
Key features:
- Enjoy this tool’s simplicity and ease of use.
- Search store names by keyword and business category/niche.
- Create a free logo that fits your brand.
3. Business Name Generator (BNG)
BNG helps you brainstorm cool name ideas for your brand. Start by entering a keyword that describes your business or industry. The tool will then generate dozens of name ideas.
You can filter your results by name length, word structure and style.
Key features:
- Fine-tune your results to focus on names that meet your preferences.
- Save name ideas for viewing later, or forward them to your email.
- Get logo ideas that match each suggested name.
4. Logopony
Logopony is another easy-to-use, AI-powered tool that can help you create a great name for your business. You’ll have to write a short description of your business, what it offers and its niche.
The name suggestions you’ll receive are based on millions of possible word combinations.
The tool is particularly designed to create a short, catchy, brandable and unique business name that can help you stand out.
The more specific you are in your description, the better the suggestions.
Key features:
- Write your business description the way you see fit, instead of just picking keywords.
- Pick from practically endless options.
- Create a unique business logo that matches your brand’s style.
5. Looka
With Looka’s AI-powered company name generator, you can create creative business names by entering an abstract concept, like ambition, high quality or dedication.
The tool then generates a variety of great business name options for you, including:
- Traditional names: Names that are tied to your industry.
- Invented names: Short, innovative and edgy names.
- Compound words: Descriptive and modern names that capitalize the second word for distinction.
- Multi-word: Two relatively long and descriptive words, separated either by an ampersand or space.
You can also create a free logo.
Key features:
- Stand out with a name that demonstrates an abstract idea.
- Customize the desired length of your name.
- Pick between established name formats.
6. Shopify
To help eCommerce store owners come up with great names for their businesses, Shopify offers a free name generator tool.
Shopify’s business name generator is simple and straightforward to use. The only action required is to enter a keyword that best describes your business.
Key features:
- Lets you browse naming ideas by niche.
- Generates business names in 10 seconds or less.
- Offers 100 unique options.
Other popular business name generators to consider
- Zyro: Boasts the best features with a simple interface, offering free tools like a slogan generator and a logo maker. It checks domain availability but provides only basic name suggestions.
- Domain Wheel: Easiest to use, this generator includes a brand name and blog name ideas with a no-frills, customizable search process. It checks domain name availability but requires domain purchases through third parties.
- FreshBooks: Best for financial integrations, generating industry-specific names based on a single keyword. It’s part of FreshBooks’ accounting software, offering a basic, easy-to-use interface, but doesn’t check domain names.
- BizNameWiz: Provides various name generators by industry and supports multiple languages. It’s a free service offering industry-specific name generation.
- Naming by WriteExpress: An easy and creative name generator tool, ideal for finding name inspiration. It is a free service.
- Oberlo: Known for its app for importing dropshipped products into Shopify stores, it includes a free, basic name generator tool.
- Getsocio: An e-commerce platform offering user-friendly, keyword-based slogan and business name generators for free.
- NameStation: A name generator tool that’s easy to use and offers a variety of name styles. Users can also hold crowd-sourced naming contests.
- Frozen Lemons: This is a paid service that provides several name ideas as well as revisions, starting at $79.00 for four names.
- Web.com AI Domain Name Generator: The AI Domain Name generator tool leverages AI to help you brainstorm potential domain names. Enter word combinations or short descriptions to start generating domain name ideas.
- NetSubstance: A domain name generator that asks users for keywords and allows them to decide the percentage of vowels, consonants, prefixes, and suffixes in the names generated.
- WordLab: Offers a variety of name generators by topic that generate random names. It’s not keyword-based and does not include a domain search
How to use company name generator tools effectively
Now that you’re familiar with some of the top business name generator tools on the market, it’s time to learn to use them effectively.
Here are a few tips and best practices for using store name generators.
