Company name checker
Check your business name availability for free
Enter your UK business name below to see if it’s available to register at Companies House
Company name
How do I check if a company name is available?
Use our free company name checker
Enter your preferred company name in the checker tool above. We’ll scan the Companies House database and let you know right away if the name is available for a Ltd company in the UK. And then you can get on with your company registration!
Check Companies House database
You can also search the Companies House website directly for your preferred business name. It’s worth checking for similar names too, because they don’t allow names that are “too like” existing names.
Search the Internet
It’s also useful to do a general search online, to make sure there aren’t any well-known international businesses with the same name, and that you’re able to claim the name for your social media.
The importance of checking company names
Why it’s crucial to verify the availability of a company name
You might want to check your business name before you register your company or start any work on your brand. It only takes a few minutes, but a unique and memorable name can potentially save you a lot of time and money.
Check Companies House database
You can also search the Companies House website directly for your preferred business name. It’s worth checking for similar names too, because they don’t allow names that are “too like” existing names.
Search the Internet
It’s also useful to do a general search online, to make sure there aren’t any well-known international businesses with the same name, and that you’re able to claim the name for your social media.
Guidelines and regulations
UK naming rules and legal requirements
You can use any name you like that’s not yet taken by another already registered business and doesn’t break the official rules of naming a company. There are a few explicit rules:
- A company name must include the word “Limited” or “Ltd”. For companies registered in Wales, you may choose to use the Welsh equivalents “Cyfyngedig” and “Cyf”.
- Names like “Absolutely No Nonsense Admin Ltd” and “Absolutely No Nonsense Admin Limited” are considered to be the same. You can’t register a “same as” name for a new company unless it’s directly related to the company of the same name (i.e. part of the same group of companies), or unless you have a written confirmation that the existing company doesn’t object to you using the same name.
- If you register a company with a name that’s too similar to another company’s name (these company names are known as “too like” names) and the other company makes an official claim for the name, you will have to change your business name to something different. The complaint needs to be made to Companies House, and Companies House will decide if you need to comply or not. Example: “Lenny the Lizard Roller Skates Rent” and “Lenny Lizard Roller Sk8s RNT” will probably be considered “Too like”
- The name cannot be offensive
- Your company name cannot suggest any sort of accreditation or connection to a government body, unless you get permission from an authority in question.
Similarity to existing names
Apart from the official regulations about different companies having similar names described above, it’s useful to consider whether potential customers will be able to remember the name of your business. It might be tricky if it’s too similar to another company’s name.
Avoiding conflicts
It’s useful to make sure your company name is unique and unclaimed before you register your business to avoid future conflicts and legal disputes with other businesses with similar names – especially if you do business in the same industry.
Trademark infringement
One especially useful reason to check a company name before registering it is to avoid using names that infringe on existing trademarks to prevent legal action. This might not always mean serious legal consequences, but it will cost you the time and money you’ve spent on promoting your business, as you might well be legally forced to change your company name.
Sensitive words and expressions
There are words or expressions that can’t be used in your business name, even though they may appear as available in the company name checker tools – including on the Companies House website. For example, if you try to register a company with an offensive word in its name, you will get a rejection from Companies House and you’ll need to try again with a new name. There’s no official list of these words and expressions, so a good guideline is to just use your own best judgement.
Branding considerations
Your business name inevitably becomes the main asset of your brand identity – so make sure it reflects the business’s values and beliefs.
Frequently asked questions
What name can I use for my company?
You can use any name that’s not taken and doesn’t break the basic rules of naming a business. You can check HMRC’s guidelines for full details about naming your company.
Found the name you like?
Register it with ANNA
Register your company with ANNA – it’s quick and you can choose extra features like a business account, a virtual address for your business, and accounting tools to keep your books tidy.
Company name
