Search the official register
Enter the name you would like, and we look for it on the Companies House register, the official record of UK companies.
Free website tool
Limited company name checker
Check whether a Limited or Ltd company name is available. We search the Companies House register for the same name and for very similar names, and show you the result in seconds.
Check before you commit to a name
Choosing a company name is one of the first decisions you make, and it is worth finding out early if it is already taken.
Spot similar names
It is not only identical names that cause problems. We also flag names that are within a letter or two of an existing company, which Companies House can refuse as too like it.
Free and instant
No sign-up, no waiting. You get your answer in seconds, so you can try as many names as you like.
Quick, easy and completely free
1. Enter your company name
Type the name into the box above, and choose whether it will end in Limited or Ltd.
2. Click “Check company name”
We check the name against the Companies House register for the same or a similar name.
3. See your result
You will see whether the name is taken, with the details of any matching companies and a note about any restricted words.
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Once you have your name, we can help with the rest
Choosing a name is only the start. O’Brien Media is a Swindon-based web design and digital support company, and we have been helping small businesses get online since 2006. We can help you with:
- A website for your new business: WordPress websites from £750, designed around your brand and easy to manage yourself.
- Hosting and support: fully managed hosting and a friendly local team to look after your site once it is live.
- Getting found: local SEO and Google Business Profile set-up, so customers near you can find your business.
You can also find out how to form your company online with Tide.
Company names: your questions answered
Is a company name check free?
Yes. Our checker is free to use and gives you an instant answer, with no sign-up needed.
What does the checker search?
It searches the public Companies House register for companies with the same name as the one you enter, and for names that are very similar. It shows each company’s status and number, with a link to its record on Companies House.
Is there a difference between Limited and Ltd?
No. Limited and Ltd mean the same thing, and Companies House treats them as the same name. Choose either from the list beside the name box. The checker ignores capital letters, punctuation, spacing, “&” against “and” and a leading “The”, as Companies House does when it compares names.
What if a dissolved company used the name?
A name can sometimes be used again after a company has been dissolved, but it depends on the circumstances, and Companies House decides when you apply. The checker shows dissolved companies so you can see the history of a name.
What are sensitive words?
Some words, such as “Royal”, “Bank” or “British”, can need approval before they are used in a company name. The checker points out when your name includes one, and links to the official list on GOV.UK.
Does a clear result guarantee I can use the name?
No. It tells you that no identical or very similar name is on the register, which is a good sign, but Companies House makes the final decision when you apply, and checks names against its own rules, including names that are too like an existing one.
Do you keep the names I search for?
No. We do not keep a record of the names you check. Each search is sent to Companies House to get the answer, and we only count how many searches are made.
How do I register the company?
You can register directly with Companies House, or through a company formation agent. We recommend Tide, which can register a UK limited company online. Use the “Form a limited company” button beside the checker to find out more.
Starting a business? Call us on 01793 239239!
Tell us about your new business and what you would like your website to do, and we will suggest the best next step.