What’s in a name? A lot apparently, as entrepreneurs, artists, and makers of all kinds spend enormous amounts of energy searching for the right name for their business, project, organization, or creation. Below, you’ll find the stories of how various successful brands, creators and entrepreneurs came up with their names.

Emily Beyne

When I picked my company name I wanted to incorporate my maiden name. I wanted the logo to be simple yet have a cute nod to my maiden last name ending in Bee. I used the stitch lines to tie in the bumble bee and bring the whole logo together. Finishing it off with “thoughtfully Recycled in Michigan” all of my creations are one of a kind so adding “one of one” just felt right. Read more>>

Eryn Gilson

When I launched my business in 2018, the first priority was getting everything up and running quickly. I already had clients, so I decided to go with what I already had—my name. Eryn Gilson Consulting felt like a natural choice at the time, but as the business grew, I began to feel a pull to make a change. As small business owners, our identities are often deeply intertwined with our work, and having my name in the business name amplified that for me. I wanted to create something that could stand on its own—independent of me or my name—so I could focus on building a brand that felt bigger and more sustainable. Read more>>

Becky Imbimbo

The story behind The Always Busy Mama starts in 2020, a year that brought a whirlwind of change for me. I gave birth to my daughter and, like many new moms, faced significant postpartum depression. My company was going through an acquisition, and my husband, working in a demanding job, was putting in 2-3 nights of overtime each week due to COVID. I was a brand new mom, navigating the early days without family around to help, and felt overwhelmed by the weight of it all. Read more>>

Christopher And Jennifer Tolen

Coming up with the name for Ferpher Farms was actually quite easy. We simply combined the endings of our first names, JenniFER and ChristoPHER and now we have that always garners a chuckle and people never forget it. Read more>>

Melissa Holley

The name Holley Impact Marketing is a reflection of both purpose and faith. The name originates from my last name, Holley, representing who I am. Impact was chosen because I strive to make a lasting impression on every person and business I work with. And of course, Marketing encapsulates the core of what I do. Together, the first letters of each word spell out the word, “HIM”. And this holds a deeper significance to me. This symbolizes my faith and remind me daily that I am a child of God. Without HIM, none of my successes would be possible, and I wouldn’t be where I am today. Holley Impact Marketing is more than a business; it’s a testament to the power of faith, purpose, and the drive to make a meaningful difference. Read more>>

Zumi Roberts

I’m often asked how I came up with my business name, and I love sharing the story! When I first moved to America, I was struck by the frequent use of the expression ‘Oh wow!’ to transmit emotion, excitement, and surprise. I wanted my business to evoke that same sense of wonder and delight in every service we provide. The phrase ‘Oh wow’ is not only catchy and memorable but also express the emotional connection I strive to create with our customers. To make it even more personal, I decided to add my name to the business, as I’m the creative force behind every décor, sign, and display. I’m proud to put my name on every aspect of our work, ensuring that each customer experiences a touch of that ‘Oh wow’ magic! Read more>>

Annel Perez

The name **s3lf Lov3 R3imagined** really encapsulates the journey of self-discovery and growth I went through. Growing up, I always had a deep love for creativity, but I was too shy to share my work with the world. It wasn’t until I began my self-love journey that I felt a shift. As I became more confident and less self-conscious, I realized how powerful it felt to embrace who I truly was. The more I accepted myself, the more open I became, especially in expressing my individuality through fashion and art in school. Read more>>

Katie Kristofic

The Carefullist was founded in honor of my mom and my family’s experience with caregiving during her journey with Alzheimer’s. Initially, I wanted to include her name in the company name somehow, but that proved to be difficult while also successfully hinting at what the company does. And then, of course, you have the challenges of names already being used or too close to what you selected so you have to think of something else. I grabbed a post-it note and wrote down a bunch of keywords associated with what the business did and came up with some options. Read more>>

Dj Zapmar

The name “Zapmar” holds great meaning for me because it reflects my family’s values. It’s a combination of my parents’ last names. It’s my way of honoring them and the unwavering support they’ve given to our family. My parents immigrated to the United States when I was young, and they worked tirelessly to give my siblings and me opportunities they never had. Watching their resilience, sacrifices, and determination really shaped who I am today—not just as a person, but as an artist and entrepreneur. Read more>>

Valeria Pitoni

I have two stories for you. 1. Stillwaters Farm Our selection of this for the name of our farm comes directly from the 23rd Psalm, :…He leads me beside the still waters; He restores my soul. And, that’s what our farmstay business is all about. We invite guests to stay with us, REST, RELAX, and REJUVENATE. If they’re inclined, they can shadow us to learn what we do and why we do it, but it’s not a requirement. We recognize the deep need in today’s society for a place to unplug, to forget the worries of the world, and focus on reconnecting with what is important. Read more>>

