What is Fanciful Names naming anyway?
Why use real words when you can make up something totally new? Instead of calling your telecom 'PhoneCompany' (boring), you invent 'Verizon' and suddenly it's unique, memorable, and completely yours. That's fanciful naming.
Fanciful names are totally made-up, often whimsical and easily trademarkable. When someone hears 'Verizon,' they don't think about any existing word — they think about your brand, because the word is yours. That ownership is why this naming technique works so damn well for brands that want complete uniqueness and trademark protection.
Why do fanciful names work so well in naming?
Fanciful names are blank slates. They have no existing meaning, so you can build your own. When done right, they create distinctiveness, memorability, and names that are completely ownable. When done wrong? You get a name that's just weird without payoff.
The trick is making up words that actually sound right. If it's too random, it's forgettable. If it sounds good, it sticks. Verizon nailed it. So did others who figured out that good fanciful names feel intentional, not accidental. That's the difference between strategic invention and random word creation in naming.
What is Fanciful Names naming?
This is the part where you'd get the actual explanation — not fluff. Real naming insights you can use. But that's for subscribers. For everyone else: mystery and sadness.
The technique works by combining specific elements in a way that creates memorable, distinctive brand names. Learn exactly how with a subscription.
Real-World Examples
Verizon — Made-up word that sounds modern and tech.
Xerox — Made-up word that became a verb. Perfect fanciful naming.
Kodak — Made-up word that became iconic.
Zappos — Made-up word that sounds playful.
Etsy — Made-up word that sounds crafty.
Flickr — Made-up word that sounds like flicker.
Tumblr — Made-up word that sounds like tumble.
Reddit — Made-up word that sounds like read it.
When should you use Fanciful Names naming for your brand name or product name?
Completely unique — no existing meaning to compete with
Highly trademarkable — easy to protect legally
Works globally — no translation issues
Allows brand to own the word completely
When should you avoid Fanciful Names naming for your brand name or product name?
Requires marketing to build meaning — starting from zero
Might confuse if name doesn't sound right
Less memorable if it doesn't click
When this technique works best
Creates memorable brand associations
Works well for consumer products
Easy to implement consistently
When to consider alternatives
May not suit all industries
Requires careful consideration
Cultural context matters
Step by step guide
How to use Fanciful Names in naming?
Figure out if fanciful actually fits your brand. Not every company needs a made-up word. If you have a perfect real word, maybe skip this route.
Selfstorm made-up words that sound right. Use Selfstorm's naming creative session to explore options. What sounds good? What feels like your brand?
Test if it's actually memorable. Fanciful doesn't mean forgettable. If it doesn't stick, try again. The best fanciful names sound intentional.
Make sure it's pronounceable globally. That cool made-up word might be impossible to say elsewhere. Test it. If people can't say it, they won't remember it.
Check for negative associations. Does your fanciful name accidentally sound like something bad? Does it remind people of something negative? Do your homework.
Plan how you'll build meaning. Fanciful names need stories. How will you explain what it means? If you can't answer this, you've got a problem.
Identify your brand values and attributes
Detailed explanation of how to execute this step effectively in your naming process.
Brainstorm initial name concepts
Detailed explanation of how to execute this step effectively in your naming process.
Apply the technique systematically
Detailed explanation of how to execute this step effectively in your naming process.
Test and refine your options
Detailed explanation of how to execute this step effectively in your naming process.
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