Jake Lawson here. After helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs launch their LLCs, I’ve learned that choosing your LLC name is both simpler and more complex than most people think. Simple because the basic rules are straightforward. Complex because one small mistake can delay your filing for weeks or force you into an expensive name change later. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to get it right the first time.
Your LLC name is going to stick with you for years, so it’s worth spending time to get it right. But here’s what most guides won’t tell you: your legal LLC name doesn’t have to be your brand name. You can always file a DBA later if you want to operate under something different.
That said, let’s make sure you understand all the rules before you file your Articles of Organization.
The Non-Negotiable LLC Name Requirements
Every state has these basic requirements for LLC names. Miss any of these, and your filing gets rejected:
Must Include an LLC Designator
Your LLC name must end with one of these designators:
- “Limited Liability Company” (formal, rarely used)
- “LLC” (most common choice)
- “L.L.C.” (acceptable but old-fashioned)
Example: If you want to call your business “Mountain Peak Consulting,” your legal LLC name becomes “Mountain Peak Consulting LLC.”
Pro tip: Just use “LLC”—it’s clean, professional, and universally recognized.
Cannot Imply a Different Business Structure
Your LLC name cannot contain words that suggest it’s a corporation or other entity type:
Forbidden words/abbreviations:
- Corporation, Corp.
- Incorporated, Inc.
- Company (unless paired with LLC designator)
- Limited Partnership, LP
Bad examples:
- “Mountain Peak Corporation LLC” ❌
- “Mountain Peak Inc.” ❌
- “Mountain Peak Corp. LLC” ❌
Must Be “Distinguishable” from Existing Names
This is where it gets tricky. Your LLC name must be different enough from existing businesses in your state that it won’t confuse the public or infringe on name rights.
The Distinguishability Rules That Trip Everyone Up
After helping hundreds of clients through name rejections, here are the rules that cause the most problems:
Corporate Designators Don’t Create Distinguishability
If “Smith Construction Inc.” exists, you cannot use “Smith Construction LLC.” The different endings don’t make them distinguishable enough.
Punctuation Doesn’t Matter
These are considered the same name:
- “Night & Day LLC”
- “Night and Day LLC”
- “Night-Day LLC”
- “Night/Day LLC”
Articles Don’t Create Distinction
“Print Shop LLC” and “The Print Shop LLC” are too similar—the “The” doesn’t make them different enough.
Let’s say you want to name your company Print Shop, LLC.
But when you search the database, you find an existing business called The Print Shop, LLC.
In this case, your desired LLC name is not available. You’ll need to choose a different name, such as Printing Solutions, LLC.
Singular vs. Plural Doesn’t Work
“Apple Farm LLC” and “Apple Farms LLC” are considered the same name.
Let’s say you want to name your company Apple Farm, LLC.
But when you search the database, you find an existing business called Apple Farms, LLC.
In this case, your desired LLC name is not available. You’ll need to choose a different name, such as Bob’s Apple Orchard, LLC.
Numbers vs. Spelled-Out Numbers
“Three Teachers LLC” and “3 Teachers LLC” are the same in the state’s eyes.
Let’s say you want to name your company Three Teachers Consulting, LLC.
But when you search the database, you find an existing business called 3 Teachers Consulting, LLC.
In this case, your desired LLC name is not available. You’ll need to choose a different name, such as A Few Good Teachers Consulting, LLC.
Deceptively Similar Names Get Rejected
“Speedy Delivery LLC” would likely be rejected if “Speed Delivery LLC” already exists. States protect against names that could confuse customers.
Let’s say you want to name your company Speedy Delivery , LLC.
But when you search the database, you find an existing business called Speed Delivery , LLC.
In this case, your desired LLC name is not available. You’ll need to choose a different name, such as At Your Door Quick, LLC.
