What Are Examples of Great Brand Names?

Nov 19, 2024

Inspiration for Handmade Sellers to Create a Memorable and Successful Brand

Your brand name is the cornerstone of your business identity. It’s what customers remember, search for, and recommend to others. A great brand name is not just creative—it’s strategic, resonating with your audience and setting your business apart in the marketplace.

So, what makes a brand name truly great? Let’s look at examples of standout names, why they work, and how you can craft your own unforgettable name.

Qualities of a Great Brand Name

Before diving into examples, let’s outline what makes a brand name work:

Memorable: Easy to recall and recognize.
Simple: Not overly complicated or hard to spell.
Relevant: Reflects the essence of the brand or products.
Unique: Distinctive and avoids confusion with competitors.
Emotive: Evokes feelings, imagery, or curiosity.
Flexible: Allows for growth and expansion without limiting the brand.

Examples of Great Brand Names

1. Memorable and Catchy

These names are short, impactful, and easy to remember:

Etsy: A playful, two-syllable name that feels approachable and creative.
Nike: Named after the Greek goddess of victory, it’s succinct and meaningful.
Lush: Evokes feelings of indulgence and luxury in just one word.

Takeaway: Keep your name simple yet powerful. A short, memorable name is more likely to stick in customers’ minds.

2. Unique and Unexpected

These brands break the mold, standing out with creative wordplay or unexpected combinations:

Squishmallows: The name perfectly describes their squishy, cuddly plush toys while adding a fun, playful twist.
Wicked Good: This handmade perfume company uses East Coast slang to convey excitement and quality.
MeUndies: A quirky, casual name that reflects its fun and comfortable underwear line.

Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and use humor or unexpected language to differentiate your brand.

3. Relevant and Descriptive

These names give customers a clear idea of what the brand offers:

Rustic Cuff: A handmade jewelry brand that captures the essence of its rustic, artisanal aesthetic.
Bare Minerals: Clearly communicates the brand’s focus on natural, clean beauty products.
Wildflower Cases: Combines nature-inspired imagery with their core product, phone cases.

Takeaway: A descriptive name helps customers understand your business at a glance, building trust and clarity.

4. Emotive and Aspirational

These names evoke strong emotions or aspirations:

Glossier: Conjures images of gloss, shine, and beauty with a sleek, French-inspired flair.
Patagonia: Named after the rugged South American region, it evokes adventure and environmental awareness.
Kindred Clay: Perfect for a pottery brand, this name speaks to connection and craftsmanship.

Takeaway: Choose a name that resonates with your customers' emotions or aspirations, making your brand more relatable.

5. Flexible for Growth

These names leave room for the business to expand beyond a specific niche:

Amazon: Originally a bookstore, the name was broad enough to grow into the world’s largest online retailer.
Paperchase: A stationery brand name that could evolve into broader office or creative supplies.
Twilight Trinkets: A handmade jewelry name that could expand into other accessories or gift items.

Takeaway: Avoid overly specific names if you plan to expand your product line in the future.

How to Craft Your Own Great Brand Name

Creating your brand name can feel daunting, but these steps can make it easier:

Step 1: Brainstorm Keywords

Think about words that reflect your products, values, and target audience.

Example for a candle brand: “Glow,” “Warmth,” “Flicker,” “Cozy.”

Step 2: Use Wordplay

Combine words, play with metaphors, or use alliteration to create something unique.

Example: “Golden Hour Glow” for a candle brand.

Step 3: Check Availability

Search for your chosen name to ensure it’s not already in use:

Google the name.
Check domain availability on sites like Namecheap.
Search for social media handles.

Step 4: Test Your Name

Get feedback from friends, family, or your target audience to ensure your name resonates and is easy to spell and pronounce.

Actionable Tips for Handmade Sellers

Use Tools: Platforms like Shopify’s Business Name Generator or Namechk can help you brainstorm ideas and check availability.
Think Like Your Customers: Consider what will appeal to your ideal audience. Do they prefer playful, luxurious, or descriptive names?
Be Authentic: Let your name reflect your story, values, or personality. A genuine connection builds trust.

Final Thoughts: Building a Brand Name That Lasts

Your brand name is your first step toward building a business that customers know, love, and trust. Take inspiration from the examples above, but don’t rush the process. A thoughtful, strategic name can set you up for long-term success, helping you stand out in a crowded market.

So, what’s your perfect brand name? Share your ideas in the comments, and let’s brainstorm together!