Dos and don’ts when naming a limited company

An excerpt from Lawpack's Limited Company Formation Kit.

Once you’re ready to set up your limited company, it’s time for you to name the limited company and then determine whether you’re allowed to use that company name.

But beware the following rules for naming limited companies:

Naming a limited company - Rule #1

When naming your limited company you must include the word ‘Limited’ at the end of it.

If you're incorporating a company in Wales (i.e. its registered office is in Wales), the name may be written in either English or Welsh. The Welsh word for ‘Limited’ is ‘Cyfyngedig’. You can also use the abbreviations ‘Ltd’ or ‘Cyf ’.

Naming a limited company - Rule #2

Don’t use a company name that is identical or similar to one which is already on the Limited Company Register at Companies House.

For example, 'Lawpack Publishing Limited' and 'Lawpack Publishing Company Limited' would be considered the same.

With 'Lawpack Publishing Limited' and 'Law Pak Publishing Limited', for example, the names would not be refused initially, as they're not identical. But Law Pak Publishing Limited may have to change its name if there was a successful objection from Lawpack Publishing Limited.

Naming a limited company - Rule #3

Don’t use a company name that is offensive or would constitute a criminal offence.

Naming a limited company - Rule #4

Don’t use a company name that is so misleading as to the activities of the limited company that it causes harm to the public.

Naming a limited company - Rule #5

Don’t let your company name give the impression that the limited company is connected with HM Government or a local authority.

Naming a limited company - Rule #6

When naming your limited company make sure that the company name doesn’t include any sensitive words or expressions, such as:

Association
Assurance
Assurer
Authority
Benevolent
Board
British
Chamber(s) of Commerce
Chamber(s) of Trade
Charter
Chartered
Chemist
Chemistry
Co-operative
Council
England
English
European
Federation
Foundation
Friendly Society
Fund
Government
Great Britain
Group
Holding
HSC (Health and Social Care)
HPSS (Health and Personal Social Services)
Industrial & Provident Society
Institute
Institution
Insurance
Insurer
International
Ireland
Irish
National
Patent
Patentee
Post Office
Reassurance
Reassurer
Register
Registered
Reinsurance
Reinsurer
Scotland
Scottish
Sheffield
Society
Stock Exchange
Trade Union
Trust
United Kingdom
Wales
Welsh

If you have any doubts about your choice of company name, consult Companies House where you can check the index of Company Names. You can also consult the Trade Marks Register of the UK Intellectual Property Office at www.ipo.gov.uk.

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