You've picked a name. The domain is in your basket and the logo brief is half written. Then the Companies Registration Office bounces your application because a company three counties away registered something similar back in 2011.
It happens more often than founders expect. The good news? A proper company name check before you file costs nothing and takes minutes. This guide explains how the Irish naming rules actually work, and how our free company name check helps you avoid the rejection letter.
How do you check if a company name is available in Ireland?
The starting point is the CRO's own register. You can run a name search on CORE, the Companies Registration Office online portal, to see whether your proposed name, or anything close to it, already exists. The CRO explains how to use the search on its company search page.
Searching well is a skill in itself, though. Look up the distinctive word in your name rather than the full phrase, then try plurals, alternate spellings and phonetic equivalents. "Klear Consulting" and "Clear Consulting" might look different to you; the Registrar may not agree.
Or skip the guesswork. Send us the name you're considering and we'll run the check for you, including the similar-name variations most people never think to test. No fee, no obligation.
Why does the CRO refuse company names?
Under section 26 of the Companies Act 2014, the Registrar must refuse certain names outright. Knowing the grounds upfront saves you a rejected application and a redrafted constitution.
A new company name will be refused if it:
- Is identical to a name already on the register, or so similar that the public could confuse the two.
- Is offensive.
- Would suggest State sponsorship, for example implying a connection with a government department or official body that doesn't exist.
Certain words also trigger extra scrutiny. Terms such as "bank", "insurance" or "university" need approval from the relevant regulator, and the CRO sets out these requirements on its company name rules page. If your shortlist contains a restricted word, build extra time into the plan or drop it entirely.
What counts as too similar to an existing name?
This is where most refusals happen. The CRO ignores certain elements completely when comparing names, so a tweak that feels meaningful to you may add no distinction at all.
|
Change you make |
Does it distinguish the name? |
|
Punctuation, spacing or accents |
No |
|
"Ltd" vs "Limited" vs "Teoranta" |
No |
|
Swapping "&" for "and" |
No |
|
Adding "Ireland", "Group", "Services" or "Holdings" |
Rarely; these are weak qualifications |
|
Phonetic respellings ("Kwik" vs "Quick") |
Usually not |
|
A distinctive coined word or a different core term |
Yes |
The practical lesson: put the distinctiveness in the core of the name. Made-up words, founder surnames and unusual combinations survive scrutiny far better than a generic phrase with "Solutions" stapled on. Keep two or three backups ready as well, because even a clean result in a name search is not a guarantee; the final decision only happens when the CRO assesses your incorporation application.
Company name, business name, trade mark: what's the difference?
Three separate registers, three different protections. Founders mix them up constantly, and the consequences range from a small compliance gap to a solicitor's letter.
- Company name. The legal name on your certificate of incorporation, registered with the CRO when you form a company.
- Business name. If your limited company trades under a different name, you must register that name on the Register of Business Names using Form RBN1 within one month of starting to use it. Our guide to trading names in Ireland covers this in detail.
- Trade mark. CRO registration gives you no enforceable monopoly on a name. Real brand protection comes from registering a trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland.
And here's the catch. The CRO does not check proposed names against registered business names or trade marks, so your company could be incorporated and still face an infringement claim from a trade mark holder. A look at the IPOI register alongside the CRO check is cheap insurance.
How does our free company name check work?
Simple. You send us your proposed name, or your whole shortlist, and we check name availability against the register, including the similar-name traps in the table above. You get a straight answer: clear, risky, or taken, with suggestions if a rework is needed.
Because we handle company formation paperwork week in, week out, we can also tell you what comes next. If the name is available, we move straight to incorporation, and our company secretarial service keeps the CRO filings tidy from there.
Most founders pair the check with planning the wider setup. Our guide to setting up a company in Ireland walks through the full sequence, and our list of key dates for newly formed companies shows the deadlines that arrive faster than you'd think.
FAQs about checking a company name in Ireland
Can I reserve a company name without forming a company?
Yes. The CRO allows you to reserve a proposed name for 28 days for a fee of 25 euro, which is credited against the incorporation fee if you go ahead. A search on its own reserves nothing, so don't sit on a clear result for months.
Can two companies have the same name if they're in different industries?
No. The register takes no account of sectors. If the name is identical or confusingly similar to an existing company, it will be refused regardless of what either business actually does.
Does adding "Ireland" or "Solutions" make my name unique?
Rarely. The CRO treats these as weak qualifications, so "Murphy Plumbing Ireland Limited" probably won't get past "Murphy Plumbing Limited". Change the distinctive part of the name, not the filler.
What should I do if my preferred name is already taken?
Rework the core rather than bolting on generic words. A coined word, a surname or a different concept beats a weak qualification every time. Then run the check again before committing to anything printed.
Ready to run your free company name check?
Send us the name before you order signage, business cards or a van wrap. We'll check it, flag anything risky and tell you the next step. If you'd rather talk the whole setup through first, book a consultation or get in touch today.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Speak to a qualified accountant about your specific circumstances before acting on anything covered here.