Company Names: An Overview

company names

Company Names: An Overview

by | Jan 6, 2025

Your company name is arguably one of the most important aspects of your business. It is usually a customer’s first impression of your business, and a memorable and suitable name can pack a punch, or send them packing. You may think you’ve got the perfect idea for a name for your limited company, but there are certain rules and guidelines that you must adhere to.

In the following blog, we aim to inform you of 6 of the most important aspects of a company name, to assist you with making the best decision for you and your company.

Same as or too similar names

When you think you have the perfect name for your company, before beginning the incorporation process, you will need to check if the name is available to use. This is because Companies House will not register a new company with a name that is the same as, or too similar, to a company already on the register. This includes if the name is only different due to:

  • Punctuation
  • Use of symbols or special characters
  • A difference in spelling

For example, the company name Pets for Life Limited would be considered the same as Petz 4 Lyfe Limited.

This rule does not apply to companies that used to be on the register and have since been dissolved. In this instance, the name would be available for registration. Be mindful in this case though, and research the previous company, as any company reputation may now be associated with yours, good and bad.

Sensitive Words and Expressions

Alongside restrictions on similar company names, there is also a restriction on specific words or expressions you may wish to use in a company name. These are broken down into the following three annexes.  

Annex A relates to sensitive words or expressions that could imply a connection to the Government and includes:

  • Bank/banking
  • Britain/British
  • King and Queen

Annex B relates to words or expressions that could imply a connection with a Government department, devolved administration or public authority, and includes:

  • Home Office
  • Revenue and Customs
  • UK Government

Annex C relates to words or expressions that are regulated or protected under other legislation and includes:

  • Dentist/Dental
  • General Practitioner
  • Vet/Veterinary

In order to use any of these words within your company name, you will need to obtain a letter of no-objection from the relevant governing body, and in some instances prove your registration, such as your General Dental Council number if you wish to use the word ‘dental’, or the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons if you wish to use the word ‘vet’.

Any names that are deemed to be potentially offensive will also be rejected, including names containing profanities, violence, drug references and other uncategorised terms. Between April 2022 and April 2023, more than 700 names were rejected for being ‘offensive’, although there is no official list of what phrases fall into the offensive.

Symbols

Whilst creating your perfect company name, you may also be thinking up designs that go perfectly with it, hearts or stars for example, to stand out to potential customers.

Unfortunately, these design factors should be saved for your company logo, not your company name, as Companies House will only allow characters and symbols that are found on a standard UK keyboard. This includes all letters, including accented letters (although it won’t show like this on Companies House), all numbers, all punctuation, and signs and symbols, such as money and mathematic equations.

Trademarks

Before proceeding with the incorporation, it is advisable to check for any existing copyrights or trademarks on existing elements of your company name, or any other intellectual property, such as a logo design you have in mind. Trademarks can cover a wide variety of elements, including;

  • A specific combination of words or numbers
  • Drawings and symbols
  • Fragrances
  • Colours

Trademarks are registered per country, not globally, so check the country in which you are incorporating existing trademarks. The ramifications for infringing on a trademark can differ, but you can incur injunctions or legal action from the trademark owner, which can be time-consuming and costly to engage with.

You can search for trademarks through the Intellectual Property Office here.

Correct Endings

A company limited by shares name must end with either Limited or Ltd or the Welsh equivalents Cyfyngedig or Cyf if the company is registered in Wales. Limited Liability Partnerships must end with LLP or Limited Liability Partnership, and Community Interest Companies must end with CIC or Community Interest Company.

A company limited by guarantee must end with either Limited or Ltd, however, it can apply for an exemption from this requirement if the articles of association contain the following clauses;

  • the objects of the company are the promotion or regulation of commerce, art, science, education, religion, charity or any profession incidental or conducive to any of those objects
  • income is required to be applied in promoting its objects
  • the payment of dividends, or any return of capital, to its members, are prohibited
  • all assets that would otherwise be available to its members generally are required to be transferred on its winding up to another body with similar objects or to another body with charitable objects

Changing company name

During the lifecycle of a business, there may come a time when the company name, no longer fits with your company vision. In these cases, you may decide to change your company name. You can do this, providing the new company name meets all of the requirements mentioned above.

To change the company name, send a completed form NM01 to Companies House along with the relevant fee and a special resolution. A special resolution is where the name change is agreed upon by more than 75% of the members who are entitled to a vote. The name change can take several days to be processed, and once accepted, you will be issued with a Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name, which confirms the previous and new company name and the date on which this change occurred.

With a greater understanding of company name requirements, check the availability of your preferred name here to start your journey into business ownership.

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