Shakespeare famously asked, “What’s in a name?” For a new Nigerian business, the answer is: everything.
Your name is your first impression. It’s your brand anchor, your digital identity, and a critical marketing asset that can make or break your ability to stand out. But in a crowded market, how do you choose a business name in Nigeria that is not only memorable and powerful but also legally available for registration?
This guide provides a practical, two-part checklist to help you find the perfect name for your startup. We’ll look at it from the perspective of a leading digital agency first, then through the legal lens of the CAC.
The Digital Agency’s Checklist: Is It a Good Name?
Before you even worry about CAC availability, you need to know if the name is strong enough to win in the market. A name that is legally available but hard to remember or spell is a poor foundation for your brand.
Ask yourself these four questions.
1. Is it Memorable and Easy to spell?
Imagine telling a potential customer your business name over a crackly phone line. Would they be able to spell it correctly to find you online?
Complex spellings or trendy but confusing names can create friction. A simple, strong, and memorable name is always a better marketing tool.
2. Does it Hint at What You Do?
Your name doesn’t have to be boringly literal, but it should give a clue about your industry or value proposition. A name like “Swift Logistics” is instantly understood.
If you choose a more abstract name, make sure it’s evocative and you have a strong brand story to back it up.
3. Is the Domain Name Available?
This is a non-negotiable step in 2025. Before you fall in love with a name, check if the website domain is available.
Ideally, you want the .com, .com.ng, or .ng version. A matching domain name will boost a professional digital presence.
4. Are the Social Media Handles Available?
Similarly, check for the name’s availability on your primary social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter). Maintaining a consistent brand presence across all channels is crucial for effective brand recognition. A mismatched handle like “@LagosFreshBakes2025” looks unprofessional and makes you harder to find.
The Legal Checklist: Is the Name Available?
Once you have a shortlist of 2-3 names that pass the marketer’s test, it’s time to see if they’ll pass the CAC’s requirements. This checklist will help you navigate the legal requirements and avoid the common CAC registration mistakes that can delay your launch.
1. Use the CAC Public Search Tool
Your first official step is to use the free Public Search feature on the CAC portal. This tool allows you to search the entire database of registered businesses and companies.
Type in your proposed name and see if any exact matches appear. This will immediately rule out any names that are already taken.
2. Search on Google and Social Media
Even if a name isn’t officially registered, another brand might be using it informally. A quick search on Google and Instagram can save you from future brand confusion and potential legal issues.
You want a name that is truly unique in the market, not just on the CAC register.
3. Understand Restricted Names
The CAC restricts the use of certain words to avoid misrepresentation. You generally cannot use words like “Group,” “Holdings,” “National,” or “Federal” in a Business Name registration without special justification.
It’s also important to note that the rules for names can differ depending on your legal setup. Your choice of business structure, whether a Sole Proprietorship or an LLC, will impact the kind of name you can register.
4. Be Creative if Your First Choice is Taken
Don’t be discouraged if your first choice is unavailable. Sometimes a small tweak is all you need. You can try adding a modifier word (“Swift Touch Cleaners”), a location (“Lekki Fresh Bakes”), or a different but related word that captures your brand essence.
From a Great Name to a Great Brand
Choosing a business name in Nigeria is the exciting first step. Once you’ve chosen the perfect name, the next step is to make it official. You can find all the details in our complete guide on how to register a business name with CAC.
After registration, the real work of building a powerful, professional brand identity around that name begins. A great name is only as good as the brand it represents. Your logo, your website, and your marketing messages are what will truly bring your business to life and connect with customers.
Our business launch packages are designed to do just that. We help you with the name search and registration, then provide the professional logo design and branding you need to look credible from day one.
Let’s build a brand you’re proud of. See our Business Launch Packages here.
