Choosing a Company Name: UK Rules and How to Check
UK company name rules: same-as and too-like names, sensitive words, the Ltd ending and trade marks, with a step-by-step way to check your name is available.
When choosing a company name in the UK, it must not be the same as a name already on the Companies House register, must not be offensive, needs permission if it contains a sensitive word, and must usually end in “Limited” or “Ltd”. Those are the legal rules. A good name also has to work as a brand: easy to say, available as a web domain and not clashing with someone else’s trade mark. This guide covers both, with examples of names Companies House treats as the same and a step-by-step way to check yours before you register.
The Four Legal Rules for UK Company Names
- Not the same as an existing name. Companies House ignores punctuation, the Ltd or Limited ending, plurals, and common words such as “UK”, “Group” or “Company” when comparing names.
- Not offensive. Names that are offensive will be refused.
- No sensitive words without permission. Words that suggest a link to government, a public body, or a regulated status, such as “Accredited”, “Authority”, “Bank”, “Chartered”, “NHS” or “Royal”, need approval from the relevant body first.
- The right ending. A private limited company usually ends in “Limited” or “Ltd”.
What Counts as the “Same As” Another Name?
This catches people out most often. Your exact spelling may be free while Companies House still treats the name as taken:
| Existing company | Your idea | Why it is a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Hands Ltd | Hand’s Ltd, Hands UK Ltd | Punctuation and common words such as “UK” are ignored |
| Bright Cleaning Ltd | Bright Cleaning Services Ltd | Often flagged as too similar when the extra word only describes the same trade |
| Easy Electrics For You Ltd | EZ Electrix 4U Ltd | Different spelling, same sound and meaning: a “too like” name |
| Apex Solutions Ltd | Apex Solutions Limited | The ending is ignored, so this is the same name |
A “same as” name cannot be registered unless your company is in the same group as the existing one or it gives written consent. A “too like” name can be registered, but if the earlier company complains and Companies House agrees, you can be directed to change it. GOV.UK explains the rules in choose a company name.
How to Check a Company Name Step by Step
- Run it through a name checker. Our free company name checker searches the live register, shows close matches and flags words that need permission.
- Try the variations yourself. Singular and plural, with and without “UK”, spelled with numbers or symbols.
- Search the trade mark register. A free company name can still infringe a registered trade mark, which is a bigger problem than a Companies House objection.
- Check the domain and social handles. If the .co.uk or .com is taken by a similar business, customers will be confused.
- Say it out loud. If people would spell it three different ways after hearing it, simplify.
Company Name vs Trading Name vs Trade Mark
- Company name: the legal name on the register. It must appear on your website, letters, invoices and at your registered office; your website and letters also show the company number.
- Trading (business) name: a different name you trade under, for example “Bright Clean” for “Bright Cleaning Services Ltd”. It must not include Ltd and must not use sensitive words without permission.
- Trade mark: legal protection for a brand, registered with the Intellectual Property Office. The company name does not give you this protection.
Tips for a Name That Works
- Leave room to grow. “Leeds Plumbing Ltd” is clear but awkward if you expand to other cities or trades.
- Avoid a generic description on its own. “Consulting Services Ltd” is hard to register and harder to remember.
- Think about the people reading the register. Banks and suppliers see the legal name; it should look like a real business.
- Keep the ending choice simple. “Ltd” and “Limited” are legally the same. Choose what looks better on your letterhead.
What If Your Name Is Rejected or Challenged?
If Companies House refuses the name at registration, you choose another and resubmit. That is why checking first saves time. If the company is already registered and you need a new name, the shareholders pass a special resolution (or follow the method in the articles) and you file the change: £20 online, or £85 for a same-day change. See how to change a company name, or let us file the change for £89.99 including the fee.
Name problems are one of the main reasons applications come back. The others are in why company formations are rejected, and everything else you need is in the information needed to register a company.
Your Name Checked by a Person Before Filing
When you form your company with CorpAssist:
- The name is checked against the register, including “same as” matches, before you pay
- Sensitive words are flagged so you can get permission or choose another name
- A person reviews the whole application before it is filed, so it does not come back for a fixable reason
- Formation from £159.99, including the £100 Companies House fee
- Director identity verification arranged in the same order, through our Companies House-registered ACSP partner
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a company name is available in the UK?
Search the Companies House register for the exact name and close variations. Remember that punctuation, “UK”, plurals and the Ltd ending are ignored, so a name can be unavailable even if the exact spelling is not on the register. Our free company name checker does this and also flags words that need permission.
What words are not allowed in a UK company name?
Offensive words are not allowed. “Sensitive” words and expressions, such as those suggesting a connection with the government, a public authority or a regulated profession (for example “Accredited”, “Bank”, “Chartered” or “Royal”), need permission from the relevant body before you can use them.
Can two companies have the same name?
No. Companies House will not register a name that is the same as one already on the register, unless the new company is in the same group or the existing company gives written consent. A name that is only “too like” another can be registered, but you may have to change it if the other company complains.
Does registering a company name protect it as a trademark?
No. Registering a company name stops another company registering the same name, but it is not a trademark. To protect a brand, search the UK trade mark register and consider registering a trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office.
Does my company name have to end in Ltd?
A private limited company’s name must usually end in “Limited” or “Ltd” (or the Welsh equivalents for Welsh companies). Some charities and guarantee companies can apply for an exemption. You can trade under a different business name, but it must not include Ltd.
Can I change my company name later?
Yes. The shareholders pass a resolution and you file the change with Companies House for a £20 fee online, or £85 for a same-day change. CorpAssist files a change of name for £89.99, including the £20 fee.
Found a name you like? Form your company and we check it again before filing.
Rules checked against GOV.UK on 30 October 2026. CorpAssist is an independent commercial service and is not Companies House or GOV.UK. This guide is not legal advice on trade marks.
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