What is Foreign-Sounding (Invented) naming anyway?
Why use real foreign words when you can invent ones that sound foreign? Instead of calling your ice cream 'PremiumIceCream' (obvious), you create 'Häagen-Dazs' — sounds European, means nothing, but feels premium. That's foreign-sounding invented naming.
Foreign-sounding invented names are made-up but phonetically familiar to another language. When someone hears 'Häagen-Dazs,' they don't think about what it means — they think about European quality, sophistication, and premium. That borrowed feeling is why this naming technique works so damn well for brands that want to communicate sophistication through linguistic suggestion.
Why do foreign-sounding invented names work so well in naming?
Foreign-sounding invented names give you the best of both worlds: the sophistication of foreign language with the freedom of invention. When done right, they create instant recognition, premium positioning, and names that feel special because they suggest another culture. When done wrong? You get a name that's just weird or doesn't sound right.
The trick is inventing words that actually sound like they could be from another language. If it's too random, it's forgettable. If it sounds authentic, it works. Häagen-Dazs nailed it. So did others who figured out that good foreign-sounding names feel borrowed, not invented. That's the difference between strategic linguistic suggestion and random word creation in naming.
What is Foreign-Sounding (Invented) 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
Häagen-Dazs — Sounds European, means nothing.
Oreo — Sounds foreign, means nothing.
Verizon — Sounds modern and foreign.
Xerox — Sounds foreign, means nothing.
Kodak — Sounds foreign, means nothing.
Zappos — Sounds foreign, means nothing.
Etsy — Sounds foreign, means nothing.
Flickr — Sounds foreign, means nothing.
When should you use Foreign-Sounding (Invented) naming for your brand name or product name?
Creates sophistication — sounds foreign without translation issues
Completely ownable — invented words are trademarkable
Works well for luxury and premium brands
Allows for cultural suggestion without cultural baggage
When should you avoid Foreign-Sounding (Invented) naming for your brand name or product name?
Can be hard to pronounce if too foreign-sounding
Might feel inauthentic if language suggestion doesn't work
Less accessible than English names
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 Foreign-Sounding (Invented) in naming?
Figure out if foreign-sounding actually fits your brand. Not every company needs foreign sophistication. If you want accessibility, maybe skip this route.
Selfstorm invented words that sound foreign. Use Selfstorm's naming creative session to explore options. What languages inspire you? What sounds foreign?
Test if the foreign sound works. Good foreign-sounding names create connection. If people can't pronounce it, it won't work. Show someone your name. Can they say it?
Make sure it's not too hard to pronounce. Foreign-sounding doesn't mean impossible. If people can't say it, they won't remember it.
Check for negative associations. Does your foreign-sounding name accidentally mean something bad? Does it remind people of something negative? Do your homework.
Plan how you'll explain the name. Foreign-sounding names might need context. How will you introduce the name? If you can't answer this, reconsider.
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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