HACKER Q&A
📣 prohobo

Why not use a stupid name for a startup?


I'm rebranding a project I'm working on, because someone pointed out that the name conflicts with existing projects.

For a while now I've been hearing from people that "the name doesn't matter". The reason people associate Apple, Google, Blender, Firefox, etc. with something good is simply because the products those names represent are good. The point is to actually just come up with a brandable name that's short, easy to say, isn't taken by another brand, and maybe has something to do with the actual product.

So while I've been brainstorming ideas for an app name, I got a little frustrated and came up with this:

"Time Saver 3000".

That name is a little long, but it made me laugh at how stupid it is - yet also straightforward, and memorable.

Why aren't more projects named like that? What's wrong with using a silly, even stupid, name? Wouldn't it be a bit fashionable? Like breaking out of the mold and adding some whimsy to an industry where most app names sound like "Tasker" or "Taskly" or use Greek/Roman mythological names?


  👤 anenefan Accepted Answer ✓
As someone who was often searching for hardware / programs for other people back 20 years ago ... a distinct memorable name that does not blend in easy with common language were the easiest to locate relevant information. eg 2-cute time saver ...

👤 beardyw

👤 jstx1
It's like showing up underdressed to a social event. Perhaps someone cool can pull it off and own it, but it's a bad idea for most people which is why it isn't the default advice.