Name to Noticed
Your band name is the first filter. Make it pronounceable, searchable, on-brand, and future-proof, so venues can promote you and fans can find you.
'Honestly, if I had taken this whole career thing seriously, I would’ve named it something else besides Foo Fighters because it’s the worst fucking band name in the world' – Dave Grohl
A great name does heavy lifting before anyone hears a note. Bookers, promoters, and fans judge fit in seconds - your name is the headline they share, type, and shout from a stage.
Quirky is fine; confusing, offensive, or unsearchable isn’t. A name that feels clever in-jokes can become a promo nightmare the moment a venue has to print it, radio has to say it, or fans try to spell it.
Big artists can survive weird choices (Prince had already built a household brand before switching to a symbol). Starting out, you need something venues can put on posters, MCs can pronounce, and strangers can Google.
Do’s & Don’ts (fast pass)
Do
Aim for clear, pronounceable, spellable.
Make it genre-appropriate (or a deliberate contrast).
Check searchability (Google/YouTube/Spotify) and handle availability.
Consider longevity and cultural context; will it age well?
Test with non-band friends and ask why they prefer certain options.
Don’t
Pick names that are slurs, tragedies, or likely PR landmines.
Choose something unspellable / symbol-only (hard to announce, hard to find).
Ignore acronyms (unfortunate initials happen).
Lock yourself to one local in-joke unless that’s the entire brand.
Five quick tests (before you fall in love)
Radio Test: say it out loud, once. Would a host get it right?
Search Test (90s): can you find only you with two words (name + city/genre)?
Poster Test: does it read clearly at 3m, in black & white?
Merch Test: does it look good on a tee/hat logo, small and large?
Handle Test: website + @handles available (or clean variants)?
Light legal & context checks
Google for clashes with active bands in your country.
Check basic trademark databases in your market (and consider chatting to a pro if you plan to scale).
Scan meanings in other languages if you’ll tour or sell online.
Activities & Exercises
Build your audience profile
Who are you for? Age/scene/where they hang out (online + IRL). Which rooms will book you?
Map your sound
List your primary genre + 3 influences. Is the name congruent (or intentionally opposite like Manchester Orchestra)?
Brainstorm (30 names)
Go wide. Mix literal, abstract, and left-turns. Invite two non-band friends; ask for top 5 picks and why.
Screen your shortlist (5–7 names)
Run the five quick tests above. Cross off any with poor search or awkward pronunciation.
Final sanity check
Say it into a mic. Picture it on a festival poster. Imagine introducing yourself at the bar. Still proud to say it?
Name to Noticed: shortlist five, run the radio/search/poster tests, and pick one you can say with a grin.
Want a 1-page Band Name Scorecard (with the five tests + handle tracker)? Say the word and I’ll spin up the template.
This series, the content and any observations or suggestions made are based on my personal experience, anonymised to protect privacy. Nothing here is financial, legal, or medical advice - please seek professional guidance for your own situation.