How to Choose a Company Name

Before people even become your customers, they already like your business — simply because they love your company name.

That’s the power of a great name.

A strong business name builds trust, creates curiosity, and stays in people’s minds. In India, where markets are crowded and competition is intense, the right company name can give you a massive head start.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose a company name in India using a proven method called SMILE & SCRATCH, along with new and relevant Indian examples.

Why Choosing the Right Company Name Matters in India

In the Indian context, a company name must:

• Work across languages and cultures
• Be easy to pronounce and remember
• Feel trustworthy for customers, investors, and partners
• Be suitable for future growth, not just today

A name is not just branding — it’s a long-term business asset.

Why The 5 Qualities of an Effective Company Name

A good company name should make people SMILE, not feel confused.

1. Suggestive – Hint at Your Brand, Don’t Explain It

A suggestive name doesn’t describe everything you do.
Instead, it suggests a feeling, scale, or idea.

Indian examples (new & modern):

• Zepto – Suggests speed and quickness (perfect for 10-minute delivery)
• CRED – Suggests credibility and trust
• Ather – Feels futuristic and innovative for EVs

Just like Amazon suggests something big and limitless, your name should leave room for growth.

💡 Tip:
Write 5–10 adjectives that describe your brand personality (fast, premium, friendly, bold). Use them to spark name ideas.

2. Meaningful – Make Sense to Customers, Not Just You

Your company name should mean something to the customer, even if you’re not there to explain it.

Indian examples:

• Nykaa – Inspired by “Nayaka” (actress), connects with beauty & confidence
• Udaan – Means “flight”, symbolising growth and scale
• Meesho – From “meri shop”, relatable to Indian sellers

🚫 Avoid naming your company after yourself.
Your personal name may mean a lot to you, but it means nothing to a new customer — and it can limit future selling or scaling.

3. Imagery – Create a Picture in the Mind

Names that create mental images are easier to remember.

Indian examples:

• Boat – Instantly creates a lifestyle & travel image
• BigBasket – You can literally picture a large grocery basket
• FreshToHome – Evokes freshness and homely food

When people can see your name, they remember it.

4. Imagery – Create a Picture in the Mind

A name with “legs” gives you endless branding possibilities.

Indian examples:

• Tata – One umbrella, hundreds of businesses
• Reliance – Works across retail, telecom, energy, finance
• PhonePe – Extended into InsurancePe, Wealth, etc.

Your company name should be wide enough to support future products, services, and sub-brands.

5. Emotional – Make People Feel Something

Over 50% of buying decisions are emotional.

Indian examples:

• Mamaearth – Feels safe, caring, and family-oriented
• Dream11 – Triggers aspiration and hope
• Lenskart – Friendly, modern, and approachable

If your name makes people smile, trust, or feel excited — you’re already winning.

The 7 Common Naming Mistakes to Avoid (SCRATCH)

If a name makes people scratch their head, remove it from your list.

1. Spelling-Challenged

Names that people can’t spell or type correctly are a nightmare.

❌ Examples to avoid:

• Weird spellings just to get a domain
• Numbers like “4”, “2”, “365” in names

✅ Good rule:
If Google Assistant or Siri can’t understand it — neither will customers.

2. Copycat Names

Copying trends kills originality and trust.

🚫 Avoid:

• iSomething
• AnyFruit brand names
• “Cloud”, “Rocket”, “Daddy” everywhere

Indian markets already have enough clones — be original.

3. Restrictive Names

Don’t trap your future business.

❌ Example:

• A name like “Delhi Mobile Repair” limits expansion

✅ Choose an umbrella name that allows growth into new cities, products, and services.

4. Annoying or Forced Names

Invented names that sound unnatural feel fake.

❌ Overused endings:

• -a, -ia, -ify, -ifya
• Random letter mashups

If it sounds uncomfortable to say out loud, it won’t work.

5. Tame & Boring

Descriptive names lack personality.

❌ Examples:

• “Best IT Solutions”
• “Quality Services India”

They don’t excite, inspire, or stand out — especially in India’s crowded digital market.

6. Curse of Knowledge

Industry jargon confuses customers.

❌ If only insiders understand your name, you’re losing customers.

Keep it simple and human.

7. Hard to Pronounce

If people are afraid to say your name, they won’t recommend you.

In India, your name should work across:

• English
• Hindi
• Regional accents

Easy pronunciation = free word-of-mouth marketing.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Company Name in India

Choosing a company name is not about being clever — it’s about being clear, memorable, and emotional.

Use this simple rule:

👉 If it makes people smile, keep it.
If it makes them scratch their head, scratch it off.

The right name will:

• Help customers remember you
• Build brand trust
• Support long-term growth
• Make marketing easier

Take your time. Brainstorm freely. Test names with real people.

Because a great business deserves a great name.