Business Registration

Why Was My CAC Business Name Rejected? (And How to Get Approval)

May 6, 2025

The first challenge a lot of business owners face is when their amazing name is taken. It's a frustrating process filled with rejections from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). If you’ve recently had your proposed business name rejected, you’re not alone. Thousands face the same setback every month.

This guide is your ultimate resource to understand why CAC rejects business names and how to ensure your next submission gets approved. We'll also show you how to use our free Business Name Checker on goidara.com to skip the guesswork.

For a full walkthrough of the business name registration process, check out our step-by-step guide for entrepreneurs.

Understanding CAC Business Name Rejections
Top Reasons Why CAC Rejects Business Names
How to Check Name Availability (The Right Way)
Tips for Crafting an Acceptable Business Name
Using Goidara’s Free Business Name Checker
Name Approval Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Final Thoughts

Understanding CAC Business Name Rejections

The CAC is Nigeria’s official agency for registering businesses. They’re responsible for ensuring that names are:

Not misleading
Not offensive or obscene
Not identical or confusingly similar to existing names
Not in violation of any trademark or public interest

Getting a rejection can delay your launch, cost you time and money, and even derail your momentum. But most rejections are preventable once you understand the rules. Learn more about why registering your business is critical to long-term success in this article.

Top Reasons Why CAC Rejects Business Names

Here are the most common reasons your name might be rejected:

1. Similarity to Existing Names

The most common reason. Even slight variations may not be enough. If "Trendy Tech Solutions" already exists, "Trendy Technologies" will likely be rejected.

2. Use of Restricted Words

Certain words like "National," "Federal," "Government," or anything suggesting affiliation with public authorities are restricted.

3. Offensive or Vague Terms

Names containing profanity, slurs, or vague/meaningless combinations (like “XYZ Ltd.”) are not allowed.

4. Use of Professional Terms Without License

Using words like "Law," "Engineering," "Medical" etc. without proof of professional registration or license can trigger a rejection.

5. Use of Special Characters or Punctuation

Names with special characters like @, &, %, # are not acceptable.

6. Plurals or Misspellings of Existing Names

“Mavins Group” vs. “Mavinz Groups” CAC sees this as an attempt to impersonate or cause confusion.

For more misconceptions about the process, explore 5 business registration myths and the facts you need to know.

How to Check Name Availability (The Right Way)

Before submitting any name, do a proper name search:

Step 1: Use the CAC Public Search Tool at https://search.cac.gov.ng
Step 2: Type variations of your name idea. Check spelling changes, plural forms, and synonyms.
Step 3: Cross-check the business category or niche to avoid industry-specific clashes.

Pro Tip: Even if a name appears available, it may still be too close to an existing one. Think creatively!

You should also budget appropriately before applying. Read our cost guide for business name registration.

Tips for Crafting an Acceptable Business Name

Follow these best practices:

Make it unique and memorable
Avoid industry clichés (e.g. "Global Ventures", "Tech Solutions")
Keep it short and easy to pronounce
Avoid copying popular brand names
Ensure it doesn’t violate trademark laws
Use modifiers (e.g., location, founder’s name, niche)

Examples:

Instead of “Swift Logistics”, try “SwiftPort Haulage”
Instead of “Green Energy”, try “GreenFuse Renewables”

You might also be interested in how business registration protects your brand identity.

Using Goidara’s Free Business Name Checker

You don’t need to guess.

Use our FREE Business Name Checker at goidara.com/services/business-name-registration to:

Instantly check availability
Get suggestions for similar approved names
Understand what’s causing rejections in real time

We’ve built this tool using real CAC rejection patterns and AI-powered analysis to help you beat the system.

Business Name Approval Checklist

Use this list before submitting your name to CAC:

After approval, don’t stop at registration. Read what responsibilities come with registering your business to stay compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Business Name Registration

Q: Can I use my personal name as a business name?

A: Yes, personal names are usually allowed unless they conflict with an existing brand.

Q: How many names should I submit?

A: Always submit two options to increase approval chances.

Q: What if my name is rejected multiple times?

A: Use our tool to get insights, or reach out for expert help with naming and registration.

Q: Can I trademark the name after registration?

A: Yes. CAC registration is separate from trademark registration. Consider both. If you're unsure, check out what you need to know about copyright and trademark registration in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Choosing the right name is your first branding decision and it shouldn’t be a painful one. By understanding CAC’s naming rules, running a proper name check, and leveraging Goidara’s free tool, you can save yourself time, stress, and multiple rejections.

Need help? Let our experts guide your business name registration from start to finish. Check your name now and let’s get your business off the ground fast.

If you’re thinking long-term and want to scale your operations, consider upgrading from a Business Name to a Limited Company. Read our full guide on converting your Business Name to a Limited Liability Company the right way.