Company name rules

Both are legally acceptable for ending the name of a Private Limited company. 'Ltd' is a common, shorter abbreviation on invoices and marketing; 'Limited' is the full form. Choose one at formation and stick to it in contracts, the bank and Stripe to match the register.

Changing the form later counts as changing the company name and requires a formal procedure. Eteform's name-check tool confirms availability before you apply.

Companies House rejects misleading names or those identical to existing companies, and restricts sensitive words such as Bank, Insurance, Royal, Authority and University without prior approval. Words implying a government connection or a licensed profession may require a permit.

Avoid offensive names or those too similar to famous brands. If a name is rejected we suggest alternatives and refile. Check the name early via the Eteform tool before paying the full package.

The company name is the name registered with Companies House (with Ltd). The trading name is the name you present to clients without changing the legal entity — such as operating under an Arabic brand while keeping the English name on the register. Official invoices must show the legal name and the company number.

You can use both together on your website and marketing. Registering a trademark is separate from the company name.

No. Registering an Ltd reserves the company name at Companies House within the naming rules, but it does not give you full trademark rights in the UK or internationally. To protect the mark, register a trademark via the UKIPO or international routes depending on your markets.

Many clients form the company first and then register the trademark once the name is settled. Avoid choosing a name that infringes an existing mark so you do not face a legal objection or one from the platforms.