How to Search for Name Availability
Before you fall in love with a name, you need to verify it’s available. Here’s my proven process:
Step 1: Use Your State’s Business Entity Search
Every state maintains a database of registered businesses. Search multiple variations of your desired name:
- The exact name you want
- Shortened versions
- Similar-sounding alternatives
Step 2: Search Broadly, Then Narrow
Start with just the main words, then add specifics. If you want “Big Mountain Consulting LLC,” search:
- “Big Mountain”
- “Big Mountain Consulting”
- “Mountain Consulting”
Step 3: Call the State if Unsure
Most state offices can pre-check name availability over the phone. It’s not a guarantee, but it can save you a rejection.
Reality check: The person answering the phone today might interpret the rules differently than whoever reviews your filing next week. Use phone checks as guidance, not gospel.
Restricted Words That Require Special Approval
Certain words trigger additional requirements because they imply regulated activities:
Common restricted words:
- Bank, Banking
- Insurance
- University, College
- Government
- Police, Sheriff
- Doctor, Medical
- Law, Legal, Attorney
What this means: You might be able to use these words, but you’ll need approval from the relevant state agency first. This adds weeks to your filing process and often requires proof of licensing or qualifications.
Jake’s advice: Unless you’re actually in these regulated industries, choose different words. “Financial Services” instead of “Banking,” “Training Institute” instead of “University.”
Strategic LLC Naming Advice from 15+ Years of Experience
Here’s what I’ve learned from helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs choose names:
Your LLC Name Doesn’t Have to Be Your Brand Name
I see people stress endlessly about their LLC name when they should focus on getting formed quickly. Remember:
- You can always file a DBA later for your brand name
- Your LLC name is primarily for legal and tax purposes
- Customers will know you by your brand, not your legal entity name
Keep It Simple for Administrative Purposes
You’ll be writing, typing, and saying your LLC name thousands of times over the years. Consider:
- Length: Shorter names are easier to manage
- Spelling: Avoid unusual spellings that confuse people
- Pronunciation: You don’t want to spell it out every time
Don’t Box Yourself In
“Smith’s Pizza LLC” works great until you want to add burgers to the menu. Consider more flexible names:
- “Smith Food Services LLC”
- “Smith Hospitality LLC”
- “Smith Restaurant Group LLC”
Geographic Names: Pros and Cons
Pros of geographic names:
- Immediate local connection
- Good for location-based businesses
- Easy for customers to remember
Cons of geographic names:
- Limits expansion to other areas
- Might confuse if you move
- Can be overly generic
Words That Work Well in LLC Names
If you’re stuck for ideas, these words are business-friendly and rarely cause problems:
Professional services: Advisors, Associates, Consultants, Consulting, Partners
Investment/Finance: Capital, Holdings, Investments, Management, Ventures
General business: Company, Group, Enterprises, Solutions, Services
Creative/Media: Studios, Media, Publishing, Creative, Productions
Real estate: Realty, Properties, Development, Holdings
The Domain Name Reality Check
Here’s a truth bomb: your perfect LLC name might not have a matching domain available. Here’s how to handle it:
Option 1: Modify Your LLC Name
Add a word, change the structure, or use a synonym to find an available domain.
Option 2: Use a DBA for Your Brand
Keep your LLC name for legal purposes, file a DBA for your brand, and use that for your domain and marketing.
Option 3: Get Creative with Domains
Your domain doesn’t have to match your LLC name exactly:
- Add “get,” “the,” or “my” as a prefix
- Use .co, .biz, or other extensions
- Include your location or service type
State-Specific Quirks to Know About
Texas: The Strictest State
Texas has the most rigid name distinguishability rules. Names that would be approved in other states often get rejected in Texas.
California: Special Designator Options
California allows additional designators like “Ltd. Liability Co.” or “Limited Liability Co.”
Delaware: Business-Friendly but Thorough
Delaware reviews names carefully but is generally reasonable about distinguishability.
