Creating a memorable and effective brand name is one of the most powerful things you can do for your business. But it’s easy to feel like only giant companies have iconic brand names. In this article, we’ll look at some successful smaller brands that have found creative, impactful ways to name their businesses. Each of these names reflects the brand’s unique qualities, target audience, and overall vibe. Let’s dive into what makes these names so successful—and how you can apply similar strategies to your own business.
1. Warby Parker: Storytelling and Personality
Warby Parker is a brand that sells prescription eyewear and sunglasses. The founders wanted a unique name that would reflect the creativity and individuality of their brand, so they chose “Warby Parker” by combining names from characters in Jack Kerouac’s journals. The result is a memorable, approachable name that doesn’t feel overly corporate.
Key Lessons from Warby Parker’s Branding:
- Unique and Memorable: The name Warby Parker stands out because it’s unusual and distinct. It’s easy to remember and sets the brand apart in a competitive industry.
- Personality-Driven: Using literary references gives the brand personality and creates a subtle story that resonates with creative and intellectual customers.
- Timeless Feel: The name has a timeless, almost vintage appeal, which aligns well with the brand’s modern yet classic style.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to look for inspiration in art, literature, or history. A unique name with a touch of personality can make your brand feel distinctive and authentic.
2. Death Wish Coffee: Bold and Niche-Specific
Death Wish Coffee markets itself as “the world’s strongest coffee.” The name immediately signals the brand’s bold, high-caffeine products, appealing to customers looking for a serious caffeine kick.
Key Lessons from Death Wish Coffee’s Branding:
- Targeted Messaging: The name clearly communicates that this coffee is intense and not for the faint-hearted. It appeals directly to customers who want a bold experience.
- Creating Curiosity: “Death Wish” is intriguing and a bit edgy, which encourages people to learn more about the brand and see if the product lives up to its daring name.
- Niche Appeal: The name makes it clear that this coffee is meant for a specific audience—those who want their coffee extra strong.
Takeaway: If you serve a niche audience, consider a name that resonates with their specific needs or desires. Being bold can help your brand stand out and attract the right crowd.
3. Dollar Shave Club: Clear and Practical
Dollar Shave Club took a straightforward approach to branding, and it worked. The name explains exactly what the brand offers: affordable, high-quality razors delivered monthly. The simplicity and practicality of the name helped build instant trust with customers.
Key Lessons from Dollar Shave Club’s Branding:
- Transparency Builds Trust: The name Dollar Shave Club tells customers exactly what they can expect, which fosters trust and credibility.
- Memorable and Easy to Spell: The simplicity of the name makes it easy to remember and spell, which is essential for building a loyal customer base.
- Unique Twist on a Familiar Concept: The idea of a “shave club” was new when Dollar Shave Club launched, making it a catchy and novel concept.
Takeaway: Sometimes, a clear, no-nonsense name is the best choice. A name that clearly conveys your product or service can build trust and help customers understand exactly what you offer.
4. Blueland: A Name with a Mission
Blueland is an eco-friendly brand that makes sustainable cleaning products. The name “Blueland” evokes images of the earth and water, reflecting the brand’s commitment to environmental protection.
Key Lessons from Blueland’s Branding:
- Evocative and Purpose-Driven: The name taps into the brand’s environmental mission, helping it resonate with eco-conscious customers.
- Subtle Imagery: “Blue” and “Land” are words that subtly hint at earth and water, creating a mental image that aligns with sustainability.
- Short and Catchy: Blueland is easy to say, spell, and remember, which makes it ideal for building a memorable brand.
Takeaway: If your business has a strong mission or value, consider choosing a name that reflects it. A purpose-driven name can create an emotional connection with customers who share your values.
5. Beardbrand: Niche Identity and Self-Expression
Beardbrand is a grooming company that focuses on products for bearded men. The name reflects exactly what the company is about, helping it connect with its target audience instantly.
Key Lessons from Beardbrand’s Branding:
- Identity-Focused: The name Beardbrand makes it clear that the brand is all about beard grooming and related products, which resonates with bearded customers.
