What's In a Name? Important Entity Name Considerations in New York State
Your ultimate guide to choosing the perfect name for your business in the Empire State
A friendly, step-by-step roadmap to navigating entity name considerations in New York State — so you can launch your business with confidence and clarity.
Introduction: Why Your Business Name Matters More Than You Think
When I first set out to start a business here in New York State, I quickly realized that picking the perfect entity name was so much more than just creativity or personal flair. It had legal consequences, branding weight, and long-term impact that I couldn’t afford to ignore.
In this post, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about entity name considerations in New York State — in plain language, with lots of real-life examples, so you don’t make the same rookie mistakes I almost did. Trust me, this is worth getting right.
🗽 Section 1: Understanding Entity Name Basics in New York State
Before we dive into brainstorming and registering, let’s get clear on what exactly “entity name” means — and how it works here in New York State.
What is an Entity Name?
Simply put, your entity name is the legal name of your business as recognized by the state. It’s what appears on your Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) or Articles of Organization (for LLCs).
Types of Business Entities in New York State
Here’s a quick rundown of entity types and how the naming rules apply:
Corporation — Needs to include “Incorporated,” “Inc.,” “Corporation,” “Corp.”, etc.
Limited Liability Company (LLC) — Must include “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
Limited Partnership (LP) — Requires “Limited Partnership” or “LP”
Sole Proprietorship / DBA — Different rules apply (we’ll cover that later!)
Why Entity Name Considerations Matter
Here in New York State, your entity name isn’t just for show — it affects:
Legal compliance
Your brand and marketing presence
Your ability to open a business bank account
Your protection from name infringement issues
💡 Section 2: New York State Legal Requirements for Entity Names
I learned the hard way that New York State has strict naming rules — and they’re enforced. Here’s what you need to watch out for.
Mandatory Words & Designators
Your name must include the right words that signal your business structure:
| Entity Type | Required Words/Abbreviations |
|---|---|
| Corporation | Corporation, Corp., Incorporated, Inc. |
| LLC | Limited Liability Company, LLC, L.L.C. |
| LP | Limited Partnership, LP |
Prohibited or Restricted Words
New York State restricts certain words unless you have specific permissions or licenses. For example:
“Bank,” “Trust,” “University,” “College” — Require approval from state agencies
“Attorney,” “Lawyer” — Can’t be used unless you’re licensed to practice law
“Insurance,” “Assurance” — Need approval from the Department of Financial Services
Name Distinguishability Rules
Your name must be distinct from existing entities registered in New York State. That means:
No exact matches
No names that are deceptively similar (even if spelled slightly differently)
Adding “LLC” or “Corp.” alone doesn’t make a name distinct
🔍 Section 3: How to Search for Entity Name Availability in New York State
Now comes the fun (and crucial) part: checking if your dream name is available. Here’s how I did it.
Step-by-Step Search Process
Visit the New York State Corporation & Business Entity Database
(https://apps.dos.ny.gov/publicInquiry/)Enter your desired name (without LLC/Corp endings)
Review results carefully — look for similar or exact matches
Try variations if needed
Tips for a Successful Search
Search singular and plural forms
Try different word orders
Check common abbreviations
Don’t forget to search for DBAs (Doing Business As) and trademarks too!
✏️ Section 4: Brainstorming the Perfect Name (That Meets NY Requirements)
Once I confirmed availability, I got creative — but with strategy. Here’s how I balanced entity name considerations with branding brilliance.
My Favorite Naming Strategies
Descriptive + Unique (e.g., Brooklyn Craft Co.)
Invented Words (e.g., Etsy, Google)
Location-Based (e.g., Hudson Valley Honey LLC)
Founder’s Name (e.g., Jacobs & Co. Consulting LLC)
Key Considerations When Brainstorming
Easy to spell and pronounce
Memorable and brandable
Available as a .com domain name
Doesn’t limit future growth (avoid “NYC Dog Walkers LLC” if you plan to expand!)
📝 Section 5: How to Reserve or Register Your Entity Name in New York State
Once I found the one, I didn’t wait — I locked it down. Here’s how I did it.
Option 1: Reserve the Name (Optional)
File Application for Reservation of Name (Form 1233-f)
Fee: $20
Holds name for 60 days (renewable twice)
Option 2: Register the Name by Forming Your Entity
File Articles of Incorporation (Corp) or Articles of Organization (LLC)
Pay the appropriate filing fee
Name becomes officially yours!
⚠️ Section 6: Common Mistakes to Avoid (From My Experience)
I almost tripped over these — so let me save you the trouble.
Skipping the availability search — HUGE risk
Using restricted words without approval
Choosing a name that’s too narrow
Ignoring trademarks or DBAs
Forgetting about domain name availability
🛠️ Section 7: Helpful Tools and Resources I Used
These made my life easier when navigating entity name considerations in New York State:
NY Entity Database Search
USPTO Trademark Search
NY Department of State Division of Corporations
Namechk.com (to check domain + social handles)
LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer (for filing help)
💬 Section 8: My Final Thoughts on Choosing Your NY Business Name
If you take one thing away from this guide, let it be this: take your time and do it right. Your entity name is more than just paperwork — it’s your business identity for years to come.
I’m so glad I went the extra mile to double-check, brainstorm smartly, and align with New York State rules. It saved me time, money, and potential headaches later.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to reserve a business name before forming my LLC or corporation in New York?
No, reservation is optional. If you're ready to file your Articles of Organization (LLC) or Incorporation (Corp), you can skip reservation and register your name directly.
2. How much does it cost to register a business name in New York State?
The fee varies by entity type. Reserving a name costs $20. Filing Articles of Organization for an LLC costs $200, and incorporating a corporation costs $125 plus other potential fees.
3. What happens if someone else is already using the name I want?
You’ll need to choose a different name that is distinguishable. Adding "LLC" or small punctuation differences won’t be enough — the name must be unique in the NYS database.
4. Can I use a name that includes words like ‘Bank’ or ‘University’?
Yes — but only if you receive special approval from the relevant NY State agency. These words are restricted and require extra steps to use legally.
5. Is my business name automatically trademarked once I register it in New York?
No. Registering a business name in NY State only secures it at the state level, not as a trademark. If you want exclusive rights nationwide, you’ll need to file for a trademark with the USPTO.
6. What’s the difference between an entity name and a DBA (Doing Business As) in New York?
Your entity name is your legal business name. A DBA (or "Assumed Name") lets you operate under a different name publicly. You still need to register the DBA with the state or county.
7. Can I change my business name later?
Yes. You can file a Certificate of Amendment to update your entity name, but it involves paperwork and additional fees — so choose wisely the first time!
8. Do I need a domain name that matches my business name exactly?
It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended for branding consistency. Always check domain name availability while you’re searching for entity name availability.
9. How long does it take to register a business name in New York State?
Online filings are processed faster, often within a few business days. Mailed filings can take 2–4 weeks, so plan ahead.
10. Where can I get help if I'm confused about NY business name rules?
You can consult the New York Department of State Division of Corporations, a business attorney, or use online services like LegalZoom to guide you through the process.
Ready to name your dream business in New York State?
Grab a pen, follow this guide, and start searching!
👉 Got questions about entity name considerations in New York State?
Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your ideas and help where I can! 🗽
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