How to search company name availability
Use the search box at the top of the page to check your preferred company name’s availability. This links to the index of company names at Companies House – a registrar of companies in the UK, storing the details of over 4.5 million companies – so search results are up to date.
Before checking your company name, read through the four main Companies House rules, restrictions and checks below to maximise the chance of your company formation application being accepted. The good news is these aren't too limiting.
Choose a unique name
Registered company names must be easily distinguishable from each other to avoid confusing the public (deliberately or unintentionally). You can't register a name that's the 'same as' – i.e. identical to – an existing one on the index of company names or one that's so similar that the two could be confused.
However, you can use a dissolved company’s name. The 'same as' rules do not apply if:
- The new company will be part of the same group as the existing company with the 'same as' name; and
- The existing company provides its consent to the proposed company name; and
- The application to incorporate includes written confirmation from the existing company that it consents to the registration of the new company and that it will form part of the same group
If your company name is available, the search result will be "Congratulations! This name is available." So, you can proceed and register that company name. If it is the same as or too similar to another name on the register, the result will be "Sorry, this company name is unavailable". You must then modify or change the name until you find one available.
Avoid sensitive or restricted words/phrases
Certain terms cannot be used in business and company names. Others require a written statement of non-objection from a government department or other specified body. This check is performed during the company name search process to ensure business names do not mislead or harm the public by:
- Suggesting business pre-eminence (superiority), a particular status, or a specific function (e.g., by including the words 'British', 'Royal", 'Charity', Tribunal')
- Implying that the company has an official connection with the UK government, a devolved administration, or a local or specified public authority (e.g., 'Government', 'of Scotland', 'Police")
- Including a word that represents a regulated activity (e.g., 'Banking', 'Dental', 'Insurance')
- Including a word that is deemed to be offensive, could cause offence, or whose use constitutes an offence
Understanding the regulations
Restrictions on the use of certain words and expressions in company names are set out in Schedule 1 of the Company, Limited Liability Partnership and Business Names (Sensitive Words and Expressions) Regulations 2014 SI 2009/3140).
Schedule 2 of the regulations details the list of government departments and other specified bodies whose approval must be sought in order to include specified words and expressions in a company name.
Additionally, Companies House sets out the approval criteria for using sensitive words and expressions in Annex A. The approval criteria for other restricted words included in the regulations are set out in Annex B and Annex C.
Using restricted words in your company name
If you wish to use restricted words in your company name, include the required supporting documentation (email or letter of non-objection) with your company formation application. Otherwise, it will likely be rejected. Suppose you use sensitive or restricted words or expressions during the company name check. In that case, the result will specify these and state that you may need to supply additional information to support the name.
Include 'limited' at the end of the company name
The registered name of any private company limited by shares or limited by guarantee must end with the word 'Limited' (or 'Ltd'). If you register a Welsh company with a registered office address in Wales, the name can end with 'Cyfyngedig' (or 'Cyf').
Companies House will automatically add 'Limited' to the end of your company name during the incorporation process, even if not included on the application. If you want it in a specific format (e.g., Limited, LIMITED, limited, Ltd, LTD, ltd, or any Welsh-language equivalent) on the certificate of incorporation, enter it as such on the application form.
What are the exemptions to this rule?
Private companies limited by guarantee can seek exemption from this legal requirement. You can apply for an exemption on the application to incorporate or later after company formation, however, articles of association must clearly state that:
- The company's objects (aims; intentions) are the promotion or regulation of commerce, art, science, education, religion, charity or any profession incidental or conducive to any of those objects
- Company income must be applied to the promotion of its objects
- The company's members (guarantors) are prohibited from receiving dividend payments and any returns of capital
- All company assets that would otherwise be available to members generally and transferred on the winding up of the company must instead be transferred to another body with similar objects or to another body with charitable objects
You can apply for exemption on the application to incorporate or at a later date after company formation.
Do not infringe on an existing trademark
Many new business owners are unaware that trademark registration provides greater protection than simply registering a company name. A limited company name checker will not alert you to possible trademark infringements – you must do a separate search.
Check the trademarks database to ensure your chosen company name (and domain name) are not the same as or too similar to any registered trademarks of businesses providing similar products or services. Trademark infringement can result in legal action against your new company.
Why is a company name important?
Business names shape first impressions of brands, so it's important to ensure that your company name creates the desired one. A great company name starts the right conversation, generates interest and trust in your business, and opens doors to long-term success.
The wrong company name, however, could start an unfortunate conversation that impacts your business in a way that is hard to recover from. So, during your company name search, don't rush the process; take your time and try to cover all bases.
Tip 1: Choosing a company name
A unique company name is essential from a legal standpoint and crucial for branding and marketing. It should:
- Be distinctive
- Be easy to spell and pronounce
- Be simple, clear and impactful
- Resonate and connect with your target market
- Embody your brand's personality, values, qualities, or benefits
- Stay relevant as your business grows
- Look good on a logo
- Not have negative connotations
Tip 2: Checking your company domain name
If your company name is available to register, check immediately that it's also available as a domain name. A domain name appears after 'www.' on website addresses and after the @ symbol in email addresses. All businesses should have an online presence (even if they don't sell online).
Having a domain name that matches your company name adds to your credibility, positively impacts your website's ranking on search engines, increases brand awareness, and makes it easier for customers to find you online. Finally, secure your company and domain name on social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.).
Tip 3: Understanding any hidden associations
Consider the following to learn how others perceive or interpret your company name:
- Interpretation and meaning: Test the name by asking a range of people for honest opinions. Is it positive and relevant, or can it be misconstrued? Does it confuse people or pique their interest?
- Negative associations: Search the name online to see if it's associated with a person, organisation, practice, or event that could damage your brand image.
- Pronunciation and spelling: Can people easily pronounce and spell the name? How does it sound in different accents?
- Cultural relevance: Does the name mean or represent something different in other parts of the UK, abroad or for certain cultures? Some words may not translate well into other dialects or languages.
- Geographical references: If you include a place name in your company name, will this limit your business as it grows, or could it be beneficial?
- Specificity: If your company name is very specific (e.g., by referencing a particular product or service), could this be limiting if you expand or diversify?
How to protect your company name
Once you have used our company name availability checker and followed the four rules above, it’s time to protect your chosen name.
Step 1
Register your company. YYou can do this online through 1st Formations, starting at £52.99 – Companies House approves and processes most applications within a few hours. You can also reserve a company name if you wish to protect the company name for future use. Existing companies wanting to register a new name can use our company name change service.
Step 2
The next step is to register a domain name to secure your web and email addresses. This process can be carried out online through any number of domain name registrars, including Domain.com, Bluehost, and GoDaddy.
Step 3
Register your company name as a trademark – this offers full protection by legally prohibiting others from using your company name in any way.
