Your business name isn’t just what goes on your website or storefront—it’s your identity, your brand, and your first impression. But before you fall in love with a catchy name or print it on 500 business cards, you need to know the rules. Choosing the wrong LLC name can delay your filing, confuse customers, or even lead to legal headaches down the road.
Fortunately, naming your LLC isn’t rocket science—but it is a process. Each state has its own requirements, and some common pitfalls trip up first-time entrepreneurs. Whether you’re just brainstorming or ready to file, this guide will walk you through 10 essential naming rules—and the mistakes to avoid—to ensure your LLC name is legal, distinctive, and built to last.
Contents
- 1. Your Name Must Include “LLC” (or a Legal Variation)
- 2. Your Name Must Be Unique in Your State
- 3. Don’t Use Restricted Words (Unless You’re Qualified)
- 4. Avoid Names That Mislead the Public
- 5. You Can’t Imply You’re a Different Type of Entity
- 6. Consider Trademark Conflicts (Beyond Your State)
- 7. Make It Easy to Spell, Say, and Remember
- 8. Check the Domain Availability (Before You Commit)
- 9. Don’t Box Yourself In
- 10. Reserve Your Name If You’re Not Ready to File
- Your Name Is More Than Just a Label
1. Your Name Must Include “LLC” (or a Legal Variation)
This one’s non-negotiable. Every official LLC name must include a legal designation, such as:
- LLC
- L.L.C.
- Limited Liability Company
You can’t skip it, abbreviate it improperly, or replace it with something like “Co.” or “Inc.”—those are reserved for other types of business entities. The state wants a clear label on your business so the public knows it’s a limited liability company.
Mistake to Avoid:
Leaving off “LLC” entirely or using the wrong abbreviation. If your desired name is “Green Leaf Gardens,” you must file it as “Green Leaf Gardens LLC” (or another accepted variation).
2. Your Name Must Be Unique in Your State
Every state maintains a database of registered business names. Your LLC name has to be distinct from any existing name already on file—even if it’s in a totally different industry.
Before filing, search your Secretary of State’s online database to make sure your name isn’t taken or too similar to another business.
Mistake to Avoid:
Choosing a name that’s nearly identical to an existing business. “Byte Bakery LLC” and “Byte Bakehouse LLC” might be too close for comfort—and your filing could be rejected.
3. Don’t Use Restricted Words (Unless You’re Qualified)
Certain words are off-limits unless you meet specific legal or professional requirements. These include:
- Bank – usually requires approval from the state’s banking commission
- Attorney or Law – may require bar membership
- University, College, or Institute – may require education department approval
Even words like “Insurance” or “Trust” can raise red flags during the approval process.
Mistake to Avoid:
Using a regulated word to sound official or credible when you’re not licensed. If you’re not a lawyer, don’t try to name your business “The Startup Law Group LLC.”
4. Avoid Names That Mislead the Public
Your name should match your business type and not create confusion. If you sell homemade candles, calling yourself “Global Tech Holdings LLC” is misleading and could get flagged during review—or worse, raise suspicion from customers.
Mistake to Avoid:
Creating a name that overpromises or implies a false association with government agencies, large corporations, or official institutions (e.g., “IRS Refund Experts LLC” or “NASA Tech LLC”).
5. You Can’t Imply You’re a Different Type of Entity
Don’t include suffixes like “Inc.,” “Corp.,” or “Ltd.” unless you’re actually forming that kind of business. If you’re forming an LLC, stick with the correct designation.
Mistake to Avoid:
Filing as “Bright Future Inc.” when you’re forming an LLC. The state will reject your name—and you’ll have to start over.
6. Consider Trademark Conflicts (Beyond Your State)
Just because a name is available in your state doesn’t mean it’s safe to use nationwide. If another company holds a federal trademark on the name—or something very similar—you could receive a cease-and-desist letter or even face legal action.
Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database to see if your desired name is already trademarked.
Mistake to Avoid:
Naming your business “Nike Solutions LLC” just because it’s available in your state. That’s a fast track to a trademark infringement lawsuit.
7. Make It Easy to Spell, Say, and Remember
This isn’t a legal rule—but it’s a big deal for branding. Complicated, hard-to-pronounce names can confuse customers, reduce referrals, and make it harder to find your business online.
Mistake to Avoid:
Using creative spellings (like “KwiikKleenz LLC”) that sound trendy but are impossible to remember—or spell—when people try to look you up.
8. Check the Domain Availability (Before You Commit)
Your business name doesn’t have to match your website domain exactly—but it helps. Before you file your LLC, check if the domain (especially the .com) is available. If not, you may want to tweak your name or secure the domain first.
Even if you’re not ready to build a website, grabbing the domain early can save future headaches.
Mistake to Avoid:
Filing “Happy Trails Pet Care LLC” only to discover happytrailspetcare.com is taken by another business—or worse, a domain reseller charging $3,000.
9. Don’t Box Yourself In
Your name should leave room for growth. Avoid overly narrow names that tie you to a specific product, location, or trend that might limit your future offerings.
Mistake to Avoid:
Calling your business “Iowa Soap Co. LLC” if you plan to expand into skincare products or operate in multiple states later. A name like “Prairie Botanicals LLC” might be a better long-term fit.
10. Reserve Your Name If You’re Not Ready to File
If you’ve found the perfect name but aren’t quite ready to launch your business, many states allow you to reserve a business name for a small fee—usually for 30 to 120 days. This protects your name from being taken while you finish your business plan or gather funds to file.
Mistake to Avoid:
Waiting too long to file your LLC and losing the name to someone else. It happens more than you’d think—especially with trendy or catchy names.
Your Name Is More Than Just a Label
Naming your LLC is a legal step—but it’s also a branding opportunity. The best names are legally compliant, available in your state, free of trademark issues, and easy for customers to remember and trust.
Take your time. Check the databases. Google it. Search social media. Say it out loud. Sleep on it. And once you’re confident? Lock it down—file with the state, buy the domain, and start building a brand that fits your business’s future.
