How to Come Up With a Blog Name

When I started Trendline SEO nearly eight years ago, naming the blog felt like the biggest decision in the world.

I wanted it to sound smart, memorable, maybe even a little clever. I also didn’t want to box myself in.

If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen trying to name your own blog, you’re not alone.

Here’s the truth: your blog name really does matter. It shapes how people see your brand, whether they trust it, and whether they’ll remember it.

And while you can always rebrand later, doing it right the first time saves you a ton of hassle.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to come up with a blog name that actually fits — your niche, your voice, and your future plans. You’ll learn how to:

• Define your blog’s core identity
• Brainstorm ideas that spark
• Avoid common traps and clichés
• Vet your shortlist the smart way
• Make sure the name is yours to keep

Step 1: Clarify Your Blog’s Identity First

If you skip this step, naming your blog becomes a guessing game. You might land on something catchy, but if it doesn’t reflect what your blog is really about, it won't last.

Worse, you could end up boxed in by a name that no longer fits when you grow or pivot.

Before you even start brainstorming, take a beat. Ask yourself three key questions:

1. What’s your blog’s topic or niche?

Be specific, but not restrictive. Instead of “health,” maybe it’s gut health for women over 40. Or rather than just “travel,” it’s travel for remote workers. Knowing this helps you choose words that signal the right intent.

2. Who are you writing for?

Picture your ideal reader. What do they care about? Are they ambitious side-hustlers, new parents, minimalist cooks? Your name doesn’t have to spell that out, but it should resonate with the people you want to attract.

3. What’s the tone or vibe you want to project?

Light and fun? Serious and data-driven? Soulful and reflective? Your name is often the first clue your audience gets. A name like The Breadboard feels very different from Grain Logic, even if both cover bread baking.

When I was naming Trendline SEO, I knew I didn’t want it to sound like a churn-and-burn SEO blog. I wanted something that hinted at data, patterns, and direction. “Trendline” hit that note, and it still fits even as my focus evolves.

Here’s a tip from the research that really stuck with me: write down 10 to 20 keywords that capture your niche, values, and audience. Think verbs, metaphors, places, feelings, even colors. This list will become your raw material later.

One last thing — don’t go so narrow that you trap yourself. A blog called Keto Life Hacks might work today, but what happens if you ditch keto next year? Keep your scope focused but expandable.

Step 2: Brainstorm Names and Keywords Without Filtering

This is the fun part. You’re not judging yet — you’re just gathering raw material. Think of it like pouring all your ingredients onto the counter before you start cooking.

Start by listing any words that feel connected to your blog. These could include:

• Topic terms: specific to your niche, like “budget,” “code,” “gut,” “green,” “grit,” or “studio”
• Tone words: playful, grounded, poetic, bold — words that match your vibe
• Metaphors and visuals: think beyond literal — is there a tree, spice, planet, tool, or animal that captures your message?
• Personal branding cues: your name, initials, a nickname, even a childhood reference if it fits your story

When I helped a client name her slow living blog, she started with obvious words like “calm” and “simple.” But once we got into metaphors, she landed on “The Woven Hour,” which felt personal and poetic — and totally on brand.

You’re aiming for 20 to 50 building blocks. Don’t self-edit. Use a thesaurus, mind map, or AI tools like ChatGPT to expand the list. Tools like Nameboy, Panabee, or Lean Domain Search can offer surprising combinations when you plug in just a few words.

And here’s the secret: your best name probably won’t show up right away. It will emerge after a few rounds of remixing and reflection. So treat this stage as creative play, not a checklist.

Once you’ve got a full page of words and phrases, you’re ready to start noticing patterns and possibilities.

Step 3: Study What Other Blogs Are Doing

Before you get too attached to your brainstormed names, take a look around your niche. Not to copy anyone, but to spot patterns and gaps.

Search for top blogs in your space and write down their names. Are they...

• descriptive, like The Simple Dollar?
• Invented, like Backlinko?
• Personal, like Nomadic Matt?

You’ll start to notice which styles dominate and which feel overdone.

