Startup Name Ideas
That Actually Work
Tired of using name generators that spit out garbage? We've done the hard work for you. Every name here is carefully crafted, brandable, and comes with the premium domain already available. No more compromising on "yourname-app.io" because the good stuff was taken.
Startup Names Ready to Launch
Each name comes with a premium domain - click any to learn more
Why Finding a Startup Name Is So Frustrating
You've probably been there. You spend hours brainstorming the perfect name, finally land on something you love, and then... the .COM is taken. And the .IO. And every other decent extension. The domain is either parked by a squatter asking $50,000 or it's being used by some random blog from 2008.
So you compromise. You add "get" or "try" to the beginning. You swap letters or add unnecessary words. You end up with "getTryFlowifyApp.io" and tell yourself it's fine. But deep down, you know it's not the name you wanted. It's the name you settled for.
The worst part? This isn't just an inconvenience. A weak name actively hurts your business. It's harder to spell, harder to remember, harder to trust. Every time someone asks about your company and you have to explain the spelling, you've lost a little credibility.
That's why we built this collection differently. Every name you see here comes with the premium domain already available. No compromises, no weird spellings, no settling.
Signs You Settled for a Bad Name
You have to spell it out every time you say it verbally
Your domain has a prefix like "get," "try," "use," or "my"
There's a hyphen, number, or intentional misspelling
Someone else owns the .com and you're using a different extension
The name is more than 3 syllables or 10 characters
You're embarrassed to put it on your LinkedIn or resume
What Actually Makes a Great Startup Name?
After analyzing thousands of successful startups, we've identified the patterns that separate forgettable names from iconic ones.
Short & Punchy
The most successful startup names are typically 1-2 syllables. Think Slack, Stripe, Zoom, Snap. These names are easy to say, easy to type, and impossible to forget. Every extra syllable is friction you don't need.
Easy to Pronounce
If someone can't pronounce your name confidently, they won't recommend you to others. Great names follow natural language patterns - they sound like words even if they're invented. Avoid awkward consonant clusters.
Evokes Feeling
The best names create an emotional response. They might suggest speed, simplicity, power, or friendliness without literally describing the product. "Stripe" feels smooth and efficient. "Notion" feels expansive and thoughtful.
Trademarkable
Unique names are easier to protect legally. Generic descriptive names ("Best Email App") can't be trademarked, but invented or unexpected names can. This matters when you're raising money or planning an exit.
Room to Grow
Amazon started selling books but could expand anywhere. "BooksOnline" couldn't have. Choose a name that won't limit you as your product evolves. The best startup names are versatile platforms, not product descriptions.
Works Globally
Your name should work across languages and cultures. Avoid names that are hard for non-native English speakers to pronounce, or that might have awkward meanings in other languages. Global from day one.
Different Approaches to Startup Naming
There's no single "right" way to name a company. Here are the proven approaches we see in our most successful names:
The Invented Word
Create an entirely new word that sounds natural but doesn't exist in the dictionary. This approach offers maximum trademark protection and domain availability, but requires more marketing effort to establish meaning. Consider browsing brandable options.
Famous examples: Kodak, Xerox, Spotify, Skype, Hulu
The Unexpected Real Word
Take an existing word from outside your industry and apply it in a new context. This creates instant memorability because the word already has meaning, but in an unexpected application.
Famous examples: Apple, Amazon, Slack, Discord, Notion
The Compound
Combine two words (or word parts) to create something new. This works best when the combination creates something greater than the sum of its parts - a new meaning that captures your essence.
Famous examples: Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Airbnb, DoorDash
The Modified Spelling
Take an existing word and alter its spelling to make it unique and ownable. This can work well but carries risk - if the modification is confusing, people will misspell your name constantly.
Famous examples: Lyft (Lift), Fiverr (Fiver), Tumblr (Tumbler), Flickr (Flicker)
The Founder Name
Use your own name or initials. This creates a personal connection and works especially well for consultancies, creative agencies, and luxury brands. Less common in tech but can work.
Famous examples: McKinsey, Bloomberg, Hewlett-Packard, Dell
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I come up with a good startup name?
Start by defining your brand values and the feeling you want to evoke. Then brainstorm widely - real words, invented words, combinations. Test candidates by saying them out loud, checking domain availability, and running them by potential customers. The best names are short, easy to pronounce, and memorable after hearing them once.
Should I choose a made-up name or a real word?
Both approaches can work. Made-up names (like Spotify or Kodak) are easier to trademark and get exact-match domains, but require more marketing to establish meaning. Real words (like Apple or Slack) are instantly memorable but harder to find available. Our recommendation: invented words that sound natural often offer the best of both worlds.
What makes a startup name memorable?
Memorable names share common traits: they're short (1-2 syllables ideal), easy to pronounce, unique sounding, and evoke emotion or imagery. They often use techniques like alliteration, pleasant vowel sounds, or unexpected combinations. The ultimate test: if someone hears your name once, can they remember and spell it the next day?
How important is the domain name?
Very important. Your domain is often the first thing people type to find you. A clean, matching domain (name.com or name.io) builds credibility, while a compromise domain (get-name-app.co) creates friction and looks unprofessional. That's why every name in our collection comes with the premium domain included. Explore our short domain options for maximum impact.
Can I buy just the domain without the whole brand package?
Absolutely. Our names are presented with logo concepts to help you visualize the brand potential, but you're buying the domain name. You're free to create your own visual identity - the domain is yours to build on however you like.