How do I choose a blog name that isn't taken?
Check availability in the right places
Start with a domain registrar to see if the .com is available. Also search the name on Google, social media platforms, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (or your country's equivalent) to avoid conflicts. Check that the social handles you want are free, or close enough.
If the .com is taken, you can try a different extension like .co, .blog, or .me, but .com is still the most familiar. Adding a word like 'blog' or 'HQ' can help, but it may look less clean.
- Domain registrar: check .com first
- Social media: search the name on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
- Trademark database: search USPTO or your local office
- Google: see what already ranks for the name
- Say it out loud: make sure it is easy to spell and remember
Pick a name you can live with
Shorter names are easier to share. Avoid numbers and hyphens if possible, as they confuse people. A name that hints at your topic can help readers know what to expect, but a unique, brandable name gives you room to expand.
Once you find a name that is available and feels right, register the domain and secure the social handles the same day. If you are not ready to commit, you can start on a free subdomain and upgrade later.
Common mistakes
- Falling in love with a name before checking if the domain or social handles are available.
- Choosing a name too similar to an existing brand, which can cause legal trouble.
- Using a hard-to-spell name that people will mistype when searching for you.