For example, if you’re starting a fitness blog and everything out there includes “fit” or “strong,” ask yourself if you want to follow that crowd or zag in a different direction. Maybe there’s a fresh metaphor that signals strength without using the same tired terms.

One client of mine was entering the parenting space. Every blog she found had “mom” or “mama” in the name. She wanted to reach parents, but not just moms. After scanning the landscape, she leaned into “nest” instead — still on theme, but less expected.

This step also helps you avoid name collisions. A quick Google search of your top candidates with the word “blog” added will often reveal if something is taken or too close for comfort. Check Instagram, X, and YouTube while you’re at it.

You don’t need to out-clever everyone. You just need to be intentional. Knowing what’s already out there lets you choose a name that’s distinctive and aligned.

Next, we’ll start shaping your word list into real name ideas. Let me know if you’re ready for that.

Step 4: Start Mixing, Matching, and Playing with Ideas

Now it’s time to turn your word list into actual name ideas. You’re not aiming for perfection yet. You’re just exploring what clicks.

Begin by combining two words in different ways. That’s one of the most reliable naming formulas around. Think Smart Passive Income, Copyblogger, or Budget Bytes. You can pair a topic word with a tone word, a metaphor with a keyword, or two unexpected images that feel fresh together.

If you’re stuck, here are a few creative levers to pull:

• Alliteration: Names like Nomadic Matt or Wellness Within stick because of the sound.
• Rhyming or rhythm: Try combos that flow, like Snack Stack or Grain Train.
• Metaphors: A blog about growth might use words like sprout, roots, or ladder to evoke a feeling.
• Slight twists: Add a suffix or fuse syllables, like Backlinko or Thrillist. These aren’t real words, but they sound like they could be — which helps with memorability.
• Personal touches: If you’re building around your personality, consider using your name, a nickname, or a fictional persona. Just make sure it’s clear enough for new readers.

One trick I use is to say the name out loud. Does it roll off the tongue? Would it sound good in a podcast intro? If it feels awkward to say, it might be awkward to remember.

When I named a side project Click and Bloom, it came from pairing two unrelated ideas — a verb that suggested action and a noun that suggested growth. It felt like a natural fit for a creative marketing blog.

Your goal here isn’t to find “the one” yet. Aim for 20 to 30 real name candidates. Circle the ones that have potential. You’ll sharpen them in the next step.

Step 5: Run Every Name Through a Practical Filter

Now that you’ve got a list of potential blog names, it’s time to get honest. Not every clever combo deserves a domain. Some names look great on paper but fall apart when you say them out loud or imagine growing a brand around them.

Here’s the filter I use with clients — and myself — before any name gets the green light:

Is it short and easy to remember?‍

The best blog names are usually one to three words. They’re punchy, not wordy. Think Mashable, Smitten Kitchen, The Skimm. If your name sounds like a sentence or requires a deep breath to say, try tightening it up.

Is it easy to spell and pronounce?‍

You want people to find your blog, talk about it, and type it without hesitation. If someone hears your name on a podcast, would they spell it right in a Google search? Avoid tricky spellings or word mashups that confuse more than they clarify. You’re not trying to outsmart your audience.

Does it box you in?‍

A name like Keto Queen might work today, but what if you switch to plant-based content later? Make sure your name can grow with your blog. Go specific, but not so narrow that you feel stuck if your focus shifts.

Is it too close to someone else’s brand?‍

Run a quick Google search, check domain availability, and look at social handles. If your name is a near match for an existing site, especially in the same niche, pick something else. Even if you’re not infringing, it’ll create confusion.

Does it feel like you?‍

Maybe the most important test of all. Does the name feel authentic? Can you see yourself saying it a year from now on a video or business card? If it feels forced or a little off, trust that instinct.

One name I once loved on paper was Clarity Tactics. It sounded sharp, but when I said it out loud a few times, it felt cold — not the kind of vibe I wanted to build around. I scrapped it. No regrets.

This step might leave you with just a few finalists, and that’s the point. You’re clearing the clutter and focusing on names that truly fit.

Step 6: Check Domain and Social Handle Availability

A great blog name isn’t really yours until you can claim it online. That means the domain, the socials, and ideally the .com.

