Coming up with a business name is one of the most exciting parts of starting up.
It’s creative. It’s personal. It’s the moment your idea starts to feel real.
But before you fall in love with a name, you need to make sure it’s actually available, and that you’re legally allowed to use it.
Here’s how to check your company name, what rules to watch out for, and how Foundrs makes the process simple.
Why checking matters
Every company in the UK is registered with Companies House, which keeps an official record of every active business name.
If your name is too similar to one that already exists, your application will be rejected.
Even if you manage to register something close, you could face challenges later, especially if your name looks like you’re copying or connected to another brand.
So it’s worth spending a few extra minutes getting it right before you register.
How to check if your company name is available
You can check name availability on the Companies House website using their “Find and update company information” search.
Just type in your chosen name, and it will show any existing businesses using that name or something similar.
If you find something close like “Bright Labs Ltd” when you want “Bright Lab Ltd”, that’s usually too similar.
Even if your name is unique, it still has to meet a few legal rules.
Companies House will reject names that are:
- Too similar to an existing name
- Offensive or misleading
- Imply a government connection (e.g. “Department”, “Authority”, “Council”)
- Use restricted words like “Royal”, “Bank”, or “Accredited” without permission
It also can’t include symbols (like @ or !) or end with anything other than “Limited” or “Ltd”.
💡 Foundrs tip: Our guided setup includes automatic name checks so you’ll know instantly if your name is taken or too close to another company. No extra searching or guesswork.
Should you include ‘Limited’ or ‘Ltd’?
All private limited companies must include “Limited” or “Ltd” at the end of their name.
Both are equally valid it’s just a style choice.
For example:
- Bright Lab Limited
- Bright Lab Ltd
You can use either in your branding, but Companies House will record the official version you choose.
What about trading names?
Some companies register under one name but trade under another.
For example, you could register Bright Lab Ltd but trade as Bright Marketing.
That’s perfectly fine, as long as your official company name appears on legal documents, invoices, and contracts.
If you use a trading name, it still can’t infringe on another company’s trademark, so it’s worth running both names through a quick check.
How to check for trademarks
Even if your company name is available on Companies House, it doesn’t mean it’s free from trademark protection.
A business could still own the rights to that name (or something similar) for specific products or services.
You can check trademarks for free using the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) database.
Search your name (and variations of it) to make sure you’re not unintentionally copying or clashing with an existing brand.
If your chosen name is trademarked in your industry, it’s best to pick something else.
🧠 Foundrs insight: Think of your company name and your brand name as two layers. One is legal (Companies House). The other is creative (how customers see you). Both matter, but they serve different purposes.
Tips for choosing a name that lasts
When you’re checking for availability, it’s worth asking yourself a few bigger questions too:
- Is it easy to say and spell? You’ll say it hundreds of times.
- Does it make sense in your industry?
- Can you get the website domain and social handles?
- Will it still feel right in five years?
A great business name is simple, memorable, and flexible enough to grow with you.
What happens if your name isn’t available
If your chosen name is already taken, don’t panic! It happens to everyone.
You can:
- Try small variations (like adding a word or location or dropping a letter - like foundrs)
- Think about synonyms or related ideas
- Focus on what makes your business different
Sometimes changing one word can make a name stand out and be easier to trademark later.
Final check before you register
Once you’ve found a name that’s available and compliant, do a quick final check:
✅ Companies House search
✅ Trademark search (UKIPO)
✅ Domain name availability
✅ Social media handles
If all of those are clear, you’re ready to register your company.
With Foundrs, you can go from idea to incorporated in a few guided steps and your name will be checked, verified, and registered properly with Companies House.
No forms. No jargon. No surprises.
