Personal LLC Names: Should You Name Your LLC After Yourself?

Published by Delina Chantel Yasmeh | Author

Last updated: September 18, 2024

FACT CHECKED by Lou Viveros, Growth & Transition Advisor

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You can name your limited liability company after yourself as long as you conform to all legal requirements and follow the necessary steps.

As a Mergers and Acquisitions specialist who assisted several businesses in forming their LLCs, entrepreneurs seek my guidance on whether they should use their personal name for their companies.

Together with our team of business consultants, we’ll share our insights on the benefits and disadvantages of using your personal name.

Quick Summary

• You should name your LLC after yourself if you want to work on your personal branding or make it easier for clients and customers to remember you.
• A personal LLC name isn't a recommended option if you don't want others to access your personal information easily or if you are planning to sell your business one day.
• Report by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that over 40% of LLC names fall within 3-5 words, with a focus on brevity and clarity.
• To determine if a personal LLC name is right for you, I advise that you consider your long-term business plan, branding strategy, and growth potential. For legal advice, reach out to a lawyer.

Using A Personal Name For An LLC

If you opt to use a personal name for an LLC, consider the following: 

• You'll need to use your full legal name as the business title.
• You'll also need to register your company with the state and get a business license.
• Open a separate bank account for your LLC to keep track of your business finances and avoid comingling your funds.
•   You can't use your checking account for business transactions.

According to the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) over 60% of LLC names are chosen based on a combination of the founder's name, the industry the LLC operates in, and a keyword reflecting its services.

"If you use your own name as your business brand, keep in mind that if you lose that brand, you have lost your name."

- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter

Pros and Cons of Using a Personal Name for an LLC

There are a few pros and cons to using a personal name for a limited liability company.

Pros:

• Brand recognition
• It's easier to get approval for a business bank account
• There can be fewer expenses to set up the LLC
• No need to file a "Doing Business As" (DBA) form for your LLC

Cons:

• It does not reflect the nature of your business.
• It may be difficult to register.
• Limits your business growth.
• Less credible and professional

If you're unsure if this is best for your company, keep in mind that you have the option to change the name in the future. I have colleagues who shifted their business names to a title suitable to their LLCs.

Article You May Like: How to Start an Anonymous LLC

How to Check if an LLC Name Is Taken?

To check if an LLC name is taken, visit the Secretary of State and business trademark official websites.

Go through the state business entity search and type in your personal name into the search tool and see any results [1].

If there are no results, that means your personal name is available. If there are similar names, you could use a descriptor to differentiate it from other companies.

To illustrate, I inform clients that if “John Smith LLC” is taken, they could add a descriptor “Photography by John Smith LLC”.

Using a DBA for an LLC

Using a DBA for an LLC is not uncommon. In some cases, you may need to file a "Doing Business As" (DBA) form for your LLC.

This is typically only necessary if you prefer to use a name other than your personal name.

To register, we had to file a DBA online through the Secretary of State website. The process and fees will vary depending on your state [2].

LLC name vs. Trademark

A trademark is a registered symbol, word, or phrase used to identify and distinguish a product or service.

It is not necessary to trademark the name of your LLC unless you plan to use the business title for branding purposes and want to protect it from being used by other companies across all states[3].

See More: LLC Business Name vs Trademark

Considering Alternatives to Personal LLC Names

If you consider alternatives to personal LLC names, there are several options to explore.

• You should opt for descriptive or industry-specific names that can convey the nature of your business and attract the target audience.
• I often advise business owners to use a creative or unique name to foster brand recognition.
• Combine personal and descriptive elements, striking a balance between personal branding and industry relevance.
• Most of my clients utilize a separate brand name alongside the personal name, since it allows for flexibility in marketing and expansion.

Report by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) estimates that over 40% of LLC names fall within 3-5 words, with a focus on brevity and clarity.

FAQs

References:

1. https://staterequirement.com/llc/llc-name-search/
2. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/choose-your-business-name
3. https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics