Types of Brand Names To Inspire You For Next Big Idea

Do you ever think what is the most important decision you will ever make in your business journey? 

Choosing the right brand name…Right? 

This is crucial for a company’s identity, marketing strategy, and long-term success. A well-thought-out name can convey a brand’s essence, making it memorable and setting the stage for long-term success. 

But with so many types of brand names, how do businesses choose the one that best aligns with their mission, values, and products? 

You may also confused between various name ideas like all of us. 

That’s why we created this insightful blog: to help you avoid the mistakes most people make even before starting their entrepreneurial journey. 

In this blog, we will explore different types of brand names and their characteristics with examples. 

Let’s begin!

Importance of Brand Names in Marketing and Branding

What is the first point of contact between a brand and its audiences? 

It’s your brand name. Correct! 

A brand name reflects your business’s uniqueness and the value you offer.

A powerful name can help a company stand out in a congested market, increase consumer trust, and influence purchasing decisions. The correct brand name can also foster strong consumer loyalty, making it a valuable asset in any company’s marketing toolkit.

Brand names are important in marketing strategy since they appear across all platforms, from advertising to packaging. A distinctive, catchy, or meaningful name can increase brand memory, allowing businesses to stand out and connect emotionally with their target audience.

How Do Brand Names Impact Consumer Perception & Brand Identity?

The name of a brand influences how customers view it. For example, futuristic or technological names (e.g., Tesla) suggest innovation, whereas nostalgic names (e.g., Coca-Cola) elicit feelings of joy and spirit. 

Brand names also influence identity by informing consumers about the brand’s values, quality, and importance in their lives.

Consequently, selecting a brand name that symbolizes your company’s beliefs and services is critical. This also enhances the brand’s identity and strengthens the interaction with customers.

Whether the name is creative, utilitarian, or abstract, it significantly impacts how people perceive the company and make purchasing decisions.

1. Descriptive Brand Names

This type of brand name clearly defines what a business, product, or service does by incorporating key features or attributes into the name itself. These names are straightforward and functional, offering no ambiguity about the company’s core offering.

What are Some Characteristics of Descriptive Brand Names? 

•  Clear Communication: Descriptive names tell customers exactly what to expect, leaving little room for confusion. They describe the product or service directly.
•  Simple and Functional: These names focus on the business’s offering rather than emotions or creativity, ensuring that customers instantly understand the brand’s purpose.
•  SEO Benefits: Descriptive brand names can help businesses rank higher in search engines because they use common keywords related to the industry.
•  Limited Distinctiveness: While easy to understand, descriptive names may lack the uniqueness or creativity needed to stand out in competitive markets.

Let’s understand with a few examples –

1. General Motors: A company that manufactures cars and motor vehicles.
2. American Airlines: A U.S.-based airline company that offers air travel services.
3. The Weather Channel: A network that provides weather forecasts and updates.

2. Experiential Brand Names

Usually, these brand names aim to evoke an experience or sensation related to the product or service, giving the customer a hint of what they might feel or expect when using it. These names often connect emotionally with consumers by emphasizing the experience rather than the product’s features.

What are Some Characteristics of Experiential Brand Names? 

•  Emotionally Engaging: Experiential names invoke feelings, such as adventure, relaxation, or luxury, to make a lasting impression on customers.
•  Storytelling Potential: These names often suggest a narrative or journey the customer might embark upon when interacting with the brand.
•  Memory Trigger: Experiential names help consumers recall how the brand made them feel, which enhances customer loyalty.
•  Brand Experience Focus: Instead of focusing on the product’s characteristics, experiential names emphasize what the product or service does for the consumer.

Let’s understand with a few examples –

1. Airbnb: Suggests a comfortable stay or a personal experience of staying in someone’s home.
2. Safari (Apple): The name reflects the idea of adventure and exploration while browsing the internet.
3. Land Rover: Suggests rugged, off-road experiences and adventurous journeys.

3. Emotive Brand Names

These names evoke strong feelings or emotions, focusing on how the brand can connect with its audience on a personal level. They are less concerned with what your company does and more about how it makes the consumer feel.

What are Some Characteristics of Emotive Brand Names?  

•  Emotional Connection: Emotive names tap into consumers’ feelings, creating a deep association with the brand.
•  Abstract in Nature: Often, these names don’t describe the product itself but rather the values, emotions, or aspirations it represents.
•  Memorable and Personal: Emotive brand names are more memorable because they resonate with personal emotions.
•  Brand Loyalty: Emotional connections can foster loyalty as customers develop a personal attachment to the brand.

