Treat naming as a structured creative process requiring a month of iteration, not divine inspiration
Great names rarely come from a single brainstorm or AI prompt. The process requires structured exploration across multiple themes, extensive reading (fiction, nonfiction, baby name sites, Urban Dictionary), and openness to serendipitous discovery. Budget at least one month. Creative work has unseen labor; what looks effortless requires discipline.
When to use
When setting expectations for a naming project. When frustrated that naming is taking longer than expected.
Don't do this
Expecting naming inspiration to strike quickly, or outsourcing entirely to AI name generators that produce pattern-based suggestions.
1 Founder Who Did This
eero was originally Portal until a naming session surfaced that a team member was from St. Louis, leading to discussion of the Gateway Arch by architect Eero Saarinen—serendipitous discovery that reflected the companys design focus