Modern Tools and Tips for Naming (2024 and Beyond)

In the past, naming a business meant a lot of whiteboard sessions and flipping through dictionaries. Those

still work, but you also have new tools today that can assist in the naming journey:

AI-Powered Name Generators: Artificial intelligence can churn out creative name ideas by analyzing millions of words and patterns. Tools like NameSnack, Namelix, or the Canva business name generator use algorithms to suggest unique combinations. While an AI might not hand you the perfect name on a silver platter, it’s excellent for sparking ideas you hadn’t considered. Use these suggestions as a springboard, not a final choice – remember to apply your human judgment about what fits your brand. AI can also check domain availability as it suggests names, which is handy.

Crowdsourcing and Contests: You can tap into the wisdom (and creativity) of the crowd. Platforms like Squadhelp or Naming Force allow you to run naming contests. You provide a brief about your business, and creatives from around the world submit name ideas, often hundreds of them. You typically award a prize to the winner. This approach can generate a lot of outside-the-box ideas, including perspectives you and your team might never come up with. Just ensure you still vet the winning name for trademarks and suitability.

Linguistic Analysis Tools: If you’re concerned about how a name sounds or what it implies, there are tools for that too. For example, some services will analyze the phonetics of your name – is it easy to say for most people? Does it have any unintended meanings in major foreign languages? There are even sentiment analysis tools that gauge the emotional tone of a word. For instance, a tool could tell you if people subconsciously associate your name with positive or negative feelings. These can be niche, but if you have a global audience, cultural sensitivity checks are important (nobody wants to discover their brand name is embarrassing in another language after launch).

Domain and Social Handle Checkers: Save time by using one of the many online checkers that tell you if a name is available across multiple domains and social platforms at once. Sites like Namechk or KnowEm let you input a name and see availability on dozens of networks. Getting a consistent name across your website and social media strengthens your brand visibility.

One thing to note: While tools are great, don’t rely on them entirely. Some entrepreneurs fall into the trap of thinking a naming app or generator will do all the work (the “efficiency naming mistake” of trying to solve naming with a quick app fix). These tools are useful assistants, but the best business names still come from 5 a deep understanding of your brand and audience , coupled with human creativity. Use technology to enhance, not replace, your own brainstorming and decision-making.