- Appealing to Lifestyle: By focusing on a niche audience (men who take pride in their beards), Beardbrand taps into a sense of identity and self-expression.
- Memorable and Specific: The name is simple, memorable, and specific to its niche, making it easy to remember for potential customers.
Takeaway: A name that directly speaks to your target audience’s lifestyle or identity can foster a loyal community. By being specific, you show customers that your brand was made just for them.
6. Bombas: Short and Meaningful
Bombas is a brand that makes high-quality socks, and for every pair purchased, they donate a pair to those in need. The name “Bombas” is derived from the Latin word for “bumblebee,” which represents community and working together.
Key Lessons from Bombas’ Branding:
- Unique and Short: The name Bombas is short, catchy, and unique, which makes it memorable.
- Mission-Driven Meaning: The connection to bees represents the brand’s commitment to community, teamwork, and giving back.
- Universal Appeal: Bombas is a neutral name that’s easy to pronounce and works across different languages and regions.
Takeaway: Consider a name that’s short, unique, and has a meaning behind it. Even if the connection isn’t obvious at first, it adds depth to your brand’s story.
7. Glossier: Combining Words for a Unique Twist
Glossier is a beauty brand with a name that combines the words “gloss” and “glow,” reflecting the brand’s focus on natural, dewy beauty products. The name is distinctive yet intuitive, giving customers a hint of what the brand is all about.
Key Lessons from Glossier’s Branding:
- Inventive Word Play: Combining “gloss” and “glow” creates a unique name that feels fresh, fun, and aligned with the brand’s aesthetic.
- Aspirational Vibe: The name “Glossier” suggests a glossy, radiant look, which is exactly what their products aim to provide.
- Distinctive Yet Intuitive: Glossier’s name feels familiar but unique, creating a distinct identity that stands out in the beauty industry.
Takeaway: Try combining relevant words to create a unique, intuitive brand name that suggests the qualities of your product or service.
8. Casper: Friendly and Relatable
Casper is a popular mattress brand with a name that feels friendly, approachable, and almost human. Unlike typical mattress companies that focus on sleep or comfort, Casper chose a name that’s warm and memorable.
Key Lessons from Casper’s Branding:
- Friendly and Approachable: The name Casper feels welcoming and warm, which creates a positive, inviting first impression.
- Unique in a Saturated Market: By avoiding clichés, Casper stands out among a sea of sleep-focused brands, giving it a unique identity.
- Memorable and Easy to Spell: Casper is simple, easy to remember, and easy to spell, which helps with brand recall.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to choose a name that’s friendly and approachable. Sometimes, a warm, human name can help build trust and connection with your customers.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Brand Name for Your Small Business
These small brand names offer some great insights into what makes a name memorable and effective. Here are a few key takeaways to consider for your own business:
- Show Personality: A name with personality (like Warby Parker or Casper) makes your brand feel approachable and authentic.
- Speak to Your Audience: Whether it’s for coffee lovers (Death Wish Coffee) or eco-conscious consumers (Blueland), a targeted name can attract your ideal customers.
- Tell a Story: Story-driven names like Bombas give customers something to connect with beyond just a product.
- Keep it Short and Simple: Short, catchy names are easier to remember and help build brand recognition.
Choosing a brand name doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on your audience, your mission, and what makes your business unique, you can create a name that sets you up for success and resonates with your target customers.
This article provides accessible, real-world examples of effective brand names and practical takeaways for small business owners looking to make an impact with their brand.
All product and company names mentioned in this article are trademarks ™ or registered ® trademarks of their respective owners. Their use does not imply affiliation or endorsement by Wisecrowd, Inc. or any of it’s affiliates.
One response to “Case Studies: 10 Massively Successful Small Brand Names and What We Can Learn from Them”
That was great. Everyone does their brand study on the top names. I am sick of hearing about Apple and Google. I appreciate you highlighting some smaller brands that are more relatable to a small business owner.