Emilie Poulin

I chose the name *llayers* for my company because I’ve always loved the word itself—it feels versatile and full of possibilities. It also reflects all the creative things I love to do, like making jewelry, working with ceramics, designing clothes, and playing music to name a few. Each of these passions is a layer of who I am, and *llayers* represents the way they all come together to form something unique and inspiring. I decided to add an extra “l” to the word layers to make the name more graphical, reinforcing the idea of multiple elements coming together. Read more>>

Sarah Johnson

I never wanted to name my business after myself. I felt it was far too generic of a name for a business! When I decided to dedicate myself completely to getting it off the ground, I was also trying hard to pull myself out of the trenches of postpartum depression after the birth of my first child. My son became my muse–capturing his smiles and giggles meant everything to me. I wanted my business name to let all who booked with me know that their session would be full of laughter and play, documenting the happiness in their family. It is forever my mission! Read more>>

Ilya Gurevich

Domovoi originates from Slavic folklore, and represents a spirit that lives within your household and is intended to protect it. Dobro Domovogo (Domovoi Goods) – has a dual meaning in its native language which unfortunately is lost in translation. Dobro (in Russian) means kindness, wellness, the good that one carries into this world. Another meaning for Dobro are physical goodies or small amounts of personal valuables. Read more>>

Hoang Tran

Let me give you an explanation about my background. I’m a first generation Vietnamese American. My parents were boat people from the Vietnam War. They immigrated and settled in Houston, TX where I grew up. We grew up in a lower income neighborhood with a single income household. We had the necessities and that was pretty much it. Because of my upbringing and also being the oldest out of two siblings; I felt like I was obligated to go get a degree post high school, get a corporate job, climb the ladder and provide financial security for myself and my family. Read more>>

Dii Pooler

The name Pooler Digital is more than just a business name—it’s a legacy and a tribute to my father, who raised me as a single parent. I watched him build a dynamic career as a boxer, a Wing Chun SiFu, and a 5th-degree black belt in Karate, later transitioning into a beloved professional coach. He embodies discipline, resilience, and an unrelenting work ethic. As a military veteran, his spirit of service and determination continue to inspire me every day. Read more>>

Dreanna Caley

My business has gone through so many name changes I sometimes loose count of what the names were. I’ll start off with my first name “LexisKreation” that name came from my my middle name “Alexis & Creation”. I decided that I wanted to change creation into something catchy. Then it just went down to me changing names almost every year. I came up with a name “BossBrandOlogist” that I love and had it for 2 years. That name came from me wanting to brand people as a boss, however that name was short lived because I received an email that part of the name was trademark and I couldn’t use it. Read more>>

Jasmine Poleon

I jokingly came up with the name at brunch not knowing what it would be come today, and hopefully what it will continue to become. Back in 2018, we were regular brunch goers, still am, but after a few mimosas, my mind would start throwing out hilarious sayings. I thought it would a fun idea to start an Instagram “blog” called “The Mimosa Club” to share our brunch pictures and the funny quotes I was coming up with. I started the Instagram in July of 2018. Read more>>

Alina Medvedeva

I am sure that everyone tried dozens of Instagram tags (at least in their minds), I was not an exception. Before finding my own, I have tried numerous, but non of them aligned with what I had wanted. Finally, something from not so distant past came up to my mind. Immediately I had a thought: “That is the one! The name for my instagram account AND for my company). It is alinamalina.nyc by the way. Here, Alina – is my first name, and we all know what ‘nyc’ means. There it is, the word so simple, but so meaningful to me, – Malina. It sounds and looks almost like my first name, and many people mistake it for my last name. In fact, this is a Russian word, which translates as ‘raspberry’. Read more>>

Albert Castaneda

Being infactuated by the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy, we knew we wanted to create a serene environment mimicking all things Europe! Tuscan- Hence the name “Tuscany”, we took the name of a location in Europe where lavender fields come to life, lemon trees are as organic down to the root, and where beautiful landscaping and scenery are around every corner.  Rose- White Roses were a huge factor while constructing the wedding venue. We wanted a vast garden of luxurious roses exuding in the landscape backdrops for our couples. Read more>>

Chandler Bobbitt

There is something so special about a name. I remember always having an aversion to my name, Chandler, because I didn’t feel connected to it when I was younger. It wasn’t until my parents explained to me the story and meaning behind why they gave me that name, that I truly resonated with it. When it comes to my business, I want my mission and values to be connected and made obvious in the name. I believe that everyone has a story and that every story is sacred. Calling my business ‘These Sacred Stories’ is a reminder that every story is worthy to be told and wedding filmmaking is such a beautiful way to capture it. Read more>>

