How to choose a business name
What’s in a name? If you’re starting a business, a lot. Your business name can help make or break your new venture – which means you’ll want to choose wisely.
Updated 
4 min. read
1. What makes a great business name
- It’s best to use memorable and short words that are easy to spell.
- Consider search keywords. How are people searching for your goods or services online? Incorporate some of these words into your business name so that potential customers can easily find you online.
- Describe what your business does. Avoid generic words that don’t communicate what you do or who you serve. For example, “Toronto Premier Bridal Photography” is more descriptive than “Superior Photography Services”.
- Research website domain names alongside business names, so your website URL can match your business name.
- Use a geographic reference in your name. For example, “Vancouver Pro Plumbers” tells customers where the business operates and makes it easier for them to find you online.
- Try to come up with a few good back-up names in case your first choice is taken.
- Get feedback on your preferred business name from friends, family, customers and other business owners.
2. How to check if your business name is available
Before you settle on a name, you need to make sure you can register it as your own. Here are a few ways to check to see if your business name is available.
- Use the internet to search for companies using your preferred name. Check domain name search as well as social media handles, too. It will give you a good idea if a name is already in use.
- Before registering a name, check to see if it’s already taken by using the free Canadian Trademark Database, this Federal Corporation search tool as well as the search tool for Canada's business Registries.
- You can also order the Nuans - Corporate name and trademark reports.
- Aside from looking at national resources, look to see if your prospective business name is being used in your province. Use the followings links for each province to check if the name is already in use:
3. Go ahead and register your business name
Once you decide on a name that’s available, you’ll need to register your business with the right government agencies in Canada, which can differ by province. This will protect your new name from being used by other businesses. Your location and business structure will determine where you need to register your business name. Here are some things to consider and next steps.
- If you’re a sole proprietor working under your legal name, you don’t have to register your business. However, if you add anything to your legal name such as “Mary Smith Business Advisors”, you typically need to register your business.
- If you plan to incorporate your business, you’ll need to register your business name with your local province.
- The process to register your business name varies by province according to the Government of Canada. Here’s where you can get started:
- Register your business name in Alberta
- Get your business name approved in British Columbia
- Register your business name in Manitoba
- Register your business name in New Brunswick
- Register your business name in Northwest Territories
- Register your business name in Nova Scotia
- Register your business name in Nunavut
- Register your business name in Ontario
- Register your business name in Prince Edward Island
- Register your business name in Quebec
- Register your business name in Saskatchewan
- Register your business name in Yukon
Once you register your entity name, your province will prevent anyone else from operating with that name, protecting your unique brand. As an added layer of protection, consider trademarking your business name and the names of your unique products or services.
4. How to choose and register a domain name
After securing your business name, you’ll want to register a domain name for your business website. Create a domain name that’s similar to your company name to keep your brand consistent and make it easy for customers to find you.
A domain name can be just as important as a business name. Customers will probably first learn about your business online, making your domain name the gateway to your business. Consider these suggestions when choosing a domain name:
- Incorporate keywords in your domain name to improve your website ranking with search engines such as Google.
- Avoid using a long domain name – keep it short and simple so it’s easy for people to remember.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers.
- Do your homework to make sure the domain name is not copyrighted, trademarked or in use by another company.
A domain name extension can be dot com, dot net, dot info, dot biz or any other recognized suffix. Spend the money to register the most popular extensions associated with your new domain name to prevent a competitor from misdirecting online traffic. For example, you may want to buy dot biz in addition to your dot com name.
Once you’ve decided on a name, find an accredited registrar service to secure your business domain name.
5. The bottom line
Choosing a business name is an exciting process. You get to begin building your brand and watch your business idea come to life. And then you can start thinking about next steps financing your business.
The right name can be a major competitive advantage for your business. Try to pick a name that’s unique, descriptive, and will continue to fit your business for years to come.
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