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Startup names evolve with culture, technology, and design trends. What felt fresh in 2015 now feels dated. What's working in 2025?
We analyzed recent YC batches, Product Hunt launches, and funded startups to identify the naming patterns that are working right now.
The 10 Trends
1. Single Syllable Power Names
Real examples: Arc, Clay, Ramp, Warp, Beam, Dust
Single-syllable names are having a moment. They're punchy, memorable, and work as both nouns and verbs.
Single syllables are faster to say, easier to remember, and feel confident. They suggest action and efficiency—exactly what startups want to project.
Best for: Dev tools, fintech, productivity apps
Companies using this pattern:
- Ramp - Corporate cards (valued at $7.6B)
- Arc - Browser for power users
- Clay - Data enrichment platform
- Warp - Modern terminal
2. The Double-Letter Pattern
Real examples: Loom, Deel, Noom, Loops
Doubled letters create visual symmetry and are unexpectedly memorable. The pattern is distinctive without being gimmicky.
| Name | Category | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Loom | Video messaging | Acquired by Atlassian ($975M) |
| Deel | HR/Payroll | Valued at $12B (2024) |
| Noom | Weight loss app | $400M+ revenue |
| Loops | Email for SaaS | YC-backed, growing fast |
3. Abstract but Pronounceable
Real examples: Vercel, Figma, Notion, Linear, Airtable
These names don't mean anything literally but feel like real words. They're trademark-friendly and infinitely extensible.
Sound Natural
Follow English phonetic patterns. "Vercel" feels like a word even though it isn't.
Be Spellable
Avoid ambiguous spellings. You should be able to spell it after hearing it once.
Stay Short
2-3 syllables max. Longer invented names feel clunky.
Origin stories:
- Figma - From "figment" (something imagined)
- Vercel - Sound-based invention by Guillermo Rauch
- Notion - Abstract but evokes "ideas" and "thinking"
4. The -ly Suffix (Still Working)
Real examples: Grammarly, Calendly, Attentively, Instantly
Despite predictions of its death, -ly names continue to work for tools and services. The suffix implies action and function.
Pros
- ✓ Immediately communicates function
- ✓ Feels friendly and approachable
- ✓ Works well for SaaS tools
- ✓ Often available as domains
Cons
- ✗ Pattern is well-known now
- ✗ Can feel derivative
- ✗ Best new examples already taken
- ✗ May feel dated in 5 years
Success stories:
- Grammarly - $13B valuation (2021)
- Calendly - $3B valuation
- Bitly - Pioneer URL shortener
5. AI-Inspired Names
Real examples: Anthropic, Perplexity, Midjourney, Jasper, Claude
With AI dominating tech, names are reflecting the technology—abstract, intelligent-sounding, slightly futuristic.
| Pattern | Examples | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific | Anthropic, Cognition | Academic, serious |
| Conceptual | Perplexity, Clarity AI | Thoughtful, precise |
| Journey/Action | Midjourney, Runway | Creative, dynamic |
| Human names | Claude, Jasper, Ada | Approachable AI |
Naming AI assistants with human names (Claude by Anthropic, Jasper, Ada) makes them feel more approachable. Expect more of this.
6. Verb-First Names
Real examples: Gather, Render, Retool, Deploy
Starting with a verb creates immediate action association. These names tell you what the product does.
| Name | Verb Meaning | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Gather | Come together | Virtual HQ for remote teams |
| Render | Process/create | Cloud infrastructure |
| Retool | Rebuild/modify | Internal tools platform |
| Loom | Weave together | Video messaging |
7. Real Words in New Contexts
Real examples: Notion, Linear, Amplitude, Segment, Canvas
Abstract concepts reimagined for tech. They feel grounded yet modern.
Notion
Ideas → workspace for all ideas
Linear
Straight line → streamlined PM
Amplitude
Wave height → product analytics
8. Minimal Lowercase Branding
Real examples: linear, notion, vercel, stripe
Not just a naming trend, but a branding trend: lowercase logos signal modernity, approachability, and confidence.
Why it works:
- Feels less corporate
- Looks modern in digital contexts
- Suggests confidence (don't need to shout)
- Works well in code/developer contexts
9. Category-Defining Compounds
Real examples: Salesforce, Mailchimp, Shopify, Webflow
Combining your category with a modifier creates instant understanding. These names own their space.
| Name | Components | What It Signals |
|---|---|---|
| Salesforce | Sales + Force | Power for sales teams |
| Mailchimp | Mail + Chimp | Friendly email tool |
| Webflow | Web + Flow | Smooth web creation |
| Datadog | Data + Dog | Loyal data monitoring |
10. Geographic & Cultural References
Real examples: Nubank, Revolut, Monzo, Chime
Fintech especially has embraced invented names that feel global and modern.
What works:
- Nubank (Brazil) - "Nu" = new, fresh
- Revolut - Revolution + evolution
- Monzo - Invented, distinctive, global
- Chime - Pleasant sound, banking notification
If going international, test your name for meanings in other languages. "Nova" means "doesn't go" in Spanish—problematic for cars.
Trends Fading Out
| Trend | Why It's Fading | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dropped vowels (Tumblr-style) | Feels very 2010s | Flickr, Tumblr |
| .ly for everything | Saturated, can feel copycat | Early 2010s trend |
| Generic + AI suffix | Oversaturated | "XYZ AI" |
| Obvious misspellings | Feels forced, SEO issues | Older pattern |
| -ify suffix | Post-Spotify oversaturation | Many tried it |
What This Means for You
Don't Chase Trends
Trends indicate what's working, not what you must do. A timeless name beats a trendy one.
Prioritize Availability
The best name is one you can actually get. Start with what's available.
Think 10 Years Out
Will this name age well? Avoid trends that feel like they'll date quickly.
Find Your Name
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