(w)ratchet Studies

As Black gworls, we are no strangers to being called ratchet. But we have come to know there is power in renaming— power in words. (W)ratchet Studies is an intentional space of disruption, community, radical possibility, and love. It is a dream project—a space we’ve longed for, but never truly had. We wanted our name to speak back to power, demand historiography, and maintain our scholarly position as Black women in constant resistance to respectability politics as the pre- requisite for intellectual engagement. Our naming is a coded call to community—so let it be known, there has never been anything arbitrary about our (w)ratchetness. Read more>>

Adriana Hartung

It took me a while to come up with a business name that felt authentically ‘me.’ I knew I wanted something punchy that prospective clients could easily remember. I also knew I wanted to incorporate my (personal) name in the business name to convey the level of personalization that goes into the styling process. I ultimately landed on Curate. By Adriana because I love helping others edit their wardrobes and find their perfect look. The word ‘curate’ resonates, since it refers to the careful selection of items. Read more>>

Tamara Hattar

The name Euzumeh means “invitation” in Arabic. My mom helped me come up with the name. At the time, I was hosting pop-ups and wanted to create a feeling that guests were being invited to something intimate—like a cozy dinner party where everyone feels welcome and at home. Food has always been a central part of my culture. My parents were both born in Jordan, and growing up, our family meals were more than just nourishment; they were a time to gather, connect, and share love. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by delicious, home-cooked dishes that brought our family together, and I wanted to extend that warmth and hospitality to others. Read more>>

Alana Sharps

My company name is derived from the word “survivor” and the word “thrive”. SurThrive Tribe is a tribe of domestic abuse survivors thriving in life. Divorce and/or separation can mean an ending to some people. However, it can also mean a new beginning. A new beginning of life and self-discovery. Read more>>

Linus Schief

The name of our shop, Warm Shape, comes from about seven years back when I had an art studio in the basement of the Steinfeld warehouse in Tucson. I was part of a collective called Subspace, and at the front of my workspace I had a little coffee pop-up where I’d do pourovers. it was called Warm Shape for the way that a mug feels in your hands when it’s full of hot coffee. Later I repurposed this name for my store because all the art I was making at the beginning was about warm shapes: erupting volcanoes, eggs, coffee, mammals, the sun, people. And I was weaving a lot too, so warm shape could mean cloth that we wrap around ourselves. What it’s come to mean now is that we are all connected, we are alive and these warm shapes that care for one another and create life and joy. We are like candle flames lighting the world up. Read more>>

Jonathan Slingluff

The gallery is named after my grandmother 👵 Read more>>

Drea Sade

So the name of my company is The Moonlight Oracle! Anyone who knows me personally knows that I have a slight obsession with the characters from the anime series Sailor Moon. It was a show that I grew up on and quite frankly, one of the first anime series that I ever fell in love with.. The main character Sailor Moon and I share a birthday. I’m a cancer so my planetary ruling sign is the moon.. just combine that with the fact that I am a psychic medium and tarot reader then the word Oracle comes into play hence the name The Moonlight Oracle. Read more>>

Marguerite Carter

When it came time to name my business, I wanted something deeply personal—something that would honor the very reason I started this journey: my children. Their influence on my life and creativity is immeasurable, so I knew their names had to play a part in the foundation of my brand. I began by reflecting on the unique meanings behind their names. Stetson’s name holds several interpretations, one of which is ‘wild, young person,’ a phrase that perfectly captures his adventurous spirit and boundless energy. Emory’s middle name, Pearl, is more than just a beautiful word; it’s a cherished family name that symbolizes something rare, timeless, and deeply meaningful. Read more>>

Colleen Caunitz

Our story of naming CK Strategic Solutions is rather simple. We found ourselves overthinking and getting lost in “ideas.” We focused on the foundation of our services which is providing clients strategic solutions. We added our first initials and CK Strategic Solutions LLC was founded.

Nicole King

Naming a brand feels like naming a firstborn—except instead of diapers and milestones, you’re dealing with trademarks and domain names. It’s a full commitment. You want it to capture your spirit, your vibe, and, if possible, make people stop scrolling. For N’gai, the story runs deeper than brainstorming over coffee. N’gai (pronounced n-gay) is my middle name, a gift from my artisan mother, Arianne King Comer—a textile designer so talented, she could probably dye watercolors onto clouds. Read more>>

William Faulkner

The Story Behind Out Loud Strategies, Inc. I have been a leadership educator and trainer for many years at the college, graduate, and professional levels. During the last third of my career, I have added professional coaching to my portfolio. The one message that I constantly reinforce to my audiences and clients is that leadership is an “out loud” proposition! This keys off the idea that as leaders, we are amplified people. Whether we like it or not, believe it or not, everything we say or do does take on a higher profile due to the roles (notice I do not stress title!) we occupy, whether it be an educator, business owner, community leader, or parent. We are in the spotlight when we take on the responsibilities of leadership. Our actions, words, and attitudes are constantly communicating to others what we believe about ourselves and others and how we intend to show up in the world. Read more>>