The Word

Thoughts and news. All about the language of brands.

FEATURED POST

Can AI Replace a Naming Agency?
Short answer: no. Longer answer: it depends on what you think a naming agency actually does.If you think a naming...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Tools
April 18th, 2026

RECENT POSTS

Navigating Legal and Trademark Issues in Naming

Naming is easily one of the best parts of building a brand. It's creative, it's energizing, and it actually...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Trademark
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What Makes a Memorable Brand Name: The Tanj Memorability Test

Memorability is not luck.It is cognitive design.Some names catch. Some names spread. Some names become shortcuts for...
By Scott Milano ●Naming ● Naming Tools
December 1st, 2025

How to Name a Product: A Complete Guide

Launching a new product? You've got a million decisions to make, but here's the truth: nothing will shape...
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How to Name a Company: A Complete Guide

Naming a company shouldn't feel like throwing spaghetti at the wall. Here's a clear process for building a...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Tools
November 20th, 2025

How to Rename a Company: A Step-by-Step Framework

Renaming your company is a big deal. Get it right, and you can unlock real growth, reposition yourself meaningfully,...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Tools
November 19th, 2025

2025 Brand Naming Trends. A First Look at the Year’s Biggest Moves.

If you've been paying attention to brand naming, 2025 was hard to miss. More brands launched, renamed, or...
By Scott Milano ●Naming ● Naming Trends
November 18th, 2025

A Complete Checklist for Founders Choosing a Company Name

For founders who want a name they can proudly say out loud for years to come.A great name isn’t chosen by consensus....
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Tools
November 17th, 2025

The Philosophy of Naming: The Poetry Behind Brand Naming

Great names don't just inform. They move you. They spark reactions people can't quite explain but feel...
By Scott Milano ●Naming ● Philosophy of Naming
November 17th, 2025

The Philosophy of Naming: How Brands Build Power Through Names

Naming is more than a branding step or a creative exercise. It's an act of power. A name lets a brand claim...
By Scott Milano ●Naming ● Philosophy of Naming
November 16th, 2025

The Philosophy of Naming: How Meaning Shapes Brands

Every name carries more weight than you'd think. A name frames an idea, shapes how people understand it, and...
By Scott Milano ●Naming ● Philosophy of Naming
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How to Brief a Brand Naming Agency

If you've never worked with a brand naming agency before, that first kickoff can feel a bit like walking into...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming
November 14th, 2025

Key Naming Terms Every Brand Team Should Know

A Simple Glossary of Brand Naming TermsIf you've worked with a brand naming agency before, you've probably...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming
November 14th, 2025

Why Startup Founders Should Leave the Desk to Name Better

When brainstorming goes nowhere, try changing your scenery. The real world is packed with naming inspiration — you...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Uncommon Inspiration
November 13th, 2025

Brand Naming Insights for Startup Founders

Every startup founder knows the basics of naming: keep it clear, memorable, and legally available. But what separates...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Hot Takes
November 12th, 2025

Slow Down to Find a Better Startup Name

Early stage founders move fast because they have to. But when you're naming something that matters, speed...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Uncommon Inspiration
November 11th, 2025

Brand Naming Insights for Product Managers

Naming is one of the most important (and underestimated) parts of creating a new product. It’s not about being clever...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Hot Takes
November 10th, 2025

Tanj Continues as a Clutch Global Leader for Naming in 2025

We’re proud to start 2025 recognized once again as a Clutch Global Leader for Naming.This continued recognition from...
By Jill Stanewick ●News ● Press
November 7th, 2025

Naming Insights for CMOs

You already know the checklist: clear, memorable, trademarkable. But let's be honest — that's not what...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Hot Takes
November 6th, 2025