Naming trends 2025: the new codes of successful startups
Analysis of the latest trends in startup naming. Emerging suffixes, cultural influences and predictions for tomorrow's names.
Posted by
Viggo BoulangerRelated reading
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The trends shaping 2025
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1. The return of real words
After years of invented names, startups are returning to dictionary words:
- Linear - project management
- Retool - no-code platform
- Notion - productivity
- Vercel - web deployment
Advantage: easier to remember and pronounce in all languages.
2. Emerging suffixes
-ly: Gradually, Assembly, Zapier (historical)
-co: Webflow, Loom, Airtable
-ai: Jasper.ai, Copy.ai, Runway.ai
-labs: OpenAI Labs, Anthropic
3. Gen Z influence
- Short names: 1-2 syllables max (ex: Loom, Cal)
- Soft phonetics: avoid hard consonants
- Pop culture references: subtle but present
- Extreme simplicity: 4-6 letters ideal
4. AI impact on naming
Founders increasingly use AI to:
- Generate creative variations
- Test availability in bulk
- Analyze cultural connotations
- Optimize for SEO from the start
5. Predictions 2025-2026
- .com comeback: alternatives will lose popularity
- "Speaking" names: clear function in the name
- Crypto influence: suffixes like "swap", "vault", "protocol"
- Localization: local versions of global names
Our advice
Don't blindly follow trends. A good name resists time and remains relevant even when fashion changes. Prioritize clarity over creativity.