Choosing your company name is one of the first and most important steps in the formation process. It's not just about branding — the name must meet strict Companies House requirements, or your application will be rejected. Understanding the rules upfront saves time and avoids frustration.
This guide covers everything from the basic legal requirements to practical tips for picking a name that works as a brand, a domain, and a company.
The Core Companies House Naming Rules
All company names registered in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland must comply with the following rules:
Must be unique
No two companies can have the same name on the Companies House register. Companies House uses a similarity algorithm — not just exact matching — so "Acme Services Ltd" and "ACME Services Limited" would be considered the same name.
Must end in "Limited" or "Ltd"
All private limited companies must have "Limited" or "Ltd" as the final word in their name. This cannot be abbreviated or omitted. The equivalent in Welsh is "Cyfyngedig" or "Cyf".
Must not be offensive
Companies House will reject names that contain language likely to cause offence to the general public, or names that suggest criminal activity.
Must not imply a connection to government
Names that suggest a relationship with the UK government, local authorities, or official bodies are not allowed without permission.
Sensitive words require prior approval
Certain words are "sensitive" and require approval from the relevant regulatory body or Secretary of State before Companies House will accept the name.
Words Requiring Prior Approval
The following words and expressions require prior approval from the Secretary of State or a relevant body before they can be used in a company name. This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the most commonly encountered restricted terms:
Note: Approval for these words is not automatic. You must write to the relevant body (e.g., the Prudential Regulation Authority for "Bank", the Department for Education for "University") and receive written approval before submitting your application. This can add weeks to the process. It's usually better to choose a name that doesn't require approval.
How Companies House Checks for Similarity
Companies House uses an algorithm to check whether your proposed name is "the same as" an existing name. The algorithm ignores the following when comparing names:
This means "Sterling Formations Ltd" and "STERLING FORMATIONS LIMITED" are considered identical. Always use the Companies House WebCHeck name availability tool to check before you apply. A rejected application still incurs the £50 fee.
Trademark Considerations
Critical distinction: Companies House registration does NOT give you trademark protection. Two different companies can have very similar names if they pass the similarity check — and the owner of a registered trademark can still take legal action against you, even if your company is registered at Companies House.
Before finalising your company name, we strongly recommend checking the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) trade marks database. You can search for free at ipo.gov.uk. Look for trademarks that are similar to your proposed name in classes of goods or services relevant to your business.
If the name you've chosen has strong branding value, consider registering a UK trademark yourself. A UK trademark application costs from £170 (single class) and provides 10 years of protection, renewable indefinitely.
Check Domain Name Availability
In 2026, your company needs an online presence. Before committing to a name, check whether the domain name is available. Ideally you want both the .co.uk and .com versions.
Use a domain registrar (123-reg, GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains) to check availability
Check for the .co.uk, .com, and .uk versions of your name
If the exact domain isn't available, check whether a close variant works (e.g., adding a descriptor)
Also check social media handles — @yourcompanyname on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X
Consider whether the name works as an email: hello@yourcompany.co.uk — does it look professional?
Practical Tips for Choosing a Great Company Name
Keep it short and memorable
Names with 2–3 words are easier to remember, easier to spell, and less likely to be mispronounced. Avoid overly complex or technical names unless your audience is highly specialist.
Make it descriptive or evocative
Your name should ideally communicate what you do, your industry, or the feeling you want clients to associate with your brand. Generic names like 'Consulting Services Ltd' are forgettable.
Avoid names that date quickly
Avoid incorporating the year, specific technology names, or trends that may become irrelevant. 'Blockchain Solutions Ltd' may look dated in five years.
Think about pronunciation
If clients will say your name out loud (in meetings, on calls, referrals), make sure it's easy to pronounce. Test it by saying it aloud and asking others to say it without seeing it written.
Check it in other languages
If you plan to trade internationally, run your proposed name through a basic translation check. Some names that are perfectly neutral in English have undesirable meanings in other languages.
Ask for external feedback
Don't just ask people who already know your business what they think of the name. Ask people cold — explain nothing, just say the name and ask what they think the business does.
Changing Your Company Name After Registration
You can change your company name after registration by passing a special resolution (a vote requiring 75% of shareholder votes) and filing form NM01 with Companies House. The fee is £20 online (£30 for paper).
However, changing names mid-business can be costly and confusing — clients, suppliers, HMRC, your bank, and marketing materials all need to be updated. It's worth spending extra time getting the right name before you register.
Note that changing your company name does not change your Company Registration Number (CRN) — that stays the same for the life of the company. Your original company name also remains on the register as a historical record.
Related Resources
Ready to form your company?
Register your UK limited company today — the Companies House filing fee (£50) is reimbursed when you open a Tide business account. Eligibility criteria apply.
Start Application