In short: Search the Companies House register for your name, then check it against the rules on 'same as' names, sensitive words and length (up to 160 characters). A name that Companies House accepts can still break someone's trade mark, so search the UK trade mark register too before you commit.
Your company name is one of the first things you choose, and one of the first things that can go wrong. This guide shows you how to check a name properly before you apply.
Step 1: Search the Companies House register
Use the free Companies House search service, or our Name Check tool. Type the exact name you want, without "Limited" or "Ltd".
If a company with the same name already exists, you cannot register it.
Step 2: Check for names that count as "the same"
Companies House treats some names as the same even if they look slightly different. Differences that usually do not make a name unique include:
- "Limited", "Ltd", "plc", "LLP" and similar endings.
- Punctuation and symbols, such as full stops, commas and "&" versus "and".
- Small words like "the", "uk" or "company" in some cases.
- Plurals and different spacing.
So if "Green Leaf Ltd" exists, "Greenleaf Limited" or "The Green Leaf Ltd" will usually be refused.
Step 3: Watch out for "too like" names
A name can be accepted at registration and then challenged later if it is too similar to an existing company's name. The other company can complain to Companies House, which may direct you to change it. A different name protects you from this risk.
Step 4: Check for sensitive words
Some words need permission before you can use them. Examples include:
- Words suggesting a link to government or the Crown, such as "Royal", "British" or "National".
- Words suggesting a regulated activity, such as "Bank", "Insurance" or "Building Society".
- Words suggesting a status, such as "Charity", "Institute", "Trust" or "Association".
You may need a letter of support or approval from a named body. Without it, Companies House will refuse the name. Check the list on GOV.UK before you apply.
Step 5: Check the format rules
- A name can be up to 160 characters, including spaces.
- A private limited company must end in "Limited" or "Ltd". Companies registered in Wales can use the Welsh equivalent.
- Some characters and symbols are not allowed, or are not allowed at the start of the name.
- The name must not be offensive.
Step 6: Search trade marks
Companies House does not check trade marks. Search the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) trade mark register for your name and similar names in your area of business. If someone owns the trade mark, using the name could lead to a legal claim, even if your company was registered without problems.
If the name matters to your brand, consider registering it as a trade mark yourself. Fees change from time to time, so check the current fee on GOV.UK.
Step 7: Check the web and social media
Search for the domain name and social handles. A free .co.uk domain is included in our Privacy Package. Also search the name online to see whether another business is already using it as a trading name.
Step 8: Register promptly
Names are not reserved in the UK. The only way to secure a name is to register the company. If you have found a good name, apply soon.
Common mistakes
- Thinking "Ltd" or "&" makes your name unique.
- Ignoring trade marks.
- Using a sensitive word without approval.
- Spending money on branding before the company is registered.
How Form My Company can help
Every formation package starts with a name check. Our team reviews your name against the Companies House rules and flags problems before we submit, and we usually submit the same working day. Ready? Choose a package from our Compare Packages page. Already registered and want a new name? See our Name Change service.
Frequently asked questions
Can I reserve a company name in the UK?
No. Names cannot be reserved. The only way to secure a name is to register the company.
Is 'Ltd' enough to make my name different?
No. Endings like 'Ltd' or 'Limited', punctuation and '&' are ignored when deciding if names are the same.
How long can a company name be?
Up to 160 characters, including spaces and the 'Limited' or 'Ltd' ending.
Does Companies House check trade marks?
No. You should search the UK trade mark register yourself, because a registered company name can still infringe a trade mark.
What happens if my name is too like another company's?
The other company can object to Companies House, which may direct you to change your name.