Start with the domain. Type it into a registrar like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains. If the .com is available, grab it. Don’t wait. Domains disappear fast. If it’s taken, look at who owns it. Is it a real site or just parked? If it’s parked, you could try to buy it — but that can get pricey.

If your perfect .com is gone, you have a few options:

• Add a word like “blog” or “hello” to the front or back.
  Example: TheBudgetNest.com or BudgetNestBlog.com
• Use a trusted alternate extension like .co, .net, or .blog.
  Just know that many people will still type in .com by default.

Next, check social handles. Can you get the same name on Instagram, Twitter, or wherever you plan to show up? You don’t need to be on every platform, but consistency helps. If your handle is slightly different from your domain, make sure it’s still intuitive.

One name I loved failed this test. The .com was available, but the Instagram handle was taken by a dormant account. I knew social was a big part of my plan, so I moved on.

While you’re at it, do a quick check for any trademarks or registered businesses using the same name. You can search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or your country’s registry. This matters most if you plan to turn your blog into a real business.

Once you’ve cleared these checks, register the domain. Even if you’re not launching today, owning the name gives you the space to build with confidence.

Step 7: Ask for Feedback and Listen Carefully

You’ve done the work. You’ve filtered your list and checked what’s available. Now it’s time to sanity check your top picks with people you trust — especially folks who resemble your target readers.

Start small. Pick your top two or three names and share them with a few people. Give just enough context: what your blog is about, who it’s for, and what kind of tone you’re aiming for. Then ask:

• Which name do you remember most?
• What kind of content would you expect from it?
• Does anything about it confuse you?

You’ll be surprised how often someone picks up on something you missed. Maybe the name sounds like a pun you didn’t intend. Maybe it’s harder to pronounce than you realized. Or maybe one option gets an immediate smile while the others land flat.

I once helped a client test three names for her wellness blog. One had a clever metaphor. One was very niche. And one was short, warm, and slightly poetic. That last one won by a landslide. People just connected with it — and she hadn’t even considered it her favorite until she saw the reactions.

Don’t ask everyone. The more people you ask, the more mixed the feedback. Choose voices you trust and people who actually match your audience. And don’t let one offhand comment sink a great name if your gut still loves it.

If you’re still torn after all this, try the coin flip test. Assign one name to heads, one to tails, and flip. Pay attention not to the result, but to how you feel when you see it. If you’re relieved or disappointed, that tells you everything.

Finalize Your Pick and Get Moving

You’ve brainstormed, filtered, cross-checked, and gathered feedback. Now it’s time to choose your blog name and move forward with confidence.

Pick the name that checks the boxes and feels right. The one you can imagine saying out loud a hundred times. The one you’re excited to see at the top of your homepage. Once you’ve got it, don’t second-guess. Commit and go.

Register your domain if you haven’t already. Set up a matching email address if you’re planning to build a brand. Grab your social handles, even if you’re not launching on every platform right away. Securing them now saves future headaches.

Then bring the name to life. Design your site header, write a short tagline, and start creating content under that name. Your brand starts to take shape the moment you use it in public.

One client of mine went through weeks of indecision. When she finally launched under the name Simple Roots Living, she said the clarity made everything else easier — from writing posts to pitching guest spots. It gave her a brand to grow into.

A strong name sets the tone, but it’s just the beginning. What matters most is what you build under it.

Build a Name That Holds Up

Choosing your blog name is more than a branding exercise. It’s a commitment to the kind of content you want to create, the people you want to serve, and the future you’re building. It deserves intention.

By now, you’ve worked through every step. You’ve clarified your purpose, generated fresh ideas, tested them, and landed on a name that fits. That’s real progress.

The right name will do a few things well:

• It will attract the right people.
• It will reflect your style and values.
• It will grow with you.

But here’s the truth — your name won’t make your blog succeed. Your consistency will. Your content will. Your ability to stick with it through the messy middle will. A great name just makes that journey smoother.

If you’re still circling a few options, come back to this: Which one feels like a foundation you can build on?

Pick it. Claim it. Then start publishing.

And if you need help picking a name that checks every box, I’ve helped dozens of clients do exactly that. Feel free to reach out.