Words you can't use in a company name (and why)

Picking a company name is one of the most exciting parts of starting a business. But before you fall in love with a name, you need to make sure it's actually allowed. Companies House has strict rules about what you can and can't include in your business name, and some words are completely off-limits.

Here's what's restricted, what's banned, and how to check your name won't be rejected.

These rules apply just as much if you're choosing a trading name rather than your registered company name. Company Name vs. Trading Name: What's the Difference?

Why are some words restricted?

The UK government wants to prevent misleading names that could:

• Suggest a connection to government or royalty

• Imply regulatory approval you don't have

• Mislead customers about what your business does

• Cause confusion with official bodies

‍Essentially, your company name needs to be honest, and certain words carry implications you need permission to claim. These are officially known as "sensitive words and expressions" under UK company law, and Companies House keeps a specific published list of them.

Words you can't use without permission

These words (and many similar variations) require written approval before you can use them in your company name:

Royal and government connections: eg Royal, Department, Ministry

‍Why? They suggest official or royal connections that don't exist.

Regulated or professional bodies: eg Bank, Insurance, Accredited

‍Why? They imply regulation, approval, or professional status that requires licensing. To use them you'll need approval from the relevant regulator (FCA for banks, OfS for universities, Charity Commission, etc.)

Medical and healthcare: eg Dentist, Chemist / Pharmacy

‍Why? These are protected professional titles. You can't claim to offer these services unless properly qualified and registered. To use them you'll need evidence of professional registration with the relevant body (GDC, NMC, GphC etc.)

‍International or global implications: eg International, United Kingdom, European

Why? They suggest a scale or reach your business may not have.

Sensitive or specialist terms: eg Benevolent, Co-operative, Institute‍

Why? These imply specific types of organisations with particular structures or purposes.

Words you absolutely cannot use

Some words are banned outright and won't be approved under any circumstances:

• Offensive language - anything vulgar, racist, discriminatory, or likely to cause offence

• Criminal implications - words that suggest illegal activity

• Obscenity - sexually explicit terms or content

Words that suggest things you're not

Even without specific restrictions, your company name can't be misleading. For example, you can't:

• Claim to be a limited company if you're a sole trader

• Suggest you offer services you don't provide

• Imply you're part of another organisation (like a trade body or charity) if you're not

• Use technical terms that don't match your business

Example: If you're a small consultancy, you probably can't call yourself "The National Institute of Business Excellence" because it suggests scale, authority, and recognition you don't have.

Too similar to existing names

Your name also can't be too similar to another company already registered. Even if the exact name is available, if it's close enough to cause confusion, Companies House can reject it. For example: Bright Labs Ltd vs. Bright Lab Ltd (probably rejected)

Small differences like punctuation, spaces, or "Limited" vs "Ltd" don't count as making it unique.

For the full process of checking whether your name's available at all, see Is Your Company Name Available? How to Check Before You Register

How to check if a word is restricted

Companies House publishes a full list of sensitive words and expressions that require approval. You can find it on the gov.uk website. The list is long, so if your chosen name includes anything formal, official-sounding, or industry-specific, check it first.

FOUNDRS tip: Our guided setup automatically checks naming rules as you type, flagging restricted words and explaining what you'd need to proceed.

Easier alternatives

You can seek permission for certain words, but some founders simply choose a different name. For example:

• Instead of "Royal Consulting Ltd", try "Crown Consulting Ltd" (if "Crown" isn't restricted in your context) or "Premier Consulting Ltd"

• Instead of "National Marketing Ltd", try "UK Marketing Ltd" or "Nationwide Marketing Ltd"

What happens if you try to use a restricted word?

If you submit a company name with a restricted word and no approval, Companies House will reject your application. You'll need to choose a new name and start again, which costs time and sometimes money. With FOUNDRS, you'll know instantly if a word is restricted, so you can adjust your name before submitting.

In Summary

Companies House restricts certain words to prevent misleading or offensive company names. Some words need permission. Some are banned entirely. And some are fine as long as you're honest about what your business does. Before you settle on a name, check the official list of sensitive words and make sure your choice is compliant.

‍Frequently Asked Questions

What are the restrictions on company names in the UK?
Your name can't be offensive, misleading, or imply a government or royal connection you don't have. It can't use a restricted "sensitive" word without prior approval, and it can't be the same as, or too similar to, another company already on the register.

Can a company use a sensitive word in its name when it incorporates?
Yes, but only with prior written approval from the relevant body, for example the FCA for "Bank," submitted alongside your incorporation application.

Can you have offensive words in a business name?
No. Companies House rejects any name containing offensive, discriminatory, or obscene language outright, there's no approval route around this one.

What happens if Companies House rejects my company name?
You'll need to choose a different name and resubmit your application. Checking the sensitive words list and the name availability checker before you apply avoids most rejections.