START A COMPANY / NAME CHECKER
Check your company name
Before you register: does the name end the way it must, does it use a word that needs permission, and does another company already have it, under Companies House's “same as” rules?
QUESTIONS
How names are checked
- When does Companies House treat two names as the same?
- When they differ only by the company type (Ltd, Limited, PLC), certain endings such as UK, Co or Wales, punctuation and symbols, a final "s", or "the" at the start. "Hartwell Digital Ltd" and "The Hartwell Digital (UK) Limited" count as the same name.
- What are sensitive words?
- Words that suggest a connection with the government, a public body or a regulated activity, such as Bank, British, Charity, Royal or University. You can use them only with permission or a reason, sent with your application.
- Is a name that passes here definitely available?
- No. We compare it with the companies on Company Signal, mostly newly registered ones. Search Companies House's own name availability, which covers every company, and the trade marks register before you register.
The rules come from Companies House's guidance, Incorporation and names. Ready to register? See how to register a company in the UK.