Tips for naming your app

Hint at the function

The best app names give users a clue about what the app does. Clear beats clever — if people can't figure out what it is, they won't download it.

Think about app store search

Search discoverability matters on the App Store and Google Play. If a keyword fits naturally into your name, it can significantly boost organic installs.

Test it out loud

Say the name out loud a few times. If people stumble over it, they won't be able to recommend it to a friend. Pronounceability is a feature.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, directly. Both the App Store and Google Play factor the app name into search rankings. Including a relevant keyword in your name — naturally, not forced — can meaningfully improve discoverability. A name like "Calm: Sleep & Meditation" performs better in relevant searches than a purely invented name with no keywords.

Not necessarily. Many successful apps have names that differ from their parent company. What matters is that the app name is memorable and findable on its own. If you plan to launch multiple apps, a distinct app name per product is usually cleaner than using the company name for everything.

As short as possible. App store listings truncate names at around 30 characters on the App Store and 50 on Google Play, but in practice anything beyond 15–20 characters gets cut in most views. Aim for a name that reads completely in a list — the icon and the name are the only things users see when browsing.

Technically you can publish it, but it creates real risks. Similar names cause confusion, split search traffic, and can invite trademark disputes if the existing app has protected its name. It also makes word-of-mouth harder — people recommending your app may inadvertently send others to a competitor.

It depends on the audience. Consumer apps aimed at a general audience tend to benefit from warm, approachable names. Productivity tools and B2B apps often do better with something clean and direct. Developer tools can lean more technical. The tone filter in Naimfy lets you steer results toward Modern, Creative, Professional, or Tech.