How to come up with a great domain name, Choosing the right domain name for your product isn’t just about what’s available—it’s about creating something memorable, brandable, and future-proof. Whether you’re launching a startup, product, or online brand, your domain name is often the first impression. Here are 10 creative and effective techniques to help you come up with a standout domain name:
1. Blend Words (Portmanteau) Combine two relevant words to invent a unique and catchy term.
Examples: Instagram (Instant + Telegram), BrandBrahma (Brand + Brahma), Evernote (Forever + Note), MetaSenseAI.com
2. Use Prefixes or Suffixes Adding meaningful or trendy affixes can help you form an available, brandable name.
Examples: Shopify, Grammarly, Bitly, SeekZenith.com
3. Modify Existing Words Alter spellings or drop vowels to make a familiar word unique and domain-available.
Examples: Flickr, Tumblr, Scribd, Lyft, Aphrodyt.com
4. Mash Industry Terms with Emotions Mix practical keywords with emotional triggers to create a name that resonates.
Examples: Calm (emotion-driven), SoundCloud (industry + metaphor), HireYourRobot.com
5. Use Foreign or Ancient Words Borrowing from Latin, Sanskrit, or other languages can give your domain a sophisticated or unique flair.
Examples: Asana (Sanskrit), Kahoot (Norwegian), Cherishya (Sanskrit/Telugu), AutomateNeom.com
6. Try AI-Powered Name Generators Tools like BrandBrahma.com let you generate smart, brandable domain names based on keywords, tone, and availability
Tip: Use filters like extension (.com, .ai, .xyz), length, and category to narrow results.
7. Invent a New Word Entirely If all else fails, just make something up that sounds cool, memorable, and brandable.
Examples: Google, Zillow, Kodak, Dronestan.com
8. Use Alliteration or Rhyme Names with rhythm or repetition tend to be more memorable.
Examples: PayPal, Coca-Cola, TikTok
9. Use Visual or Conceptual Metaphors Think nature, objects, or ideas that relate to your product’s purpose or value.
Examples: Apple (simplicity and creativity), Amazon (vast selection), CoralTree.xyz
10. Domain-First Thinking Search for domain availability early on. If your dream name’s .com is taken, try:
- Creative spellings
- Add-ons like “-hq”, “-labs”, “-tech”
- New, trendy TLDs like .ai, .io, .xyz
For a deeper look into branding psychology and naming, check out this Harvard Business Review article.
Final Thoughts A great domain name isn’t just about sounding good—it tells a story, builds trust, and sets the tone for your brand. Use the techniques above to brainstorm, test, and validate your ideas. And remember, the perfect domain isn’t just found; it’s often created.
Need help generating ideas? Check out BrandBrahma.com for AI-powered domain and brand name suggestions tailored to your niche.
