Last updated: 31 August 2026
Choosing a company name is partly a branding decision and partly a Companies House compliance check. A good name should suit the business, be easy to use in practice and meet the statutory naming rules before you submit the incorporation.
Start with the business and brand
Think about what the business does, who it serves and the impression you want the name to create. A descriptive name can make the activity obvious, while a more distinctive name may be easier to remember and protect as a brand.
Check how the name looks on a website, email address, invoice and sign. If you expect to trade internationally, consider pronunciation and unintended meanings in other markets.
Check the Companies House register
Companies House will not register a name that is treated as the same as an existing company name unless a permitted exception applies. A name can also be challenged later if it is considered too like another registered name.
You can check a proposed company name against the live Companies House register before starting your formation.
Sensitive and restricted words
Some words and expressions require prior approval because they imply a particular status, regulated activity or connection with government or another public body. The official list is updated periodically, so do not rely on an old list when making the final decision.
See our guide to sensitive words in company names if your proposed name includes terminology that may need consent.
A company name is not the same as a trade mark
Registration at Companies House does not give you trade mark rights. Before investing heavily in a brand, it is sensible to search for existing trade marks and consider whether formal protection is appropriate.
Our trade mark service can help with UK applications and brand protection.
Ready to form the company?
Once you have a suitable name, our Northern Ireland company formation service handles the Companies House incorporation and formation documents, with support from our Belfast team.
This article is for general information only and reflects the position at the date it was last updated. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Fees, rules and deadlines may change. You should seek advice from a suitably qualified professional before acting on anything covered here.