Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? So, we asked some very sharp folks to tell us the stories of how they came up with the names of their brands.

Alyssa Alger

Selecting a name for my company proved to be a formidable challenge. Despite my proficiency as a choreographer and dance teacher, naming choreographic works remains among my least favorite tasks. Read more>>

Rachel Fine Wilson

“Giggle water is a playful term from the Prohibition era that means alcohol. Our restaurant, bar, and one-screen movie theater has a vintage 1920s-vibe, so when we came across that old-fashioned phrase, it felt like the perfect fit. Read more>>

JoJo Pixs

I created my business name by blending elements that represent my personality. Instead of using my full name, I opted for my nickname Jojo and added Pixs to create a distinctive and eye-catching name. Read more>>

Mirtle Peña-Calderon

I have to be transparent — I’ve never been the best at naming things. When I worked in marketing, I was the worst at coming up with catchy taglines and hashtags. It just hasn’t been my thing. Read more>>

Michael “Shep” Shepard

Your Vibes Entertainment was birthed after a 15-year side hustle finally went legit. Entertainment has always been a part of my life but it was not until I was 29 that I actually decided to create the LLC. Read more>>

Jill Valuet

Radiant Paws is the name of my company. I wanted something in the name that let people know right away that it was a service for dogs, so wanted to use something like “paws” or “tail.” Read more>>

Chelcee Hendren

The name ‘Grit’ came from a unique experience I had in my early twenties. Back in 2018, my husband Timmy, who was my boyfriend at the time, asked me to hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail with him. Read more>>

Michelle Maiello

It was November of 2020, just the midst of the pandemic. Me and a friend wanted to go to the new local candle shop in Encinitas called Candles on Tap and make our own candle. Read more>>

Elora Calhoun

So, here’s the scoop: My name really is Elora, and it’s pronounced as i-LAW-rah. But don’t worry, I won’t be offended if you accidentally call me E-LORE-AH or EL-ORA-AY. Read more>>

Stefanie Magness

Naming anything can be challenging, but let me tell you how Elevate U PR came to be! So, picture this: I wanted a name that captured what we do—personal branding and elevating individuals to stand out. Read more>>

Lavonta Perez

When I first launched my business in 2015, the name was LPS Design Studio. I wanted to incorporate my initials while still highlighting it as a design company. Read more>>