Free tool
Check your UK company name
Check your name against Companies House rules in seconds: ending, length, permitted characters, words that need approval and the 'same as' comparison. Your name is not sent anywhere.
The tools run in your browser: what you enter is not sent to our servers and is not stored.
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Use this tool with your free account
Sign-up takes about a minute. As soon as you enter your email code you come straight back to this page and can use the tool.
- Companies House rule checks as you type
- Ending, length and sensitive word warnings
- The 'same as' key and a link to the official search
Your account is only for access; what you enter in the tool is not sent to our servers.
Frequently asked questions
Should the name end with 'Ltd' or 'Limited'?
Both are valid, as is 'Ltd.' with a full stop. Companies with a registered office in Wales may use 'Cyfyngedig' or 'Cyf'.
Can I use accented letters?
Many are allowed, including Ç, Ğ, İ, Ö, Ş and Ü. Companies House records names in capitals.
Does this check mean the name is available?
No. The check covers the format rules; only the Companies House search shows whether the name is the 'same as' a registered one. After registration a name can still be challenged as 'too like' another.
Can I reserve a name?
No, Companies House does not reserve names; the name is registered when the company is formed.
What if a sensitive word comes up?
These words are not banned, but they need approval, and some need a letter of non-objection from the relevant body. We can look at it together in an intro call before formation.
Official sources
- Companies Act 2006 — Part 5 (company names)
- SI 2015/17 — Names and Trading Disclosures Regulations
- SI 2014/3140 — Sensitive Words and Expressions Regulations
- Companies House — Incorporation and names
- Companies House — Annex A: sensitive words
- Companies House — Annex C: other regulated words
- Companies House — Company name availability checker
Rules verified on:
The tools give general information, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Rules change; check the official sources for the latest position or talk to us.
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