The Word

Thoughts and news. All about the language of brands.

FEATURED POST

In-the-news

In the News: Scott Milano on The Trending Communicator Podcast
Tanj founder & managing director, Scott Milano, dives deep into the intricacies of naming brands with the...
By Tanj Staff ●News
March 5th, 2026

RECENT POSTS

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

In the New: Scott Milano Talks Philosophy of Naming on the Branderman Podcast

Our very own Scott Milano has a philosophical conversation about naming with Hernán Braberman on his podcast,...
By Jill Stanewick ●News ● Naming ● Naming Trends ● Naming Hot Takes ● Uncommon Inspiration ● Press
November 3rd, 2025

Word Games Every Startup Should Use for Naming

Startups run on experimentation, right? Your naming process should too. When your first batch of ideas feels flat,...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Uncommon Inspiration
November 3rd, 2025

Brand Naming Insights for CEOs

Every CEO knows the basics. Make it memorable, make sure you can trademark it, don't pick something stupid. But...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Hot Takes
November 1st, 2025

How Startup Teams Get Unstuck When Naming

When you're building at startup speed, naming feels like one more thing competing for time you don't have....
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Uncommon Inspiration
October 28th, 2025

Brand Naming Insights for Innovation Teams

Innovation teams operate at breakneck speed. You're building the future, solving hard problems, pushing into...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Naming Trends
October 28th, 2025

New Guide: Brand Name Launch Checklist

Launching a new name is one of the most thrilling and nerve-racking moments in a brand’s journey. Before you make it...
By Scott Milano ●Naming ● Naming Tools
October 27th, 2025

The Role of Research To Enhance Your Brand Naming Process

Great names don’t come out of thin air. You might be surprised at the amount of research that goes on behind the...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming ● Brand Research
September 12th, 2025
In-the-news

Tanj Founder — Scott Milano — Speaks to Fast Company About the DOD Renaming

Tanj Founder & Managing Director, Scott Milano, was featured in a recent Fast Company article on the renaming of...
By Jill Stanewick ●News ● Naming ● Naming Hot Takes ● Branding
September 10th, 2025

How to Use AI to Spark Naming Ideas (Without Falling Into the Generic Trap)

Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. From drafting emails to designing logos to writing code, it’s...
By Jill Stanewick
September 5th, 2025

How to Create a Name That Will Grow with Your Brand

Your brand name isn’t just for launch day. It’s for year five, year ten, and beyond.A strong name should do more than...
By Jill Stanewick ●Naming
September 4th, 2025