Let’s understand with a few examples – 

1. Nike: The brand is associated with sentiments of accomplishment and triumph and is named after the Greek goddess of victory.
2. Innocent: A beverage brand that appeals to people who desire natural and healthful products and conveys purity and kindness. 
3. Love Beauty and Planet: It is a cosmetic brand whose moniker conveys concern for the environment and the customer.

4. Coined Brand Names

This type of brand name is entirely made-up words, invented from scratch to represent a brand. It does not have a pre-existing meaning and is often designed to be unique and distinctive.

What are Some Characteristics of Coined Brand Names? 

•  Highly Unique: Because these names are created from scratch, they are typically one-of-a-kind and have a good chance of sticking out in the market.
•  Flexible Meaning: Coined names can represent various brand characteristics without being tied to pre-existing definitions.
•  Trademark Friendly: Due to their uniqueness, coined names are easier to trademark and faceless legal conflict over ownership.
•  High Branding Potential: These names often require more branding and marketing effort to educate consumers about the product or service.

Want to know some examples?

1. Kodak: A brand name coined to be short, memorable, and easy to pronounce, with no prior meaning.
2. Google: Derived from the mathematics word “googol,” this moniker was intended to signify the massive amount of data the search engine could index.
3. Pepsi: A brand name based loosely on the term “pepsin,” a digestive enzyme, but designed to be memorable and distinctive.

5. Acronym Brand Names

Most of these names are formed with the initial letters of a longer name or phrase to create a shortened, memorable version. These names are typically easier to recall and are often used by organizations with long or complex names.

What are Some Characteristics of Acronym Brand Names? 

•  Simplification: Acronyms condense lengthy or technical names into short, memorable forms.
•  Professional and Corporate Appeal: Many acronyms are associated with larger organizations or technical industries where short, formal names are preferred.
•  May Lose Original Meaning: Over time, acronyms can become so well-known that consumers forget what the initials originally stood for.
•  Easy to Remember: Acronyms are often more digestible and easier for consumers than long, descriptive names.

Let’s understand with a few examples –

1. IBM (International Business Machines): A shortened name easily recognizable in the tech industry.
2. H&M (Hennes & Mauritz): A fashion brand that uses the initials of the founders’ names.
3. BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke): Is a globally recognized acronym for the luxury car manufacturer.

6. Personal Brand Names

Personal brand names are those derived from the name of the founder or key individuals associated with the brand. These names often carry personal heritage and convey authenticity and trust.

What are Some Characteristics of Personal Brand Names? 

•  Personal Legacy: Personal brand names build on the founder’s reputation, adding a sense of history and trust to the brand.
•  Humanizes the Brand: Using a genuine name makes the brand more approachable and relatable to customers.
•  Longevity: Because these brands are inextricably linked to the identities of their founders or prominent people, they frequently last for a long time.
•  Consumers may link personal names with superior craftsmanship, family legacy, or competence.

Let’s understand with a few examples –

1. Ford: Named after its founder, Henry Ford, this iconic car manufacturer is globally recognized.
2. Disney: Derived from Walt Disney, the name reflects its founder’s creative legacy.
3. Adidas: Based on its founder’s nickname, Adolf “Adi” Dassler, the sportswear company uses his name as the brand.

7. Geographical Brand Names

Geographical brand names are derived from specific locations, such as cities, countries, regions, or landmarks. They often evoke a sense of origin, heritage, or a particular quality associated with that place.

What are Some Characteristics of Geographical Brand Names? 

•  Regional Identity: The name can evoke certain characteristics or qualities linked to the location, such as authenticity, craftsmanship, or tradition.
•  Local Pride: Geographical names can resonate strongly with local customers and create a sense of pride or cultural significance.
•  Recognition and Trust: Well-known places often instill trust and recognition in their brands, associating them with the location’s reputation.
•  Global Perception: When used internationally, geographical names can evoke exotic or premium connotations based on how the location is perceived globally.

Let’s understand with a few examples –

1. IKEA: Named after the farm and village where its founder grew up, IKEA connects its Swedish roots to the global brand.
2. Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC): The brand draws upon Kentucky’s cultural reputation for Southern hospitality and cuisine.
3. Fuji Film: This brand name comes from Mount Fuji, a prominent symbol of Japan.

8. Descriptive Acronyms

Brand names formed by the initial letters of a phrase are considered descriptive acronyms, and they clearly describe the company or product’s function. 

