Mobile App Name Generator
Create catchy, memorable names for your iOS or Android mobile applications with our free mobile app name generator. Find the perfect name that will stand out in app stores and appeal to your target users.
Free Mobile App Name Generator Tool
Create a Memorable App Name
Our mobile app name generator helps you create catchy, memorable names for your iOS or Android applications. Find the perfect name that will stand out in app stores and appeal to your target users.
Characteristics of Great App Names
Memorable & Distinct
The best app names are easy to remember and stand out from competitors. They create a clear impression that sticks in users' minds and helps your app rise above the noise in crowded app stores.
App Store Optimized
Effective app names consider App Store Optimization (ASO), incorporating relevant keywords that users might search for. This helps improve discoverability while maintaining a natural, appealing name.
Function Indication
Strong app names often give users a hint about what the app does. This clarity helps set expectations and attracts the right audience who are looking for your app's specific functionality.
Key Finding: Most bestselling books (57%) use 2-3 word titles for optimal memorability and impact.
Popular Mobile App Naming Patterns
Single Word Names
- •Description: Clear, concise single words that are easy to remember
- •Advantages: Simple to spell, easy to remember, great for branding
- •Considerations: May be harder to secure domain names, potential trademark issues
- •Examples: Slack, Zoom, Uber, Mint, Venmo, Calm
Compound Names
- •Description: Two words combined to create a new meaning
- •Advantages: Can convey more information about app functionality, more likely to be unique
- •Considerations: Keep it brief, ensure easy pronunciation
- •Examples: Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube
Modified Words
- •Description: Altered spelling or tweaked versions of real words
- •Advantages: Unique and memorable, often easier to trademark and secure domains
- •Considerations: Ensure pronunciation is intuitive, avoid confusing spellings
- •Examples: Lyft, Flickr, Tumblr, Spotify, Reddit
Invented Names
- •Description: Completely made-up words with no direct meaning
- •Advantages: Highly distinctive, easier to trademark, no existing associations
- •Considerations: Must be memorable and pronounceable, may require more branding effort
- •Examples: Waze, Skype, Roku, Hulu, Zynga
App Categories and Naming Trends
| App Category | Naming Trends | Popular Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Games & Entertainment | Evocative, action-oriented, creative compounds | Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Minecraft, Roblox |
| Productivity & Tools | Functional, descriptive, simple, professional | Evernote, Trello, Todoist, Notion |
| Social & Communication | Short, fresh, modern, inventive compounds | Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Discord |
| Health & Fitness | Active, positive, motivational, descriptive | Strava, MyFitnessPal, Calm, Headspace |
| Finance & Business | Trustworthy, professional, simple, secure-sounding | Mint, Robinhood, Venmo, Square |
App Store Optimization (ASO) Naming Tips
Your app name plays a crucial role in App Store Optimization (ASO). Here are key strategies to optimize your app name for better discoverability:
Include Relevant Keywords: Incorporate high-value search terms in your app name, but keep it natural. For example, "Photofy: Photo Editor & Filters" helps users find your app when searching for photo editing tools.
Respect Character Limits: Apple's App Store limits app names to 30 characters, while Google Play allows 50 characters. Make every character count, focusing on your main name first, followed by the most important keywords.
Use Subtitles Strategically: For iOS apps, use the 30-character subtitle field to include additional keywords that couldn't fit in the app name. This improves discoverability without cluttering your main name.
Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Don't sacrifice readability and brand appeal for keywords. "Best Top Photo Editor Pic Collage Maker Filter App" might include keywords but looks unprofessional and may violate store guidelines.
Consider Category Competition: Research top apps in your category to understand naming conventions and keyword opportunities. Different app categories may have different naming patterns that users respond to.
Pro Tip:
When evaluating potential app names, check if they're available as a domain name and on social media platforms. Consistent branding across all channels will make your app more memorable and discoverable beyond the app stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should my app name be?
For mobile apps, shorter is generally better. Aim for a name that's 1-3 words or under 20 characters for the primary name. This ensures it displays well on device screens and is easy to remember. However, for App Store Optimization (ASO), you can add a subtitle or descriptive elements that include keywords within the character limits imposed by each store (30 characters for Apple App Store main title, 50 for Google Play Store).
Should my app name describe its functionality?
While descriptive names can help with discoverability and immediate user understanding, they're not always necessary for success. Many top apps like TikTok, Waze, or Slack don't directly describe their function in their names. The key is balance – you can use a creative brand name followed by a brief descriptor (e.g., "Duolingo: Language Lessons"), or choose a meaningful name that suggests the app's purpose without being explicitly descriptive.
How do I check if my app name is available?
Before finalizing your app name, check availability across multiple platforms: 1) Search both app stores to see if the exact name or very similar names exist, 2) Check domain name availability for your web presence, 3) Search trademark databases like USPTO for potential conflicts, 4) Look up social media handles on platforms you plan to use for marketing. Remember that slight variations (like adding "App" or "Go") might be enough to differentiate your name if the exact match isn't available.
Can I change my app name after publishing?
Yes, you can change your app name after publishing, but it should be approached with caution. Both Apple and Google allow name changes through their respective developer consoles. However, changing your app name can impact your ASO rankings, brand recognition, and user trust. If you must change your name, consider a gradual transition where you temporarily incorporate both the old and new names (e.g., "NewName (formerly OldName)") to maintain continuity for existing users.
App Store Success Stories
Legendary App Names and Why They Work
Learn from these successful app naming strategies
TikTok
Originally launched as "Douyin" in China, the name "TikTok" was chosen for its international expansion. The name brilliantly evokes the sound of a ticking clock, aligning perfectly with the short-form video content's quick, time-based nature.
Why it works: It's short, catchy, and onomatopoeic (sounds like what it represents). The repetition makes it easy to remember, and it conveys the app's quick, rhythmic content format.
A clever play on the phrase "What's up?" that immediately communicates the app's casual, conversational purpose. The name suggests checking in with friends and having informal conversations.
Why it works: It's familiar and conversational, clearly indicating the messaging function. The word "app" in the name also explicitly states what it is, making it self-explanatory even to non-tech-savvy users.
Spotify
Reportedly a combination of "spot" and "identify," though the founders have stated it was initially a misheard word during a brainstorming session. The name has no direct meaning, giving it a blank slate for brand building.
Why it works: It's unique, short, and memorable. The modification of real words makes it distinctive while still being easy to pronounce. It has no pre-existing associations, allowing the brand to define its own meaning.
App Name & Icon: Perfect Partners
Your app name and icon should work together for maximum impact
Cloudly
SecureVault
BrightIdea
Validate Your App Name
Essential checks before finalizing your mobile app name
App Store Search
Search the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to ensure your name doesn't conflict with existing apps, especially in your category.
Trademark Availability
Conduct a trademark search to ensure your app name doesn't infringe on existing trademarks, which could lead to legal issues later.
Domain & Social Media
Check domain availability and social media handle availability across platforms to ensure consistent branding for your app.
Ready to name your mobile app?
Generate catchy, memorable app names that will stand out in app stores and resonate with your users.