Mobile App Naming Strategy: Creating Memorable Brands

Clarity vs Creativity

Determine if you need a descriptive name (TaskManager) or a brandable abstract name (Asana). Descriptive aids discovery; abstract aids trademarking.

Include keywords if possible, but don't keyword stuff. "BrandName: Keyword Phrase" is a common pattern (e.g., "Calm: Sleep & Meditation").

App Store allows 30 chars. Under the icon on homescreen, you only get 11-13 chars before truncation. Keep the "bundle display name" short.

Pass the "radio test". If heard on radio, can people spell it? Avoid clever misspellings that hinder word-of-mouth.

Search USPTO and App Stores globally. Check .com availability or acceptable variants. Avoid infringing on existing trademarks.

Check for unintended meanings in major languages. A cool name in English might be offensive in Spanish.

Run ads with different names to landing pages. See which name drives higher CTR before building the app.