Define your brand’s vision and understand your audience
This will help you filter out irrelevant name suggestions. Plus, this information will allow you to adjust your potential company name so it’s a better fit.
Experiment with different settings
Many name generator tools allow you to customize your search settings. You can limit your search to names of a certain length or a wording style. Play around with several of these settings to see the names that come up.
This process will expand the scope of ideas you consider, giving you a better chance of finding something that works.
Try out different keywords and phrases
Don’t limit yourself to one keyword or phrase when searching. Instead, try different word and phrase combinations. This will unlock even more possibilities for your next business idea or name.
Review as many suggestions as possible
Sometimes, the best name idea for your business may be hidden way down the results page. So don’t just focus on the suggestions at the top. Scroll down until the end of the search bar in the list, reviewing as many suggestions as possible.
Save your favorites after each search
Some store name generators can save your favorite ideas or even send them to your email for later viewing. Make the most of this feature. When you find a name you love, the last thing you need is to forget it.
How to choose a store name
- Make it catchy, memorable and timeless
- Go for short and clear rather than long and confusing
- Make it easy to spell and pronounce
- Create a strong association with your products or services
- Do a business name search
- Make sure it’s eligible for trademark protection
Make it catchy, memorable and timeless
The name you select should be attention grabbing and leave a lasting impression on customers. Opt for names with phrases or words that evoke positive emotions and have a long-lasting appeal instead of trying to capitalize on trends that may fizzle out in a year or two.
Go for short and clear rather than long and confusing
Simplicity is key when it comes to creating a strong brand identity. A concise, straightforward name is more likely to resonate with your customers and be easily remembered than a lengthy or difficult-to-understand name.
Make it easy to spell and pronounce
Go for a name that is phonetically intuitive and simple to spell. This can make it easier for your customers to find you online and can also help avoid miscommunication or confusion when they’re referring your online business to others.
Create a strong association with your products or services
Aligning your store name with the nature of your business is a great way to create a strong brand identity. Include terms or phrases that clearly both describe your business and the type of items or services you provide.
Do a business name search
Before you finalize your store name, confirm it’s not already in use by another business in your area. Your state’s secretary of state website is a good place to search for this info.
Make sure it’s eligible for trademark protection
A trademark can help safeguard your brand identity and prevent others from misusing your name. So try to choose a business name that’s eligible for trademark protection. For example, go for a name that’s both distinctive and non-generic.
You can check whether there’s a trademark already on your preferred name on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website.
Final thoughts: Top free store name generator tools for 2024
If you’re having trouble naming your store, a free business name generator here will help you come up with some creative and catchy ideas. You can then build on these ideas to craft the perfect name for your business.
After you’ve picked up a good business name, the next key step is choosing a domain name. Use Bluehost’s domain name tool to find an option that works for you, check if it’s available and make a purchase, all in one smooth process.
If you choose to host your website with Bluehost, many plans even come with a free domain name.
Contact us today to get started.
Business name generator FAQs
A business name generator tool can save you valuable time brainstorming. These tools generate a large number of names in seconds, giving you a wide range of options. The free tools will also save you money by eliminating the need to hire a branding agency to develop name ideas.
Store name generators can generate a wide range of name ideas based on different criteria and parameters. Many of these tools allow you to customize or filter your results based on different criteria, including name length, word structure and randomness.
While generator tools can suggest unique, catchy business names, they can’t guarantee that other companies aren’t already using them. So, confirm name availability by doing a business and even a trademark search. You’ll also need to check domain availability.
Trademarking your business name will help prevent people from using it unfairly and without your permission. But it’s neither a legal requirement nor a practical necessity. If you plan on only doing business in your state, you can forgo getting a trademark. However, if you foresee targeting potential customers in other states or countries, register for a trademark to protect your brand.
Yes. A business name generator works for all types of businesses and industries. This includes startups and experienced businesses. When you get a list of generated names, use them as ideas to be tweaked and personalized for your unique situation.
