- Choosing A Name That’s Too Generic
- Copying A Competitor’s Name Format
- Ignoring Domain Availability
- Making It Hard to Spell or Pronounce
- Forgetting About SEO Potential
- Being Trendy Over Timeless
- Not Testing For Reactions
- Excess Symbols Or Numbers
- Failing To Reflect Your Brand Personality
- Waiting Too Long To Decide
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Your Shopify store name is the first thing your customers will notice, and it better be a good one, or they’ll head straight to your competition.
Okay, maybe that was harsh. No need to panic, dear dropshipper. But it is worth stressing just how important your store name is when presenting yourself as a brand. It’s the word that defines you in your customer’s eyes before they even click and enter your online store.
It might seem simple — “I’ll just pick a random word and move on” — but it’s not. Sure, maybe one of the Beatles saw a bug and decided to name the band after it. But you’re not starting a band, you’re building a business, which is why you’re reading this.
(Though if you are starting a band, send me the demos.)
This small task can easily go wrong, hurting your store’s performance and growth.
Today, we’ll cover the most common mistakes when naming your dropshipping store (and how to avoid them).
If you want to skip the hassle, just check out our AI Shopify Business Name Generator!
Mistake #1: Choosing a Name That’s Too Generic
One of the biggest mistakes when naming your dropshipping store is picking something too generic. Names like “Best Deals Online” might sound like a safe bet, but they’re forgettable and don’t tell your customers anything about what you sell or who you are.
When your store name is vague or overused, it blends into the background, making it harder for your brand to stand out in a crowded market.
Instead, aim for a name with specific keywords related to your niche or your products. This not only helps your customers instantly understand what your store is about but also makes your brand more memorable.
If you’re stuck trying to come up with unique and brandable name ideas, don’t worry, the AI Shopify Name Generator is here to help. All you have to do is access the feature and type in keywords that match your niche or store idea in the blank box.
Once you hit “Generate Now,” tons of name ideas will appear within seconds.
Mistake #2: Copying a Competitor’s Name Format
It’s normal to get inspired by others; that’s how it works. When we see someone in our niche doing well, it makes sense to study what they’re doing right and try to apply some of those strategies ourselves. But when it comes to naming your store, mimicking someone else’s format too closely is a risky move.
Why? Well, you could end up confusing potential customers (which hurts your credibility), and you might even run into legal trouble if your name happens to be a little too similar to an existing one.
But more than anything, you’re missing a golden opportunity to stand out! A copied format makes your store feel like a knockoff, not a brand with its own identity. The goal here isn’t to blend in, it’s to carve out your space in the market.
✅ Different is memorable. And if you need a little push in the right direction, our Shopify Store Name Generator can help you come up with truly original names, without sounding like a remix of someone else’s idea.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Domain Availability
You’ve come up with a name you love; it’s catchy, niche-specific, and sounds like the next big thing. But then, surprise: the domain is already taken. Oops.
Skipping the step of checking domain availability during your Shopify website building can seriously slow your launch, force you into awkward compromises (like adding random dashes or weird suffixes), or even send customers to someone else’s website by mistake. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s bad for branding and trust.
A great store name isn’t just one that sounds good. It must also be practical and usable across your brand assets, especially your website. Before getting too attached, make sure the .com (or another solid alternative) is free and easy to remember.
Mistake #4: Making It Hard to Spell or Pronounce
Naming your store shouldn’t feel like a spelling bee. Here are a few reasons why clarity beats cleverness every time:
- Customers won’t search for what they can’t pronounce:
If your name is a tongue twister or has an unusual pronunciation, there’s a good chance people will type it wrong, or worse, give up trying to find you altogether.
- Word of mouth becomes a nightmare:
“—Hey, I found this amazing home decor store!”
“—No way, I’ve been looking for one! What’s it called?”
—Uhh… I think it was Courtain Cousins? Or maybe Coach Cousins? Wait, could’ve been Courtain Coins? I’m not sure anymore…“
And just like that, my dear dropshipper, you’ve lost a potential customer.
- Clever doesn’t mean memorable:
Sure, you might feel like a creative genius for coming up with a pun or a made-up word that no one’s ever heard before. But if it’s not intuitive or easy to pronounce, it won’t stick in anyone’s mind.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About SEO Potential
Your store’s name isn’t just for your logo; it can also be your first shot at showing up in Google search results. A name that includes descriptive, niche-relevant keywords (without sounding robotic) can boost your SEO from day one.
