Over the years, as a brand designer & strategist, I have named a large number of businesses and in the process, collected a large number of brand naming resources.
Want to know how to name your business? These are my most valued brand naming resources & links:
Online Brand Naming Resources
- Onym – A deep rabbit hole of brand naming resources (the guides & sprints section especially)
- IGOR Naming Guide (PDF) – A 51 page framework for creating powerful brand names
- The 3 Hour Brand Sprint – by Jake Knapp (A quick exercise anyone can implement)
- The 3 Step Process for Naming a Brand – by Ben Pieratt (Simple, but it works)
- How to name your business by 99Designs
- How to come up with a business name on SquadHelp
- 10 Essential Tips for Naming Your Brand or Start Up Business on Just Creative (by SquadHelp)
- Trademark Search Tool by SquadHelp
Brand Naming Books
- Hello My Name is Awesome – A concise and quick read on how to create brand names that stick. Read a summary of the book here.
- Don’t Call It That: A Naming Workbook – A nicely designed book that guides readers on how to name a company or product.
- Wordcraft: The Art of Turning Little Words into Big Business – An insightful look at how big brands got their names.
Trademarking
When you’ve found a name, ensure you can trademark it in your class (see USPTO class lists).
What are your best brand naming resources?
Hey Jacob! To add to this list I recently came across an incredible naming handbook from Wolff Olins that will be worth including in your links. It’s freely available to download here: (Removed)
Thanks Ian, great resource. I have added it to the mix.