The Name Reservation Trap
Many states offer name reservations for a fee (usually $10-$50). Here’s why I rarely recommend them:
Why name reservations are usually unnecessary:
- Most states don’t require them
- They only last 30-120 days
- You still need to file your Articles of Organization anyway
- They add cost and complexity
When name reservations might make sense:
- You’re not ready to file but want to secure a name
- Your name is borderline and you want to test it
- You’re coordinating multiple entity formations
Common LLC Naming Mistakes I See All the Time
After 15 years of doing this, these mistakes keep popping up:
Mistake #1: Not Searching Thoroughly Enough
Searching just your exact desired name isn’t sufficient. Search variations, similar names, and related terms.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Trademark Issues
Just because a name is available with your state doesn’t mean it’s not trademarked federally. Do a quick USPTO search for peace of mind.
Mistake #3: Choosing Names That Are Too Generic
“ABC Services LLC” might be available, but it doesn’t help your marketing and might cause confusion later.
Mistake #4: Overthinking the Perfect Name
I’ve seen people delay LLC formation for months trying to find the “perfect” name. Remember: you can change it later if needed.
Mistake #5: Not Considering the Long Term
Think about how your name will work if you expand, change direction, or bring in partners.
What to Do If Your Name Gets Rejected
Don’t panic—it happens to everyone. Here’s your action plan:
Step 1: Understand Why It Was Rejected
The state should provide a reason. Common issues:
- Too similar to existing name
- Missing required designator
- Contains restricted words
- Doesn’t meet distinguishability standards
Step 2: Research the Conflicting Name
Look up the business that’s causing the conflict. Is it active? What industry are they in? This helps you understand how different your new name needs to be.
Step 3: Modify Your Name Strategically
Small changes often work:
- Add a descriptive word (“Smith Consulting” becomes “Smith Business Consulting”)
- Change the structure (“Smith & Associates” becomes “Smith Partners”)
- Use synonyms (“Quick” becomes “Rapid” or “Fast”)
Step 4: File Again
Most states don’t charge additional fees for name rejections, but verify this with your state.
Your LLC Name Action Plan
Here’s your step-by-step process for choosing and securing your LLC name:
Week 1: Brainstorming
- List 10-20 potential names
- Check domain availability for your favorites
- Get feedback from trusted advisors
- Research any trademark issues
Week 2: State Database Research
- Search your state’s business entity database thoroughly
- Call the state office if you have questions
- Narrow down to your top 3 choices
Week 3: Final Decision and Filing
- Choose your name based on availability and long-term strategy
- Prepare your Articles of Organization
- File with your state (or hire a service to do it)
Changing Your LLC Name Later
Sometimes you need to change your LLC name after formation. Here’s what’s involved:
The Amendment Process
File an Amendment to Articles of Organization with your state (usually $50-$200 fee).
The Domino Effect
Once approved, you’ll need to update:
- Your EIN with the IRS
- Business bank accounts
- Licenses and permits
- Contracts and agreements
- Insurance policies
- Marketing materials
Reality check: Name changes are possible but expensive and time-consuming. It’s worth getting it right the first time.
The Bottom Line on LLC Names
Choosing your LLC name doesn’t have to be agonizing, but it shouldn’t be careless either. Focus on:
- Meeting legal requirements (designator, distinguishability, no restricted words)
- Administrative practicality (easy to spell, pronounce, and remember)
- Long-term flexibility (won’t limit your business evolution)
- Brand compatibility (works with your marketing or DBA strategy)
Remember: your LLC name is important, but it’s not permanent, and it doesn’t have to be your customer-facing brand name. The most important thing is getting your LLC formed so you can start operating with proper liability protection.
Ready to Choose Your LLC Name and Get Started?
Need help navigating your state’s specific name requirements or want guidance on choosing a strategic name for your business? I’ve seen every possible naming scenario over the past 15 years, including the weird state-specific quirks that can catch you off guard.
That’s exactly why I built llciyo.com—to give entrepreneurs practical, tested advice about LLC formation, including the naming strategies that actually work in the real world.
Because choosing your LLC name should be exciting, not stressful—and getting it right the first time saves you months of complications later.
Jake Lawson has guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through U.S. business formation. He’s navigated name rejections in all 50 states, worked directly with state filing offices, and believes every founder deserves clear guidance about the rules that actually matter. Independent advice, no affiliate pressure, just the facts about naming your LLC right.