How to Choose the Perfect Brand Name in 2026

Choosing a brand name is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make for your business. It shapes first impressions, affects discoverability, and determines whether people can find you online.

Start with Availability

Before falling in love with a name, check if it's actually available. That means:

• Domain availability — Can you get the .com? What about .io or .co?
• Social handles — Is @yourname taken on GitHub, Reddit, Twitter, and other platforms?
• Trademark conflicts — Is someone already using this name in your industry?

Tools like BrandScout make this instant. Enter your name and see availability across 7 TLDs and 6+ platforms in seconds.

Keep It Short and Readable

The best brand names are:

• 5–12 characters — easy to type, easy to remember
• Pronounceable — if people can't say it, they can't share it
• Free of numbers and hyphens — these look unprofessional in domains

Consider Variations

If your first choice is taken, don't despair. Try:

• Adding a prefix: get, try, go, use
• Adding a suffix: hq, app, hub, lab
• Shortening or combining words

Think Long-Term

Your brand name should work whether you're a startup or a Fortune 500. Avoid names that lock you into a specific product or geography.

Take Action

Use BrandScout to check your top 3 name candidates right now. The best names get taken fast — don't wait.