Validation with Stakeholders or Focus Groups
You’re not naming in a vacuum. Get input from people who will use, buy, or represent the brand.
Validation helps test your short list for clarity, tone, memorability, and cultural fit. The goal isn’t consensus—it’s confidence that your name works for your market and mission.
Trademark and Domain Clearance
Once you’ve shortlisted your name options, your next step is making sure you can actually use them.
Trademark and domain clearance ensures your brand name is legally protectable, accessible online, and defensible as your business grows. Skip this, and you could face lawsuits, rebrands, or credibility issues down the road.
Naming Strategy
A strong name sets the tone for your brand and influences how people remember, talk about, and trust your product.
There are four core naming strategies to consider: descriptive, evocative, invented, and founder-based. Each comes with tradeoffs. What matters most is that your name supports your business model, brand voice, and long-term growth.