What Are the Rules for UK Limited Company Names?

When registering a UK limited company, its name must comply with Companies House rules. The name should be distinctive, appropriate and different from names already listed on the company register.

Companies House may reject a proposed name or require a company to change its name if it breaks the rules.

Must a Company Name End With “Limited” or “Ltd”?

Most private limited company names must end with:

• Limited
• Ltd

A company registered in Wales may use the Welsh equivalents:

• Cyfyngedig
• Cyf

Certain charities and companies limited by guarantee may qualify to omit “Limited” if their articles of association meet the relevant requirements.

Can Two UK Companies Have the Same Name?

No. You cannot normally register a company name that is the same as one already on the Companies House register.

Companies House may ignore minor differences such as:

• Certain punctuation
• Some special characters
• Differences in capitalisation
• Words or characters with a similar meaning
• Words commonly used in company names

Adding “UK”, “Group”, “Services” or another general word may not always make the name sufficiently different.

What Does “Too Like” Mean?

A company name may be considered “too like” an existing name if the two names look or sound very similar.

Even if Companies House accepts the registration initially, an existing company may submit a complaint. If the complaint is upheld, the newer company may be ordered to change its name.

Choosing a clearly distinctive name can reduce this risk.

Can a Company Name Contain Offensive Words?

No. Companies House can reject a company name that is offensive or inappropriate.

A name may also be rejected if it:

• Is intended to support criminal activity
• Contains computer code
• Misleads the public about the company’s activities
• Could cause harm by creating a seriously misleading impression
• Falsely suggests a connection with an official organisation

What Are Sensitive Words and Expressions?

Some words and expressions require permission before they can be used in a company name.

These may include words that suggest:

• Government approval or authority
• A connection with a public body
• National importance
• Professional status
• Regulated financial activities
• Accreditation or official recognition
• A connection with a foreign government or international organisation

The required approval depends on the particular word. You may need written permission from a government department, regulator or professional organisation.

Can I Use “Royal”, “Bank” or “Insurance” in a Company Name?

Words such as “Royal”, “Bank”, “Insurance”, “Trust” and other regulated terms may require permission or supporting evidence.

Do not assume that a name is permitted simply because it appears available on the Companies House register. Sensitive-word approval is a separate requirement.

Must I Check for Trade Marks?

Yes. Registering a company name does not automatically give you trade mark rights.

Your proposed name could be available at Companies House but still conflict with an existing registered trade mark. This may result in a legal complaint or require you to change your branding.

Before registering, search for:

• Identical trade marks
• Similar brand names
• Similar spellings
• Names used in related industries

This is particularly important if you intend to advertise, sell online or trade throughout the UK.

Can I Use a Different Trading Name?

Yes. A limited company can trade under a different business name.

However, a trading name must not:

• Falsely use “Limited”, “Ltd”, “LLP” or “plc”
• Contain sensitive words without approval
• Infringe an existing trade mark
• Mislead customers
• Suggest a false government or official connection

The company’s full registered legal name must still appear on invoices, websites, business letters and other required documents.

Are There Rules About Displaying the Company Name?

A UK limited company must display its registered name on its business documents and online communications.

This generally includes:

• The company website
• Business letters
• Invoices
• Order forms
• Emails
• Receipts
• Company notices

Additional company information, such as the registration number, registered office address and place of registration, may also need to appear on business documents and websites.

Can Companies House Make a Company Change Its Name?

Yes. Companies House or the Company Names Tribunal may require a company to change its name where:

• It is too similar to another registered name
• It infringes another party’s goodwill through opportunistic registration
• Sensitive-word approval was not obtained
• Misleading information was provided
• The name suggests criminal or fraudulent activity
• The name is seriously misleading
• The name should not have been registered

If the company fails to comply, Companies House may assign it a new name.

How Can I Check a UK Company Name?

Before submitting your application:

1. Search the Companies House register.
2. Check alternative spellings and similar names.
3. Search the UK trade mark database.
4. Review sensitive-word restrictions.
5. Check domain-name availability.
6. Check relevant social media usernames.
7. Confirm the name is suitable for long-term growth.

Final Thoughts

A UK limited company name must be distinctive, lawful and compliant with Companies House rules. It must not be the same as an existing name, too similar to another company, offensive, misleading or connected with restricted activities without permission.

Checking company-name availability, trade marks, sensitive words and domain names before registration can help prevent rejection, disputes and future rebranding costs.

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