When brainstorming LLC name examples, consider the type and structure of your business as well as the industry and location. All these factors will help you to determine the most suitable name for your company. 

Overview

The approach for naming an LLC differs from naming other types of businesses. A good name can make a dramatic difference for your company and will be an essential element of your brand and reputation. When brainstorming for your LLC name, make sure it is short, easy to spell, and has a positive connotation.

An LLC's legal name is the official name listed on its formation documents, like articles of incorporation or a certificate of organization. It must adhere to the state's naming requirements. Though only one legal name is allowed, your business can operate under several DBA (“doing business as”) names. 

The legal name must be distinct from other businesses' names in the state. LLCs' names must contain one of the following the words or abbreviations: “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” “L.C.,” “LC,” “L.L.C.,” “LLC,” or “Ltd. Liability Co."

Most states also have a list of prohibited words, such as “insurance.” 

A Name Availability 

It is crucial to select a name that is available. You can check name availability on the secretary of state's website or at the office. If the name is taken, your documents will be rejected, and you could be accused of infringing on another company's trademark rights. A name check only lets you know of a name availability at the time and does not guarantee that it will be available later. 

If you aren't ready to file your formation documents, try reserving the name so no other company can register it in the meantime. You can hold a name from 60 to 120 days, depending on the state. Often, you can renew the reservation. Consider a name reservation in all states where you will be doing business. For a name reservation, file a reservation request along with the fee. 

If you think it might take a while before you expand to other states, a name registration is suggested instead. It will preserve your legal name even if you aren't allowed to do business in that state. If available, registration is good for a year and can be renewed as many times as needed. 

Types of LLC Business Names

  • Partner names: Though you can't use the word “partners” in the name, you can name your business after its founders, like “Parker and Jones, LLC.” These are typical names for law, medical, and advertising companies because they market individuals of the company.
  • Descriptive Names: Including your industry in the name can make your LLC sound more professional. For example, a dentistry in Boston could have the name “Boston Dental Care, LLC.”
  • Random Names: A distinctive name can be very memorable. Let each owner choose a word and then creatively arrange all the words into the name of your LLC. For example, if three accounting partners suggest the words "red," "moon" and "shadow,” a nice combination could be "Shadow of the Red Moon Accounting, LLC." This kind of name means something to each member and is memorable for the clients. 
  • Localized Names: Having some geographical or local historical figure reference in the name could be a great marketing tool for your company and attract future clients. For example, if your marketing company is based where Benjamin Franklin flew the kite for discovering electricity, a good name would be “Franklin's Discovery Marketing, LLC.” By cleverly incorporating local events, places, and figures in your name, you connect your business to the community.

Considerations

  • Memorable: Choose a name that is easy to remember for people when they need your product or service. 
  • Meaningful: Make sure that your LLC's name is descriptive of the services and products offered. 
  • Original: Sometimes, like in case of internet-based companies, originality is more important than meaning and helps your business stand out from the crowd. 
  • Distinctive: The name cannot be similar or identical to another business's name in your state. Check online databases of the state's registered business names to make sure your name is not taken by another business. Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's trademark database. 
  • Domain Name-Ready: Come up with a few options for a domain name. Consult a name registrar about their availability. 
  • Social Media-Friendly: If you plan to use Twitter or Instagram for your business promotion, create a username. With Facebook and Pinterest, you will be able to pick a vanity URL. 

If you need more information about LLC name examples, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.