Quick Overview
Your company name is one of the first decisions you'll make when forming a UK limited company. It needs to meet Companies House naming rules, be available (not already in use or too similar to an existing name), and ideally reflect your business well enough to last.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for anyone about to register a UK limited company who wants to understand what makes a company name acceptable, and what to check before settling on one.
What You May Need
- A shortlist of possible company names
- An understanding of any "sensitive" words your chosen name might contain
- A plan for a matching domain name and trading name, if relevant
Step-by-Step Process
- Check the name isn't already taken. Companies House rejects names that are the same as, or too similar to, an existing registered company.
- Avoid restricted or "sensitive" words. Certain words (such as those implying a government connection, or regulated terms like "bank" or "insurance") need special permission to use.
- Check it doesn't infringe an existing trademark. Being available at Companies House doesn't automatically mean the name is free to use — a UK trademark search is worth doing separately.
- Consider how it appears in full. Most limited companies must include "Limited" or "Ltd" at the end of the registered name.
- Register the name as part of your company formation application.
Important Considerations
A company name can generally be changed later through a formal filing, but it's simpler to get it right from the start. Availability at Companies House, domain availability and trademark availability are three separate checks — a name can pass one and fail another.
This guide provides general information only and is not personalised legal advice.