How to Name Your E-Commerce Store: A Complete Guide

Why Your E-Commerce Store Name Matters More Than You Think

Your store name is the first thing customers see. It shapes their expectations, influences trust, and determines whether they click or scroll past. A strong e-commerce name does three things: it's memorable, it hints at what you sell, and it's available as a domain.

Start With Your Niche and Audience

Before brainstorming names, get clear on two things:

What do you sell? A name like "ThreadCraft" immediately suggests textiles or clothing. Vague names require bigger marketing budgets to explain.
Who's buying? A luxury audience expects elegance. A budget-conscious crowd wants approachability.

Write down ten words that describe your products, your brand vibe, and your ideal customer. These become your building blocks.

Proven Naming Strategies for Online Stores

Combine Two Relevant Words

Mash two short words together. Think "Shopify," "Warby Parker," or "Allbirds." The trick is finding combinations that roll off the tongue. Try pairing a descriptor with a noun:

Bright + Basket = BrightBasket
Swift + Cart = SwiftCart
Pure + Market = PureMarket

Use Invented Words

Coined words are unique and highly trademarkable. Drop a letter, swap a vowel, or blend syllables. "Etsy" is meaningless on its own but now synonymous with handmade goods. Keep it under three syllables and easy to spell.

Add a Prefix or Suffix

Prefixes like "Go," "My," or "The" can make common words available. Suffixes like "-ify," "-ly," or "-hub" work similarly. "GoFresh" or "StyleHub" are simple yet effective.

Check Domain and Social Media Availability

A great name means nothing if you can't own it online. Before you fall in love with a name:

Check if the .com domain is available
Search for matching handles on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
Look for existing trademarks on USPTO.gov

Try BrandScout to check domain availability, social handles, and trademark conflicts in one search.

Names to Avoid

Don't use hyphens or numbers. "Best-deals-4-u.com" looks spammy and is hard to share verbally.

Don't pick something too similar to a competitor. You'll confuse customers and risk legal trouble.

Don't choose a name that limits growth. "SacramentoCandles.com" boxes you in geographically and by product.

Test Before You Commit

Once you have a shortlist of three to five names:

Say it out loud. If people mishear it, it's a problem.
Text it to friends. Can they spell it after hearing it once?
Sleep on it. Impulse decisions lead to rebrands.

The Phone Test

Call someone and say, "Check out my store at [name].com." If they need you to spell it, keep looking.

Register Everything at Once

When you find the winner, move fast. Register the domain, claim social handles, and file a trademark application if you're serious about building a brand. Domains cost around ten dollars a year. Social handles are free. There's no reason to delay.

Real-World Examples That Work

| Name | Why It Works | |------|-------------| | Gymshark | Combines niche (gym) with power imagery (shark) | | Glossier | Sounds like "glossy" — perfect for beauty | | Chewy | Friendly, memorable, pet-related |

Each of these names is short, easy to spell, and evocative of the brand's personality.

Your Next Step

Naming your e-commerce store doesn't have to be agonizing. Start with your niche keywords, combine or invent, check availability, and test with real people. The best names are simple, memorable, and available everywhere you need them.

Ready to find the perfect name? Use BrandScout to instantly check domain availability, social media handles, and trademark status — all in one place.