Intro

Naming a startup or product is one of the most critical branding decisions a business can make. A great name can capture attention, convey meaning, and even drive sales. But coming up with the perfect name isn’t easy—many founders struggle with creativity, linguistic nuances, or trademark availability.

That’s where you come in.

Believe it or not, there’s a growing market for people who specialize in naming businesses and products—and you don’t need a legal background to get started. Companies and entrepreneurs are willing to pay handsomely for catchy, memorable, and brandable names. Whether you’re a wordsmith, a creative thinker, or just someone who enjoys brainstorming, this could be a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time career.

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can get paid to name startups and products, the strategies behind successful naming, and the best platforms to monetize your skills.

Main Idea

Naming startups and products is a niche but profitable skill. Businesses need names that are:

• Memorable – Easy to recall and recognize.
• Brandable – Unique enough to stand out in a crowded market.
• Trademark-Friendly – Available for legal registration.
• Domain-Available – Ideally with a matching .com domain.

You don’t need formal training to excel in this field—just creativity, research skills, and an understanding of what makes a name effective. Many naming experts earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per project by selling names on specialized marketplaces or working directly with startups.

Why Companies Pay for Professional Naming

The Value of a Strong Brand Name

A name is often the first interaction a customer has with a brand. Think of names like Google, Uber, or Slack—each is simple, distinctive, and instantly recognizable. A well-chosen name can:

• Boost brand recognition – A unique name stands out in marketing and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Improve SEO – A keyword-rich or brandable name can help with search rankings.
• Avoid legal issues – A name that’s already trademarked can lead to costly rebranding.

Startups and established companies alike invest in professional naming to avoid costly mistakes and secure a name that resonates with their audience.

How Much Can You Earn?

Pricing varies widely depending on the client and the name’s quality:

• Freelance naming gigs – $50 to $500 per name (common on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork).
• Premium brandable names – $500 to $5,000+ (sold on marketplaces like BrandBucket or Squadhelp).
• Corporate naming projects – $10,000+ (for large agencies or specialized naming consultants).

Even part-time, naming can be a profitable side hustle with minimal overhead.

How to Get Started (No Experience Needed)

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Effective Naming

Before selling names, understand what makes a name successful:

• Short & Simple – Names like Zoom or Spotify are easy to spell and remember.
• Emotionally Engaging – Names like Innocent Drinks or Happy Socks evoke positive feelings.
• Linguistically Sound – Avoid unintended meanings in other languages (e.g., Nova means “no go” in Spanish).
• Domain Availability – A matching .com domain is highly desirable.

Step 2: Generate Name Ideas

Use brainstorming techniques to come up with creative names:

• Mashups – Combine words (e.g., Netflix = Internet + Flicks).
• Foreign Words – Use words from other languages (e.g., Hulu means “gourd” in Chinese).
• Invented Words – Create new terms (e.g., Kodak).
• Acronyms – Shorten phrases (e.g., IKEA = Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd).

Step 3: Validate Your Names

Before selling, ensure your names are viable:

• Trademark Check – Use USPTO.gov (U.S.) or TMview (EU) to avoid conflicts.
• Domain Search – Use Namecheap or GoDaddy to find available domains.
• Google Search – Ensure no major brands already use the name.

Step 4: Sell Your Names

There are two main ways to monetize naming skills:

1. Freelance Naming Services

• Platforms: Fiverr, Upwork, PeoplePerHour
• Offer packages (e.g., 3 name ideas for $100).
• Work directly with startups needing branding help.

2. Brandable Domain Marketplaces

• Platforms: BrandBucket, Squadhelp, NameLiquidate
• List pre-made names with logos and taglines.
• Earn commissions when names sell (typically $500+ per sale).

Tools & Resources for Naming Success

Name Generators (For Inspiration)

• Namelix (AI-powered brand name ideas)
• Wordoid (Creates catchy invented words)
• Lean Domain Search (Finds available domain names)

Trademark & Domain Checkers

• USPTO.gov (U.S. trademark database)
• TMview (Global trademark search)
• Instant Domain Search (Fast domain availability checker)

Marketplaces to Sell Names

• BrandBucket (Premium brandable names)
• Squadhelp (Crowdsourced naming contests)
• Flippa (Sell domains with branding potential)

FAQs

Do I need legal knowledge to sell names?

No, but you should check trademarks to avoid legal issues. Use free tools like USPTO.gov for basic searches.

How do I price my names?

Freelance naming gigs typically charge $50–$500 per project. Premium brandable names sell for $500–$5,000+ on marketplaces.

What if a client wants a trademarked name?

Always verify trademark availability before selling. If a name is taken, suggest alternatives.

Can I make a full-time income from naming?

Yes, top sellers on BrandBucket and Squadhelp earn $5,000+ monthly. Freelancers with steady clients can also earn well.

Conclusion

Naming startups and products is a unique and profitable skill that doesn’t require a legal background—just creativity, research, and an understanding of branding. Whether you sell names as a freelancer or through marketplaces, there’s strong demand for memorable, brandable names.

By following the strategies in this guide, you can turn your knack for words into a lucrative side hustle or even a full-time career. Start brainstorming, validate your ideas, and explore platforms where businesses are actively looking for great names.

The next big brand name could be just one idea away—why not make money from it?