So, You Need a Name for Your LLC But Please Don’t Ruin It
Congratulations! You’re starting an LLC, which obviously means you’re now part of the entrepreneurial elite. Next step: coming up with a name that doesn’t make random strangers break out in hives. Sure, you could slap your first name on it and call it a day Dave’s LLC wow, we’re all just shaking in our Crocs, but wouldn’t you rather have a business name with a sprinkle of personality a dash of that’s kinda clever and a total lack of future embarrassment?
Yes? Awesome. No? Well, at least keep reading so you know which mistakes to make on purpose.
1. The No Regerts Rule: Spell Things Like A Grown Up
Everyone loves a quirky LLC until you see your business name on a Yelp review spelled five different ways, none of which are correct.
- Your LLC should be easy to read, type and shockingly spell. Yes, I’m talking to you, XztrmKravMaga4U LLC.
- No one wants to explain their business name at every Starbucks pickup. It’s Bark n Byt LLC no, that’s byet like computer byte, not bite, ha ha just say you hate yourself and go.
- If autocorrect transforms your LLC into something NSFW, congrats you played yourself.
Pro Tip:
Only invent new spellings if you also invent a time machine and go back to when that was cool. Never.
2. Don’t Be Major Boring, LLC You Actually Want People to Care
Look, your LLC is the face of your remote work empire. If it sounds like background noise, you’re officially lost in the abyss.
- Avoid: Anything that sounds like paperwork, an IRS form or a failed TikTok trend. Professional Management Solutions 2.0 LLC yawn so loud you’ll scare the neighbors.
- Modern name ideas: Lean into your niche, pop culture references or something you can yell across a bar (Crunchy Content Collective LLC bet you remember that after two seltzers).
- Hot take: If you’re about to type Synergy or Consulting into your LLC paperwork, go outside and touch grass first.
Bold statement
If your LLC’s name isn’t worth turning into an ironic sticker, you’re doing it wrong.
3. The Will You Get Sued? Game Show
Trademark drama: It’s the sequel nobody wanted. If your LLC is Apple LLC, congratulations your logo is now a subpoena.
- Before settling do a quick search of every possible LLC combination but like, actually Google it. Pretend you’re stalking your business name, phone in hand, while bored on Zoom.
- Famous companies don’t care about your Etsy side hustle, until you name it Netflix But Candle LLC. Instant cease and desist.
- Also, don’t snipe names from pop culture unless your lawyer is in your family group chat.
Rhetorical question:
Would you rather be Trendy Taco LLC or Trendy Taco, Formerly Known as That Business We Got Sued Into Oblivion LLC?
4. The Remote Work Hangover Test: Are You Sick of Saying It Yet?
Your new LLC will be whispered, shouted and typed in Slack every single day. If you already hate it, WHY are you doing this to yourself?
- Try out possible names in the wild. Shout them while waiting for your Door Dash. If you cringe, start over.
- See how it looks in all caps, lowercase, and in your email signature. dave LLC vs. Dave LLC choose wisely.
- Ask your genuinely honest friend the one who roasts you in group chats what they think.
Like, don’t let your LLC name become your new online dating red flag.
5. The Will Anyone Pronounce This? Olympics
Because we all crave awkward moments, right? No. Pick a name people can say and spell on the first try, even if they went to public school in Florida.
- If your LLC sounds like a Wi Fi password, delete it.
- If the name is 12 syllables and includes a hyphen, congratulations: you officially lost the name game.
- Practice introducing yourself at a networking event aka a Zoom call with snacks. If it sounds like a spell from Harry Potter, rethink.
List of names to avoid:
- Qzartzix Holdings LLC
- Bitz4Life 247 LLC
- The, LLC please, respect yourself.
You Made It: Time to Brand Like a Legend (Or Not)
Look at you, LLC expert! Now your business has a name that doesn’t inspire existential dread or maybe it does, but at least you did your research). Bravo for making it to the end either you’re a real entrepreneur or just hate yourself enough to enjoy sarcasm for 1,200 words. If you end up naming your LLC after your favorite snack, send us a sticker. We’ll pretend to care.