What are Some Characteristics of Descriptive Acronyms? 

•  Straightforward Communication: These acronyms are designed to be immediately informative, describing the nature of the business or product.
•  Memorability: By condensing a descriptive phrase into an acronym, the brand becomes easier to recall and communicate.
•  Professional Appeal: These acronyms are commonly used in technical or corporate fields where clarity is critical.
•  Brand Evolution: As the brand becomes established, the full meaning of the acronym may become less important over time, though the descriptive element helps initially.

Let’s understand with a few examples – 

1. NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration): Clearly describes its purpose related to space exploration.
2. UPS (United Parcel Service): Identifies the company’s core function of parcel delivery.

9. Compound Word Brand Names

Some brand names are created by merging two or more words to form a new brand name that is both descriptive and distinctive and falls under this category. These names often combine words that describe the brand’s function or identity.

What are Some Characteristics of Compound Word Brand Names?

•  Descriptive and Creative: Combining words helps the brand be informative and unique.
•  Easier Trademarking: Compound names are often easier to trademark because they are distinctive.
•  Enhanced Meaning: Blending two ideas or concepts can strengthen consumers’ associations, clarifying the brand’s purpose.
•  Memorable: These names are catchy and easy to recall due to their playful or unusual combinations.

Let’s understand with a few examples –

1. Facebook: A combination of “face” and “book,” reflecting its origin as a social platform for connecting with people.
2. FedEx: A shortened version of “Federal Express,” combining government (federal) and speed (express) to convey efficient delivery.
3. YouTube: Combines “You” (personalization) and “Tube” (slang for television), reflecting its purpose as a video-sharing platform.

10. Suggestive Brand Names

You may observe some brand names hinting at what the brand offers without being entirely explicit; these names come under this category. They evoke an image, feeling, or association related to the product or service.

What are Some Characteristics of Suggestive Brand Names? 

•  Indirect Messaging: These names do not directly describe the product or service but imply it through connotation.
•  Engages Imagination: Suggestive names encourage consumers to make the connection between the name and the brand’s offerings.
•  Creative Freedom: There is more room for creativity, allowing brands to form emotional connections and tell a story through the name.
•  Versatility: Suggestive names can often apply to a wide range of products or services, allowing the brand to evolve.

Let’s understand with a few examples – 

1. Amazon: Suggests vastness, reflecting the company’s large inventory and global reach.
2. Jaguar: Conveys speed, power, and luxury are characteristics associated with the car brand.

11. Technical Brand Names

Brand names often use industry-specific jargon or scientific terms to emphasize the expertise, functionality, or innovation behind a product or service, which are known as technical brand names. Technology and engineering companies frequently use these names to showcase their technical prowess.

What are Some Characteristics of Technical Brand Names? 

•  Expertise-Oriented: Technical names convey knowledge and authority in a specific field.
•  Complexity: These names may not be immediately understood by the general public, but they appeal to a niche audience with specialized knowledge.
•  Innovation-driven: Technical names are often associated with cutting-edge advancements or highly specialized products.
•  Credibility: Such names reinforce the brand’s credibility and ability to provide high-quality, technical solutions.

Some popular examples of Technical Brand Names –

1. Intel: A shortened version of “Integrated Electronics,” highlighting its technological roots.
2. Cisco: Derived from “San Francisco,” but also suggests technology and connectivity.
3. NVIDIA: A technical-sounding name that conveys a sense of precision and cutting-edge technology in graphics processing units (GPUs).

12. Metaphor Brand Names

Some brands employ symbolic or metaphorical language to express a deeper meaning about their brand. These names establish a connection between the brand and an idea, concept, or emotion, frequently invoking a certain image or feeling. 

What are Some Characteristics of Metaphor Brand Names? 

•  Symbolism: Metaphor brand names use images or concepts to represent the brand’s qualities or values.
•  Emotional Impact: These names often elicit a strong emotional response or connection.
•  Creative and Thought-Provoking: Metaphor names encourage consumers to think about the deeper meaning or message behind the brand.
•  Differentiation: They stand out by being more abstract, often evoking curiosity.

Let’s understand with a few examples – 

1. Dove: A symbol of peace and purity, reflecting the brand’s values of gentleness and care in personal care products.
2. Jaguar: Suggests speed and elegance, symbolizing the attributes of the car brand.
3. Apple: Represents simplicity and innovation, drawing from the idea of knowledge (as in the story of Adam and Eve).
4. Red Bull: Conveys energy and power, symbolizing the effects of the drink.

