How to Check If a Business Name Is Taken (Ultimate 2025 Guide)
Thinking of a great name for your business?
Before you print business cards, design your logo, or launch your website, there’s one critical step you shouldn’t skip: checking if your business name is already taken.
In 2025, with new startups launching daily, many great names are already in use, trademarked, or even legally protected. Using a name that’s already taken can lead to legal trouble, website conflicts, or even a forced rebrand down the line.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to check business name availability, from government databases to domain checks, and how to instantly verify availability in Nigeria using the Goidara Business Name Checker.
TL;DR – Quick Answer
To check if a business name is taken:
- Use a business name checker like Goidara’s tool for instant results.
- Search your country’s official business registry.
- Run a trademark search.
- Check domain name availability.
- Look for social media handle availability.
- Google the name to check for informal usage or bad press.
Why It’s Important to Check Business Name Availability
Many entrepreneurs assume that if a name sounds original, it must be available, but that’s rarely the case.
Choosing a business name without checking:
- Can get your business registration rejected
- May lead to infringement lawsuits if it’s trademarked
- Could prevent you from using your ideal website domain
- Might cause you to lose trust and credibility if customers confuse you with another brand
Step-by-Step: How to Check If a Business Name Is Taken
Let’s walk through all the steps to verify business name availability, both in Nigeria and internationally.
1. Use Goidara’s Free Business Name Checker (Fastest Way)
Before diving into government databases or trademark portals, start with a free, smart tool like Goidara’s Business Name Checker.
With Goidara, you can:
- Instantly see if a name is available in Nigeria
- Get smart domain suggestions (e.g. yourbrand.ng or shopyourbrand.com)
- Avoid names already in use by CAC-registered companies
- Save time by checking in one place
How it works:
- Visit goidara.com/business-name-checker
- Enter your desired business name
- Click “Check Availability”
- Instantly view the result—plus domain ideas if the name is available!
This tool is especially powerful for new entrepreneurs in Nigeria, and anyone looking to combine legal and digital name checks in one place.
2. Search Your Country’s Official Business Registry
Even if a name feels unique, it might already be taken on official records.
Where to check:
- Nigeria: CAC Public Search
- USA: Each state has a registry. Start at SBA.gov
- UK: Companies House
- Canada: NUANS Name Search
- South Africa: CIPC Name Search
On CAC’s portal, search exact matches AND name variations (e.g., “SmartFarm,” “Smart-Farm,” “SmartFarm Limited”).
3. Perform a Trademark Search
A name may be available in the business registry but already trademarked—and trademarks override registration rights.
Where to search:
- Nigeria: Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry
- US: USPTO TESS Search
- UK: UK IPO Trademark Checker
- Global: WIPO Global Brand Database
A trademarked name, even if used in another country, can block your ability to expand internationally with that brand.
4. Check Domain Name Availability
Your brand’s domain is its digital storefront.
If your business name is available, but the domain isn’t—customers might end up on a competitor’s site.
Domain check tools:
- Namecheap
- GoDaddy
- Google Domains
Pro Tip: Secure the domain as soon as it’s available. Even if you’re not launching a website yet, reserve your spot online.
5. Check Social Media Handle Availability
Your social handles should match your brand.
Before finalizing your name, check that it’s available on:
- Instagram
- X (formerly Twitter)
- Facebook
- TikTok
- LinkedIn
- Pinterest
If your handle is taken, consider a variation like @getyourbrand or @yourbrandhq.
6. Google It
It sounds obvious, but many skip it.
Search your proposed business name on Google and YouTube to see:
- Existing businesses using the same/similar name
- Unofficial usage (e.g. unregistered side hustles)
- Any negative press or poor reputation associated with the name
Search with:
- Quotation marks (“Your Name”)
- The name + industry (“Nexa” + “real estate”)
-
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even smart founders make these naming mistakes:
- Registering a name just because the domain is free
Always check CAC or your country’s registry.
- Assuming the name is available because it’s not on Instagram
It may still be legally registered.
- Using a name that’s already trademarked in another country
You’ll have trouble expanding internationally or running ads globally.
- Not checking spelling variations
“SkillUp” and “Skill-Up” might be different in registry but confusing for customers.
What to Do After Confirming Your Name Is Available
Now that your name is available, don’t stop there. Secure it fast!
Register Your Business
- In Nigeria: Visit CAC.gov.ng
- You can register as a:
- Business name
- Limited liability company
- Incorporated trustee (for NGOs)
- Business name
Here is: how to register your business name in Nigeria: A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs
Buy the Domain
Don’t wait. Domains are first-come, first-served. Platforms like Namecheap allow domain holding for as low as $10/year.
Create Your Social Media Accounts
Even if you don’t plan to post yet, grab your handles so no one else takes them.
Consider Trademark Protection
If your brand is unique and long-term, consider filing a trademark—especially if you’re entering ecommerce or exports.
Start Branding
- Design your logo
- Get a business email (e.g., hello@yourbrand.com)
- Order business cards or packaging
FAQs About Checking Business Name Availability
Is the Goidara Business Name Checker official?
Goidara pulls public and registry-based data to give fast, reliable results, especially for Nigeria. It's a smart first step before final CAC filing.
What if the name I want is already registered but inactive?
You may still be unable to register it unless it's fully removed from the registry. Contact your country’s registrar for clarity.
Should I trademark my business name?
Yes, especially if you're building a national or international brand. Trademarking gives you exclusive rights in your category.
What if someone already owns the domain I want?
Try domain variations or reach out to the owner via WHOIS. If the domain is critical, you might be able to buy it.
Can I use a name someone else has if we’re in different countries?
It depends. If the name is trademarked globally (or in your target market), it’s best to avoid it to reduce legal risk.
Final Thoughts: Your Name Is Your Brand, Secure It Early
Choosing a name is one of the most exciting parts of starting a business, but it’s also one of the riskiest if done wrong.
So before you build your logo or post that big launch announcement:
- Use the Goidara Business Name Checker
- Do legal and digital checks
- Secure your domain, social handles, and trademark
- Register the business officially
Your business deserves a name that’s all yours. Don’t guess, check.
