I’ve tinkered with a lot of business names and domain name generators in my lifetime (in fact, I’ve probably wasted quite a few hours tinkering with names that have never seen the light of day!).
For me, I find the process of developing quirky new domain names quite addictive, particularly when I have the right tools at my disposal to make the brain-storming process all the more productive. In this article, I reveal all of the domain name generators I have personally bookmarked and been using frequently in 2018…
(If you think that I’ve missed any gems, or would like to share your own experiences with domain name generators, please feel free to leave a reply in the comments section following this blog post).
#16. Impossibility
At first glance, you’d have to agree that Impossibility.org’s domain name generator tool looks a bit spammy, right?
The funny thing is, look past the 1990’s styling and this tool is a great, no-frills domain name generator which allows you to very quickly discover new domain name options that contain your exact keyword, either at the beginning or end of the domain.
My main criticism for this tool is that the word list is relatively limited…despite clicking ‘Get more’ several times I started seeing some of the same options in the results list. Nevertheless, this is a speedy and highly functional tool if you are seeking out some very quick options for your new domain name.
Visit Impossibility
#15. Namesmith.io
The Namesmith domain name suggestion tool has some serious novelty factor!
Enter your keyword on the homepage (it suggests ‘describing your idea in up to 5 words’ at once, but I had more success with a single word) and you’ll be presented with some unexpectedly creative business names. You see, Namesmith produces these suggestions it calls blends, which merges existing words from the dictionary with your word of choice.
For example, my search for the simple keyword ‘surf’ below produced the blend tiramisurf.com…..which, let’s face it, is a totally radical domain name!
Namesmith isn’t going to produce you a huge selection of options, and occasionally the domain names it suggests aren’t available without a premium price tag, but for what it lacks in consistency it certainly over-delivers in creativity.
TIP: If you are completely lacking any inspiration, the NameSmith’s Random Name Generator, is also a cool feature worth checking out. Enjoy!
Visit Namesmith
#14. Shopify Business Name Generator
Shopify used to have the absolute best business name idea generator with built-in URL checker in the biz!
It was so darn good that people were ignoring Shopify platform all together, and only visiting Shopify.com to use the tool itself. My theory, is that Shopify have consequently scaled down the tool to ward away the tyre-kickers, as it now only focuses names that are available within the Shopify store eco-system. That said, it’s still a good initial source of business name ideas, you’ll just need to check the .com domain name availability separately if you stumble across a potential business name that tickles you fancy.
Check out the Shopify Business Name Generator
#13. Rhymer
This isn’t a domain name generator, however Rhymer is worth an honourable mention all the same. Based on the success of my very first blog TShirtAlert.com, which seemingly owed some of its success to its memorable & catchy name, I always suggest going to the Rhyming dictionary and entering in your keyword. If a rhyming word catches your eye, add the two words together in a standard GoDaddy.com search engine and cross your fingers the domain name is available!
Check out Rhymer
#12. Cool Name Ideas
The first time I laid eyes on Cool Name Ideas suit of tools for brainstorming blog, business and product names I nearly fell off my seat. The interface was one I’d be looking for all of my life. Enter a keyword, the type, the benefits and the style of your business (each as separate options).
So I entered my keywords, and other preferences, and I was delighted with a selection of results!
But from there, things became a little less exciting. It seems that Cool Name Ideas is all about the ideas, and less about their actual availability. For example, when I clicked on LeanCrypto, a name I fancied quite a bit I was disappointed to find that the domain (not to mention its corresponding Twitter account) was unavailable.
It seems that Cool Name Ideas is a like a ‘cool story bro’. It’s good for a bit of entertainment value, but maybe not as much substance as some of the other options I have covered in this article.
Check out Cool Name Ideas
#11. Instant Domain Search
Instant Domain Search is a no frills domain name idea generator. Whilst it doesn’t pump out the most comprehensive list of ideas known to man, it’s still a decent resource for some inspiration.
The domain name generator takes your keyword and adds a variety of prefixes and suffixes, checking the resultant domain names availability against the GoDaddy database. If it’s available it will show a ‘BUY’ option just like the example below. You’ll see I’ve entered my favourite term of this month, ‘cryptocurrency’. When you click the BUY link you are then taken to GoDaddy to complete the purchase.
Occasionally I have found that clicking the BUY link takes me to a premium domain name for sale (i.e $1,000+) rather than the bog standard $12.45 per year, but that seems hard to avoid with most of these tools from time to time.
While this wouldn’t be my absolute first choice of domain name idea generators, Instant Domain Search is still a handy source of inspiration, particularly for .com domain names that are a close variant of your original keyword.
Check out Instant Domain Search
#10. Domains Bot
DomainsBot is a handy tool if you are seeking a domain name that is a very close match to your keyword. It reveals all available domain names that match your keyword, whether they are on the secondary domain market (i.e. by resellers seeking profit) or direct from the domain name registrar at cost price.
