Company name checker
Search a proposed UK company name against the live Companies House register to see if it’s already taken.
Your proposed name
We search the live Companies House register for matching and similar names.
- We check both exact and similar (“same as”) names on the register.
- Green means no match was found; red means it’s already taken.
- A name is only secured once the company is incorporated — you can’t reserve one.
Name check
Enter a name to check
We’ll search the live register for exact and similar matches.
Opens the official register in a new tab.
Results come from the live Companies House register. A name is only secured when the company is incorporated — you can’t reserve one in advance.
Type a proposed company name and we’ll search the live Companies House register for exact and similar matches, so you can see at a glance whether it’s likely to be available before you register.
When a name gets rejected
Companies House turns down a name — or can force a change later — for a handful of reasons:
- It’s the “same as” an existing name. Once you strip out “Ltd”, “UK”, “the”, “&”/“and”, punctuation and spacing, two names can collapse to the same thing — and the later one is refused.
- It’s “too like” another name. Even if not identical, a confusingly similar name can be challenged within 12 months and ordered to change.
- It uses a restricted or sensitive word without the required permission or evidence.
- It’s offensive or implies a false connection to government or a public authority.
Sensitive & restricted words
Some words suggest a status, size or connection you may need to justify. Common examples that need permission or supporting evidence include:
Group, Holdings, International, Institute, Association, Federation, Trust, Foundation, Council, British, Chartered, Bank, Insurance, Royal and University.
Using one doesn’t always block the name — but you’ll usually need a supporting letter from the relevant body. The full list lives on GOV.UK, and our company formation service handles the paperwork either way.
Found a free name? Here’s what happens next
A name is only yours once you register — or incorporate — the company at Companies House. To do that you’ll need a registered office address, at least one director and one shareholder, and a SIC code describing what the business does.
First, decide your structure. A limited company registers the name and limits your liability; a sole trader trades under a business name without registering it at Companies House. New to all this? Our accountants for startups walk you through every step.
Once you’re trading, plan ahead with our Corporation Tax calculator and salary & dividend calculator. And remember: a company name isn’t a trademark — to protect the brand itself, register separately through the Intellectual Property Office.
Ready to go? Our company formation service incorporates your limited company for you — often the same day.
The terms, explained
New to this? Here’s what the words on this page actually mean.
- “Same as” name
- A name treated as identical to an existing one once you ignore things like “Ltd”, “UK”, “the”, punctuation and spacing. These are rejected outright.
- “Too like” a name
- A name so similar to an existing one that it could mislead. Companies House can order a change after registration if someone complains.
- Sensitive words
- Words implying special status or connection — like “Group”, “British”, “Bank” or “Royal” — that need permission or supporting evidence to use.
- Incorporation
- Registering the company at Companies House. Only this secures the name — you can’t reserve a name in advance.
Company name checker — your questions answered
How do I check if a company name is available?
Can I use a name similar to an existing company?
What words are restricted in a UK company name?
Does checking or registering a name reserve it?
Can I change my company name later?
Is a company name the same as a trademark?
We can do it properly for you
A calculator gives you a number; we give you a plan to pay less. Explore the services and specialists this relates to:
Found a name that’s free? We’ll form the company for you
We’ll incorporate your limited company at Companies House, set it up correctly and get you ready to trade — often the same day.