How did you think of and decide on a company name?

[sheeplikessleep]

in process of going from self employed sole trader (just used my name within business name) to a limited company.

BUT, i'm struggling with thinking of a business name and would like something a little more creative and thoughtful than just my surname.

how did you think of names and decide?

thanks

as I posted on another thread,

we filled the fridge door with cava
put the laptop on the worktop and then googled the industry / competition / suppliers / customers you name it as we worked through the fridge
came up with an excellent name

oops, just seen the other thread, thanks talkinpeace2 ... bit of alcohol always helps the creative juices flow!

sheep
the joke it I've suggested it as a method to various friends who all say not only did it work but it was fun !!
designing logos is best done sober though....

Some one successful in a related field advised me a while back, when I was starting out, to not use a business name but keep my own name, I did and it works for me. In an ever growing 'corporate world' your own names keeps things much more personal and thus it's a better business image.

But I guess it really depends on what your industry is. Just saying, there are many out there who just have there own name. Though i guess that's the creative industry mostly (which is mine). Think; Cath Kidston, Anya Hindmarch, Coco Chanel

hi nova, that's an interesting point. just it sounds quite dull and predictable compared to some of the more interesting funky names out there. but you've made me think. thankyou

DH uses the company name and his own name
when he works he has a sign that says "My name of My company"
google organic ranking he still comes higher on his name than the company and we do not adword the company name
the trick is to link it - like Chris Evans did with Ginger Promotions
that way when people get the bill from the company they know its the same person.