13. Alphanumeric Brand Names

A few brands use a combination of letters and numbers to create a unique and often memorable brand identity. These names may leverage numbers for their symbolic meaning or to differentiate the brand in a crowded market.

What are Some Characteristics of Alphanumeric Brand Names? 

•  Memorability: Combining letters and numbers makes these names stand out and easily recalled.
•  Modern Appeal: Alphanumeric names often convey a sense of technology, innovation, or efficiency.
•  Flexible Meaning: The number may hold a special meaning or be arbitrary, leaving room for interpretation or storytelling.
•  Versatility: These names can work across different industries, especially in tech and automotive.

Examples of Alphanumeric Brand Names –

1. 3M: Originally named Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, the abbreviated name became iconic.
2. 7-Eleven: Refers to the store’s original operating hours, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
3. WD-40: This stands for “Water Displacement, 40th formula” and refers to the product’s creation process.
4. Dream11: “Dream” represents the thrill of building your fantasy team, while “11” links to the players in cricket and football, making it perfect for sports fans.

14. Invented Brand Names

These brands’ names are completely made-up words, often designed to be unique and memorable. Before the brand assigns them one, these names have no inherent meaning.

What are Some Characteristics of Invented Brand Names? 

•  Uniqueness: Invented names are distinctive and original, making standing out in a crowded market easier.
•  Flexible Branding: Since these names are not tied to specific words or meanings, they allow flexibility for brand expansion.
•  Creative Freedom: Companies have complete freedom in defining the invented word’s meaning, tone, and identity.
•  Higher Branding Costs: Invented names often require more marketing to educate consumers about the product or service since the name doesn’t provide immediate context.

Let’s understand with a few examples – 

1. Pepsi: An invented word derived from the digestive enzyme “pepsin,” though the word itself had no meaning before the brand was created.
2. Verizon: A combination of “veritas” (Latin for truth) and “horizon,” creating a unique and powerful name for the telecommunications brand.

15. Playful Brand Names

Some companies have unique names that use fun, humor, or quirky language to stand out and engage consumers. These names often evoke positive emotions and aim to create memorable connections with the brand.

What are Some Characteristics of Playful Brand Names? 

•  Humor and Creativity: Playful names use puns, alliteration, or wordplay to capture attention and make the brand fun.
•  Memorability: Due to their quirky or humorous nature, playful brand names are often highly memorable.
•  Emotional Connection: These names are designed to invoke happiness, playfulness, or joy, building a positive relationship with consumers.
•  Youthful Appeal: Brands often use playful names targeting younger audiences or aiming to seem fresh and approachable.

Let’s understand with a few examples –

1. Dunkin’: Previously known as Dunkin’ Donuts, the abbreviated, lighthearted moniker still conveys the enjoyable experience of drinking coffee and eating pastries.
2. Mailchimp: A unique name for an email marketing business that combines “mail” with the fun image of a chimp, resulting in a distinctive and approachable brand.

16. Literal Brand Names

Some popular brand names are straightforward and describe exactly what the company, product, or service offers. These names are clear and unambiguous and communicate the core function or offering without requiring much interpretation.

What are Some Characteristics of Literal Brand Names? 

•  Clarity: The name directly communicates the business’s purpose, making it easy for consumers to understand what they are getting.
•  Minimal Creativity: These names often lack creativity but make up for it with simplicity and functionality.
•  Instant Recognition: Consumers can instantly recognize and associate the brand with its offerings without further explanation.
•  Limited Flexibility: If the name is too specific, literal brand names can sometimes limit a business’s ability to expand into new markets or product lines.

Famous brands that represent their work and niche – 

1. Hotels.com: The name suggests that the website offers hotel bookings, making it easy to understand.
2. Booking.com: The name tells users that this website provides booking services, primarily for travel and accommodation.
3. PayPal: It communicates that the brand is related to digital payments and money transfers.

Let’s have a Recap about all 16 types of brand names with an example with an Infographic below:

Long Story Short 

Picking the right brand name is critical for every business or startup operating in a competitive environment. A good name helps clients grasp what the company offers, making it easier for them to recall and trust the brand. 

Whether descriptive, playful, or invented, the name should be consistent with the company’s values and objectives. You may increase recognition, develop trust, and distinguish yourself in the market by selecting a brand name that is appropriate for your company and resonates with your target audience.