Key takeaways
- A good webshop name is short, easy to spell and available as a domain.
- Check availability of the .nl domain name and social handles.
- Avoid names that limit you by extension later.
- Your own domain inspires trust and is better for SEO.
Your name is the first thing a customer sees and the last thing you can easily change. No wonder that many starters get stuck on this: you want something that sounds good, is available and can later become a brand. Good news: with a few rules and a fixed checklist you will quickly arrive at a name that you will not regret.
This guide will help you brainstorm to a chosen name and the right domain — without the pitfalls that will cost you money or hassle later.
Why your name really matters
Your name carries your brand, your findability and customer trust. A strong name is easy to remember, easy to spell (people often type it after hearing it) and says something about what you sell or for whom. A weak name — too long, too vague or too similar to someone else's — will cost you customers later and sometimes an expensive rebrand.
The rules for a good name
- Short and pronounceable — easy to remember and pass on.
- Easy to spell — when people hear your name, they should be able to type it correctly.
- Distinctive — not too close to an existing one (competitor or brand).
- Future-proof — don't commit yourself to one product if you want to expand later. “Annekes Candles” is a problem as soon as you also sell scented sticks.
- Internationally usable — check that your name doesn't have a strange or negative meaning in other languages if you ever want to cross the border.
Brainstorming: this is how you come up with ideas
- Combine two words that touch your brand (a feeling + a product).
- Use your own name or place if it suits your story.
- Play with sounds, alliteration or a short, made-up word.
- Write down 20 options without filtering; only then delete. The best name is rarely at the top of your first list.
Check availability (before you fall in love)
Run through these four checks before choosing a name:
| Check | True |
|---|---|
| Trade name free? | Chamber of Commerce trade register |
| Domain free? | at a domain registrar |
| Social handles free? | Instagram, TikTok, Facebook |
| No trademark infringement? | trademark register (BOIP for the Benelux) |
You cannot use a name that is free as a trade name but is already a registered trademark of someone else. This check takes ten minutes and prevents a lot of misery. When you register, you register your trade name — see do you need a Chamber of Commerce for a webshop.
Choosing the right domain
- .nl or .com? If you mainly sell in the Netherlands, then '.nl' is familiar and strong. If you have international ambitions, consider `.com` (or both and send them to one site).
- Keep it short and similar to your name. The shorter, the easier to remember and type.
- Avoid hyphens and numbers — they lead to errors when people hear or pass on your domain.
- Buy variants (e.g. '.nl' and '.com', or a common spelling error) and redirect them to your main domain so that you don't lose traffic.
You link your domain to your webshop; You can read how to build a complete site around it at the website builder.
From name to brand
A name only becomes a brand through consistency: use the same spelling, the same colors and the same tone everywhere. Use the same handle on all relevant channels, even if you are not using them yet — this prevents someone else from stealing it as you grow.
Common mistakes
- Falling in love with a name without checking its availability.
- Choose a name that you attach to one product.
- Taking a long domain with hyphens.
- Forgot to claim the social handles.
Frequently asked questions
How do I come up with a good webshop name?
First consider what you are selling and for whom, brainstorm 20 options without filtering, and test the best ones against the rules: short, playable, distinctive and future-proof.
Should my domain be the same as my webshop name?
Yes, preferably exactly. That makes it easier to find and remember, and prevents confusion.
.nl or .com — what do I choose?
For a Dutch webshop, '.nl' is familiar and strong. If you want international, use (also) '.com'. If you have any doubts, buy both and direct them to one site.
How do I know if a name is already taken?
Check the Chamber of Commerce trade register, domain availability, social handles and the trademark register (BOIP). Only when everything is free can you choose safely.
Can I use a name that is similar to a well-known brand name?
Better not. Too much similarity to a registered trademark can constitute trademark infringement and force you to change later.
Get started
Brainstorm a large list, choose your three favorites and run through the four availability checks for each. Then register your domain and social handles in one go. With your name and domain in your pocket, you continue with the step-by-step plan to start a webshop.
