The 7 Traits of a Brandable Name (And How to Test Yours)

A good brand name doesn’t just label your business.

It markets it.

Before anyone clicks your ad, visits your website, or recommends you to a friend — they hear your name. That moment, often just a split second, is when their brain decides: Interesting… or not.

A brandable name doesn’t just tell people what you do — it gives them a reason to care, remember, and repeat it.

That’s why we say:

"A great name is your first conversion strategy — not just a creative decision."

So, what makes a name brandable?

At Brandable, we run every name through this checklist — to make sure it doesn't just sound good, but works hard for your brand from day one.

• They mash together words on a whiteboard

• Use a name generator or whatever domain is available

• Pick something they “kind of like” and move on

Six months later, they’re stuck explaining the name, spelling it for people, or realizing someone else is using it too.

Rebrands are expensive. Confused customers are worse.

• They mash together words on a whiteboard

• Use a name generator or whatever domain is available

• Pick something they “kind of like” and move on

Six months later, they’re stuck explaining the name, spelling it for people, or realizing someone else is using it too.

Rebrands are expensive. Confused customers are worse.

• They mash together words on a whiteboard

• Use a name generator or whatever domain is available

• Pick something they “kind of like” and move on

Six months later, they’re stuck explaining the name, spelling it for people, or realizing someone else is using it too.

Rebrands are expensive. Confused customers are worse.

4. Relevant

• They mash together words on a whiteboard

• Use a name generator or whatever domain is available

• Pick something they “kind of like” and move on

Six months later, they’re stuck explaining the name, spelling it for people, or realizing someone else is using it too.

Rebrands are expensive. Confused customers are worse.

5. Flexible

• They mash together words on a whiteboard

• Use a name generator or whatever domain is available

• Pick something they “kind of like” and move on

Six months later, they’re stuck explaining the name, spelling it for people, or realizing someone else is using it too.

Rebrands are expensive. Confused customers are worse.

6. Available

• They mash together words on a whiteboard

• Use a name generator or whatever domain is available

• Pick something they “kind of like” and move on

Six months later, they’re stuck explaining the name, spelling it for people, or realizing someone else is using it too.

Rebrands are expensive. Confused customers are worse.

7. Ownable

• They mash together words on a whiteboard

• Use a name generator or whatever domain is available

• Pick something they “kind of like” and move on

Six months later, they’re stuck explaining the name, spelling it for people, or realizing someone else is using it too.

Rebrands are expensive. Confused customers are worse.

The DIY Brandable Name Test

Here’s a quick checklist you can run through in 60 seconds:

Can I say it clearly?

If you’re not hitting at least 6 out of 7, you may want to rethink the name._

Why This Matters

Your name is your first impression, your verbal logo, and your anchor in the market.

At Brandable, we don't leave that to chance. We design names that are more than clever — they're strategic, emotive, and positioned to perform.

Because the right name doesn't just stick.

It spreads. It scales. It sells.