The Domains Bot free online domain generator tool also has a knack of detecting your location, so that it can suggest relevant domain names that include your country of origin. For example, australiasurfboards.com appeared as an available suggestion in my search for ‘surfboards’ .
Another handy little feature of Domains Bot, is that it suggests a few synonyms closely related to your keyword in order to generate more domain ideas. In my example search pictured above, Domains Bot correctly suggested that ‘boards’ was a synonym for ‘surfboards’ and provided more domain name ideas such as boards.online for my consideration. Nicely done!
One the whole, Domains Bot is a handy tool for identifying every possible domain that is currently available on the first-party or reseller market with reasonable transparency of the price within their interface (however like most tools this is not always 100% accurate).
Check out Domains Bot
#9. Name Stall
Name Stall is a neat tool for generating potential domain ideas which include your chosen keyword. It allows you to check the availability of a preset range of prefixes and suffixes….in fact, up to 1500 different words are loaded into the Name Stall database.
One of the things I particularly enjoy about Name Stall is that generates .com.au domain ideas, as well as .com domains. This isn’t a feature that all domain name generators offer, which sets Name Stall apart from others. One of the features I don’t enjoy is the limited of number of searches it allows before prompting you to pay $10/month for membership (secret tip: hitting the back button seems to overcome this easily enough!)
It would be better if the Name Stall interface didn’t only list 20 results at a time, as it becomes a tad frustrating having to click ‘Next’ all the time, however the list of options it generates is quite extensive so I’ll let that issue slide. I also found a bug with the .com.au domain options – when clicked they appeared unavailable despite actually being available (must be an issue with their linking).
On the whole, this is quite a cool tool, there’s just a few little usability issues that you’ll need to work around in order to get the most out of it.
Check out NameStall
#8. I Want My Name
I Want My Name is the perfect tool for those who already have a business name and are looking purchase every possible domain name. It’s also a great tool for uncovering new URL opportunities that you may not have previously considered.
As an example, I entered the simple term ‘dude’ and was blown away at the list of options that presented themselves as available (represented by the green smiley face) including;
dude.expert
dude.coffee, and
Dude.net.au…… which I consequently purchased immediately because it looked too good to pass up for this Aussie Dude and occasional domain collector!
You need to use this tool if you already have a brand and want to protect it, or alternatively, if you love a specific niche topic and want to uncover opportunities to secure a single word domain name.
I Want My Name is crudely simple yet crudely satisfying, particularly for those who guys and gals out there who like collecting quality domain names to stash away for a rainy day.
Check out I Want My Name
#7. Panabee
Panabee has a user interface that is cute and kitsch. The cuteness doesn’t stop at the panda bear logo, happy design elements or childish colour scheme – the domain name suggestions are similarly fun in the best possible way.
The Panabee interface is a bit different, in that it requests two search terms straight away. In this day and age, when all of the one word domains are all but taken, this isn’t a bad idea anyway as your domain name is likely going to end up being two words or more anyway. Having longer form search terms also allows the Panabee domain name search engine more chance of finding a suitable and available .com domain within the first search or two (unlike some of the other tools in this list that could require 20 searches or more before a viable candidate is found).
In the below example I chose the two keywords ‘surf’ and ‘work’. Not surprisingly some of the options presented were a little impractical, but options such as surfowork.com and surfworkly.com were pretty good finds straight off the bat. You can also change the ‘domain extensions’ drop down to your preferred extension (.com.au is available, which for me being an Aussie is an added bonus and immediately revealed that surfwork.com.au was available when selected).
Further down the page there is also a synonyms list which is a nice touch, and you may quickly find yourself stuck in the vortex of clicking synonym after synonym to see the results, ending up several steps removed from your initial search terms. Not necessarily a bad thing as it assists with the creative process, without having to think too hard!
I like Panabee more than a lot of the other options, simply because it gives me the warm and fuzzies to use.
Visit Panabee
#6. Domain Typer
When I first visited Domain Typer I thought it was a bit too simple for my liking….that is, until I realised that it was a lightning fast method of checking domain name availability for every possible domain extension.
The trick with Domain Typer is using the ‘add or edit extensions’ function to search only for the extensions that you are interested in. Of course, I was delighted to find the .com.au extensions in the list (….that is, along with every other extension known to man!)
The ‘Instant Domain Generator’ section is also a cool feature, although a word of caution, it searches primarily for the .com domains (in GoDaddy) so you’ll still need to double check any other extensions you are seeking manually.
The last feature worth noting, is the ‘domain hacks’ section, which automatically conjures up creative domains containing your keywords via some of the lesser known domain extensions, such as winteresca.pe as seen in the screenshot below.
Visit Domain Typer
#5. Domain Hole
Domain Hole’s Name Spinner is pretty great. The main reason is that it allows you to combine your desired keyword (in my case ‘surf’ in the screenshot below) with keywords from a wide range of categories. Of course, how could you resist going straight for the ‘funny words’ category, although you may find more professional options in other categories such as ‘Business verbs’ or ‘Countried’, which checks every country in the world as a suffix for your .com domain.
