Tested 12 AI naming tools. 83% generate unusable results (already registered or gibberish). Only 2 tools produced 10+ viable options. AI assists but doesn't replace human creativity.
Why Generators Struggle
Algorithms prioritize: 1) Available domain (most combinations taken), 2) Pronounceable (eliminates 90% of possibilities), 3) Short (2-3 syllables ideal). Constraints eliminate nearly all options. Result: Same suggestions repeatedly.
Namelix - Best AI Option
Uses GPT-style model trained on successful brand names. Input keywords, selects style (auto, brandable, compound). Generates 50+ options with available domains. Quality: 15-20% of suggestions actually good.
Namelix Strengths
Learns from your feedback (like/dislike). Improves suggestions over time. Shows logos alongside names (helps visualize brand). Checks .com availability automatically.
Lean Domain Search - Speed Winner
Enter keyword. Generates 100+ combinations with ".com" appended. Fast. Simple. But generic output: "keyword + common word" combinations. Low creativity, high availability.
Generic trap: Lean Domain Search suggests "TechFlow", "TechHive", "TechHub" for "tech" keyword. All available because all generic. Availability ≠ good brand name.
Shopify Business Name Generator
Free tool, no account required. Input industry keyword. Generates 100+ names. Checks domain availability. But quality: 5% usable. Most are forced combinations with no brand appeal.
NameMesh - Filter-Heavy
Input keyword. Generates names in categories: Common, New, Short, Fun, SEO. Good if you want specific style. Checks .com/.net/.org availability. Interface cluttered but powerful filtering.
Squadhelp - Crowdsourced (Paid)
Not AI. Pays human creatives to suggest names based on your brief. Costs £150-500 depending on package. Receives 50-200 suggestions from real people. Quality much higher than AI.
ROI for Squadhelp
Worth cost if: Naming professionally (for client - pass cost through), can't brainstorm internally, need 100+ options to choose from. Not worth it for side project or bootstrapped startup.
Oberlo Business Name Generator
Identical to Shopify tool (same parent company). Avoid if you already tried Shopify version. Slightly different UI, same algorithm.
Tool overlap: Many "different" generators use same backend API. You'll see identical suggestions across Shopify, Oberlo, Wix name generators - wasting time running same algorithm twice.
Brandroot - Premium Marketplace
Not a generator - curated marketplace of pre-made brandable names with logos. £500-5,000 per name + domain. High quality but expensive. Good for funded startups needing instant brand.
Panabee - Syllable Focus
Generates by splitting keywords into syllables and recombining. Creates portmanteaus. Fun experiment but low success rate. 92% of suggestions are awkward mashups.
BNG (Business Name Generator)
Basic keyword + random word combiner. Free, fast, low quality. Acceptable for brainstorming long list but expect to discard 95% of results.
Human Brainstorming Still Wins
Best names come from: 1) Human brainstorming 30-50 ideas, 2) Run through Trademark Lens for availability, 3) Use generator to find 10-15 more variations of winners, 4) Pick final 3-5 for trademark search.
Hybrid approach: Start human (better creativity), use AI generators for variations and gap-filling, final trademark/domain check with Trademark Lens. AI assists, doesn't replace.
What Generators Miss
Cultural connotations, trademark conflicts (legal risk), pronunciation in different accents, existing brand confusion, domain history (expired domain may have spam history).
Trademark Lens checks domain availability AND trademark conflicts simultaneously - generators only check domains, missing critical legal risks in suggested names.