How Do I Pick a Name for a Charity?

Introduction

Choosing the right name for your charity is one of the most important early decisions you will make. It is more than just a label; it represents your mission, values, and the people you help. A strong name builds trust, inspires donations, and helps your organisation stand out.

However, naming a charity also involves legal and practical considerations. The Charity Commission and Companies House both have rules about what names can and cannot be used. This article explains how to choose a name that is memorable, meaningful, and compliant with UK charity regulations.

Step 1: Understand What Makes a Good Charity Name

A good charity name should be clear, distinctive, and easy to remember. It should reflect your purpose and the people or causes you serve. When brainstorming ideas, aim for a name that:

• Describes your mission or values without being too long or complicated

• Evokes a sense of trust and positivity

• Is simple to say and spell

• Avoids jargon or overly specific terms that could limit future growth

For example, “Bright Futures Foundation” is more flexible than “Bright Futures School Books Appeal”, which might sound too narrow if your charity later expands its work.

Step 2: Check That the Name Is Unique

Before you get too attached to a name, check that it is not already in use. You can search the Charity Commission register to see if another charity has a similar name. Also search Companies House if your charity will be registered as a company or charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).

Using a name that is already taken or too similar could cause confusion and delay registration. You should also check whether the name is a registered trademark using the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) database. This will prevent potential legal disputes later.

If the name is available but close to another charity’s, consider adding a word that makes it more distinctive, such as a location or a descriptive phrase.

Step 3: Avoid Restricted or Misleading Words

The Charity Commission has rules about what words and phrases you can use. You must avoid names that are:

• Offensive or inappropriate

• Misleading about the charity’s purpose or status

• Too similar to government bodies or public authorities

• Suggestive of a connection to another organisation without permission

If you want to include certain sensitive terms, such as “Royal”, “British”, or “Chartered”, you must get special approval from the relevant authority.

Your name should not imply that you are a government agency or national body unless this is genuinely the case.

Step 4: Reflect Your Purpose and Audience

Think about who your charity helps and what emotions you want to inspire. A children’s charity might choose something warm and hopeful, while an environmental charity might use language related to nature, sustainability, or protection.

You can test potential names with people who represent your target audience. Ask them what the name makes them think of and whether it feels trustworthy or clear. Their reactions will help you identify which names resonate best.

Step 5: Consider Future Growth

Your charity’s work may evolve over time. Choosing a flexible name helps avoid rebranding later. Avoid being too narrow in scope or tying the name too closely to a single project.

For example, a group helping families in one town might eventually expand across regions. A name like “Helping Hands UK” would allow that growth, whereas “Helping Hands of Bristol” might feel limiting in the long run.

Step 6: Check Domain and Social Media Availability

In today’s digital world, having a consistent online identity is crucial. Check whether your charity’s name is available as a domain name (for example, .org.uk or .co.uk) and on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

If your preferred domain is taken, you could try small variations, but make sure it still clearly represents your charity. A consistent name across platforms helps build recognition and credibility.

Step 7: Get Approval from the Charity Commission

When you apply to register your charity, the Charity Commission will review your chosen name. They will check for potential conflicts, misleading words, or any breaches of naming rules.

If the name is too similar to another charity or fails to meet their requirements, they may ask you to change it before approving registration. This is another reason to have a few backup options ready.

Step 8: Make Sure It Sounds Right

Once you have a shortlist, say each name out loud. Does it sound natural and professional? Is it easy to pronounce and spell? Could it be shortened or misunderstood in a way that might cause confusion or embarrassment?

You can also ask others to spell it after hearing it once. If they struggle, it may not be the best choice. A simple, clear name is more likely to stick in people’s minds.

Example Scenario

Imagine Olivia is setting up a charity to support young people struggling with mental health challenges. Her first idea is “The Youth Mental Wellness Foundation”, but when she searches, she finds a similar charity already exists. She then brainstorms new ideas and lands on “MindForward”.

The name feels positive, easy to say, and available as a .org.uk domain. She checks it with potential supporters, who like that it sounds hopeful rather than clinical. After confirming it is not trademarked, she registers it successfully with the Charity Commission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a name that is too long or complicated

• Using words that imply official status (like “Government” or “Royal”) without permission

• Copying or imitating another charity’s name

• Forgetting to check trademark and domain availability

• Picking a name that limits future expansion

A thoughtful name helps your charity build recognition and avoids unnecessary rebranding later.

How an Accountant or Adviser Can Help

An accountant or charity adviser can guide you through the registration process and help ensure your chosen name meets legal and financial requirements. They can also help draft your governing documents so the name aligns with your charity’s purposes.

If you plan to incorporate as a company or CIO, your accountant can check whether your preferred name is available at Companies House and ensure it fits the correct format.

Conclusion

Choosing a name for your charity is both creative and strategic. It should capture your mission, appeal to supporters, and comply with Charity Commission rules. Take time to research, test, and confirm your choice before registration.

A strong, distinctive name lays the foundation for trust and recognition, helping your charity stand out and make an impact from day one.