Check Company Name Availability UK
Find the perfect name for your business. Use our real-time name checker to instantly search the official Companies House register, check similarity rules, and verify trademarks.
Start Your Official UK Name Search
Enter your desired name below to check availability instantly against the active Companies House registry and trademark database.
✓ Real-time Companies House API • ✓ Sensitive word filter • ✓ 100% Free
How to Choose a Legally Compliant UK Company Name
Before you can register a business, you must **check company name availability UK** parameters under Companies House rules. Selecting a name involves more than just standard branding—the UK has strict legal guidelines regulating corporate naming.
Firstly, your name cannot be identical or "too like" an existing registered company. For example, if "Acme Services Ltd" already exists, Companies House will automatically reject "Acme Services UK Ltd" or "Acme Services Group Ltd" because they are legally considered identical.
Secondly, your chosen name cannot contain **sensitive words or expressions** unless you have special permission or evidence. Words like "British", "Royal", "Chartered", "Association", "Fund", and "Council" require specific documentation or regulatory approval (e.g., from the Financial Conduct Authority or Royal bodies).
Trademark Check Importance
Even if a name is approved by Companies House, it may still infringe on an active trademark registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO). Infringing on a trademark can lead to legal action, forcing you to change your name and brand later.
Naming Rules Checklist
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Must end in "Limited" or "Ltd" Welsh companies can also end in "Cyfyngedig" or "Cyf".
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Cannot be offensive or illegal Any names containing abusive terms or suggesting criminal association will be blocked.
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Must avoid implied government link Unless supported by a letter of non-objection from the relevant government department.
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Check against "Too Like" rules Excludes standard punctuation, plurals, spacing, and specific common suffixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Too Like" mean under UK company name rules?
A name is considered "too like" an existing name if it differs only by simple characters, punctuation, or generic corporate words. For example, "Plumbing London Ltd" is legally identical to "Plumbing London Group Ltd" or "Plumbing London UK Ltd". Companies House will automatically reject the latter.
Can I reserve a company name without incorporating?
No. Companies House does not allow name reservations. The only way to secure and protect a company name is to actively incorporate it (either as an active trading company or as a dormant company for future use).
What are sensitive words under UK law?
Sensitive words are terms that imply national prestige, financial authority, or specific professional credentials. Examples include: Bank, Insurance, Trust, Charity, Royal, King, Queen, and Windsor. To use these, you must provide supporting letters of authority when submitting your formation.
Sarah from London
Just registered a company • 2m ago