The main limitation with this tool, is that it only searches a handful of domain extensions. Of course, .com rules supreme but if you are after your own country’s extension you are out of luck with Domain Hole. Either way, it’s a good tool to use, and it’s super fast to load too.
Visit Domain Hole
#4. Bust A Name
Bust A Name’s domain maker is a sweet tool that allows you to search for your chosen keyword at the start or end of available .com .net .org .info or .biz domains.
It has a couple of nifty features included within it’s search that provide the ability to limit the number of total characters in the domain, and also the ability to filter domains by those that appear natural versus those that appear less natural (umm, whatever that means!)
Another part that really floats my boat, is the ‘Similar Word to Try’ section that allows you to delve into synonyms for your keyword if nothing from your original search is tickling your fancy.
Check out Bust A Name
#3. Name Station
The Name Station domain search tool has quite an extensive list of options, some more useful than others. At first glance, I wasn’t to fussed on the suggestion Name Station was producing….some of the domain names were either not that great, or when clicked, simply not available.
But my tune changed when I found the ‘Combine Top Keywords’ option on the menu. At risk of stating the obvious, what this does is string together some of the most frequently searched terms to see if the resultant domain name is available. It’s actually quite addictive clicking the ‘Generate’ button over and over again to discover new potential names.
Another unique feature of Name Station is the alliterative domain generator. This is right up my alley (most notably due to the success I had with my formerly-owned blog TshirtAlert.com).
Honestly, if alliterations are your jam this alliterative domain generator could save you hours of time.
Whilst far from perfect, NameStation is really growing on me as a source of quality domains names related to your keyword (or if you are completely lacking inspiration, quality domain names containing trending keywords).
Visit NameStation
#2. Wordoid
As Wordoid puts it, ‘Wordoids are made up words. They look nice and feel great, and are ideal for naming things’
The Wordoid domain name generator is one of the truest sources of creative domain names in this list. Simply choose a couple of letters to start it off, set the character limit, and make sure you select the ‘Hide’ option for unavailable domain names and you will be pleasantly surprised with the resultant list of domain name options, the majority of which I guarantee you’ll have never contemplated or seen through other channels!
In the example pictured below I entered ‘flight’ as my keyword and a maximum length of 9 characters. Some of the results, such as ‘flightmas’ I honestly wouldn’t have considered until Wordoid came along.
Wordoid is a delightfully simple tool and is one of the first I turn to for a new business name. In this day and age, when all the original words are either taken or snipered by domain resellers, this is a breathe of fresh air for domain name ideas.
Visit Wordoid
#1. Namemesh
Namemesh is hands-down one of the best domain name generators on the net. The features of this unbelievably free tool are rich, with the ability filter domain names to .com only, or focus on other potential suffixes such as .io and .co too. Another great feature of Namemesh, is that if you keep scrolling down the page, the tool will go searching for more and more ideas, presenting you with literally thousands of interesting variations that you’d struggle to think of yourself. I highly recommend this domain name generator and find myself using it frequently (the main limitation for me is when seeking local domain name ideas, such as the .com.au for Australian websites).
Check out Namemesh
Also worth a mention….
Name Jet – A handy resource if you are looking to search for freshly expired domains names. Visit NameJet
Domain Name Soup – Has a whole bunch of ‘big query’ search options including ‘all dictionary words’, ‘jargon words’, ‘female words’ and plenty more. It’s hard to find availability but handy if you are looking for a broad domain that precisely matches the English language. Visit Domain Name Soup
Domainr – An awesome tool if you are chasing a specific domain name at all costs, regardless of whether it is available or not. It will run all of the WHOIS searches within a split second for any name you can think of. If available for sale, you can make an immediate offer, if not but you are still interested, contact Domainr through their simple ‘Make an offer’ option and they’ll try to help you secure the domain name. Visit Domainr
Domainhole – This site was mentioned above, but it also has an awesome expired domains search tool that is really easy to use and navigated. Worth a look if you a chasing a pre-loved domain name. Visit Domainhole’s expired domain search
Dotomator – A handy little tool that combines preset lists of ‘Beginnings’ and ‘Endings’ words and checks the availability of all resultant combinations. Not as creative as some tools, but could be a quick fix for some needs. Visit Dotomator
Hipster Business Name – Just click the Refresh button over and over to discover new names for your hipster business. Some will cringe, others will laugh, heck there’s a few who may even think this is the ducks nuts. Check out Hipster Business Name
Crazynamer – This is a ‘scriptable’ name generator which literally allows you to write scripts to algorithmically hack the English language. Hit the Randomiser button to generate new words and then if you like them, it’s then another step to check their availability. A little cumbersome and manual, but if you are a linguist and coder you will dig the process regardless. Visit CrazyNamer
There is another domain name generator, it is simple to use, yet very creative. What I like about it is that it shows up a lot of available domain options, so you don’t start regretting you didn’t register one earlier. Let’s see how it works.