Think of it this way: if someone searches for “eco-friendly yoga mats,” a store named GreenFlow Mats has a much better chance of being clicked than one called Zentura, no matter how cool the latter sounds.
This doesn’t mean your name needs to be packed with keywords, but choosing a name that reflects what you sell helps customers and search engines understand your brand.
✅ Need help finding that perfect balance? Our AI Shopify Business Name Generator can suggest SEO-friendly brandable names without sounding generic or forced.
Mistake #6: Being Trendy Over Timeless
Ok, congrats! You’ve found the trendiest, coolest, most viral name of the moment. Maybe you’ll even go big on TikTok for a few days. But here’s the thing: trends don’t last forever. Trends come and go, and if your store name is too tied to what’s hot right now, you might end up stuck with something that feels outdated before you’ve even scaled your business.
A name like “ViralTokGadgets” might feel clever today, but in a few years (or months), it could sound like a relic of a bygone internet era. And rebranding isn’t just a hassle, it can confuse customers and hurt your growth.
Instead, aim for something that stays powerful. A timeless name can grow with your business, no matter how your product catalog or niche evolves. It signals stability, professionalism, and vision, three things that customers do care about.
Mistake #7: Not Testing for Reactions
Just because you like how it sounds doesn’t mean your future customers will feel the same. Naming a store is a bit like telling a joke, if no one else gets it, it’s probably not landing.
What sounds clever, catchy, or meaningful to you might come off as confusing, awkward, or even forgettable to someone else. That’s why it’s essential to test your name ideas with other people, ideally, folks who match your target audience. Ask friends, peers, or even your first few customers what the name makes them think of. Does it sound like a store they’d trust? Is it easy to remember? Would they click on it?
Early feedback can save you from launching with a name that misses the mark.
Mistake #8: Overcomplicating with Symbols or Numbers
Yes, sometimes it feels like all the good names have already been taken. But that doesn’t mean we have to resort to numbers, symbols, or weird spellings to stand out. A name like “Shop4U.biz” might seem creative in the moment, but in reality, it’s just asking for confusion.
Numbers and symbols can be difficult to say out loud, tricky to type correctly, and easy to forget. Imagine someone verbally recommending your store: “It’s Shop… the number 4… letter U… dot biz?” Yeah, no thanks.
Plus, names with too many quirks tend to look less professional. Clean, simple, word-only names are not only easier to remember, but they also build more trust.
Mistake #9: Failing to Reflect Your Brand Personality
Not every store name needs to be quirky, minimalist, or dripping with luxury, but it does need to match your vibe. Customers get mixed signals when there’s a disconnect between your name and what you actually sell (or how you want to be perceived).
Imagine you’re running a high-end skincare brand, but your store is called “WackyDeals.” That clash doesn’t just confuse people, it makes them less likely to trust you. The same applies to selling fun novelty gifts under a cold, corporate-sounding name.
Your name is your first handshake. It should instantly give off the right tone, whether that’s playful, sleek, earthy, premium, or down-to-earth. The good news? The AI Shopify Business Name Generator lets you generate name ideas based on the personality you want your brand to express. That means less second-guessing and more names that feel right from the start.
Mistake #10: Waiting Too Long to Decide
Taking too much time to settle on a name might feel like being careful, but it can hold you back. Here’s why acting sooner is better than overthinking:
- Paralysis by analysis: Spending weeks comparing options can stall your store’s launch and momentum.
- Missed opportunities: While you hesitate, someone else could grab your perfect domain or brand idea.
- Doubt grows with time: The longer you wait, the harder it gets to feel confident about any choice, even the good ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good Shopify store name?
It’s short, easy to remember, reflects your niche, and has an available domain.
Can I change my store name later?
Yes, you can change it, but rebranding can affect recognition and SEO — it’s better to get it right from the start.
Will the AI name generator check for trademarks?
No, it won’t check trademarks automatically. Always do a manual check to avoid legal issues.
How many names can I generate for free?
You can generate unlimited names for free, no signup required.
Don’t Just Avoid Mistakes—Get It Right
This isn’t meant to make you spiral thinking you’ll never find the perfect name; it’s just better to overthink a little than to overlook something that could hurt your business.
On the other hand, avoiding mistakes isn’t enough either. We should always aim to optimize, and AI can help us do that when used correctly.
Have you tried our feature yet? What are you waiting for? Check out the AI Shopify Business Name Generator.
