KISS, Maroon 5, Led Zeppelin, Alice In Chains, Death Cab for Cutie, and Wu-Tang Clan are all unique band names that fans and casual listeners recognize.
Why? These and other band names are as memorable and unique as their fashion sense and songwriting styles. It all works well together, like hot dogs, ketchup, and mustard.
When picking a band name, you want something memorable that lasts a long time. Bands like Queen, Journey, The Rolling Stones, and AC/DC are around 40-50 years old but are still remembered by veteran and newer fans because their names and music still rock on.
We got some harmonious band name ideas to stir up the band in you and your friends, and advice to help you hone in on the best one for you and your mates.
What Makes a “Good” Band Name?
You’ll know you’ve come up with a good band name when you can check off some boxes. A good band name will be:
- Unique and standout
- Relatable for your audience
- Easy to remember
- A true reflection of your band’s personality and sound
- Timeless — something you can stick with as your band evolves
- Available for use (not already taken, and easy to grab website URL, social handles, etc.)
A “good” band name is that recognizable needle in the haystack you can’t turn away from no matter how hard you try.
10 Strategies for Brainstorming Band Name Ideas
Picking a band name is somewhat similar to picking a DJ name. Here are a few musts when picking a band name:
- Research existing band names (to avoid copyright infringement)
- Embrace your band persona and music style
- Know your audience
- Aim for catchiness (puns, combining words, alliteration, or rhyming)
- Test it in the market and get feedback
If you’re starting a band and looking for a name (or new name), here are some solid gold tactics for brainstorming music band name ideas that’ll turn some heads.
Geographical References
Did you know Linkin Park was named after the actual Lincoln Park in Santa Monica that frontman Chester Bennington drove past on his way to the studio? After a spelling tweak, the name stuck.
Examples of band name ideas with locale-based references:
- The Gold Gate Bridgers
- Camden Station
- Celtic Skies
- Echoes of Elm Street
- Neon Tokyo
- Pacific Drift
Song Names or Lyrics
French Pop Band Phoenix named themselves after Daft Punk’s song of the same name. Phoenix Guitarist Laurent Brancowitz and Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter were in the same band called Darlin’ in the early ‘90s before going their separate ways.
Ideas for band names using song names or lyrics:
- Free Birds
- Purple Haze Collective
- The Raspberry Berets
- Billie Jean’s Thriller
- Rebel Rebel
Literature
The Doors named their band after Aldous Huxley’s autobiography, The Doors of Perception. Steppenwolf coined their name after German author Hermann Hesse’s novel.
Examples of band name ideas with literary references:
- The Scarlett Letters
- Dra Cula
- Bay O’ Wolf
- The Expecto Patrnonums
- The Ravens Call
- Catch 22
Life Experiences or Family Stories
The Hayley Williams-led alternative rock band Paramore found its name in one of the members’ mother’s maiden name, Paramour, which also means “secret lover.” They changed the spelling, and the name stuck.
Band name ideas that could come from life experiences or family lore:
- Secrets From the Confessional
- The Wedding Polaroids
- Tears and Scabbed Knees
- Backyard Bonfire
- Grandpa’s Old Records
- Mom’s Daycare Kids
Cultural or Historical References
Hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan coined their name from the 1983 Kung-Fu movie, “Shaolin & Wu Tang.” The group sampled this movie in their debut album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).
Examples of band name ideas referencing culture or history:
- Colossus of Rhodes
- Suffragette City (bonus, as this is also a song reference!)
- Radioactive Spider Bites
- Wars of the Roses
- The Gamma Ray Supers
Literary Tools (Alliteration, Puns, Metaphors, Oxymorons, Etc.)
Literary tools are tricks in a writer’s tool kit, like alliteration, puns, metaphors, oxymorons, and symbolic imagery. For example, Harmonica Lewinsky is a blues band that puns former ‘90s White House Intern Monica Lewinsky. More real-world examples? Radiohead. Fleet Foxes. The Happy Mondays. My Bloody Valentine.
Here are some band name ideas that lean into the use of literary tools:
- Whispering Thunder
- Peter’s Pineapple Principle
- Hally’s Berries
- The Seriously Funnies
- Broken Compass
- Silver Sun Serenade
Foreign Words or Phrases
Maná’s name is Polynesian for “good energy.” Icelandic singer Björk is Swedish for “birch,” a tree type.
Examples of band name ideas based on foreign language words or phrases:
- The Sayonaras (Japanese for “goodbye”)
- Oui, Oui! (French for “Yes, yes!”)
- Ciao (Italian for Hello and Goodbye)
- Benissimo (Italian for “very well”)
- Chimaira (Greek reference for a mythological creature)
- Fado da Alma (Portuguese for “fate of the soul”)
Abstract
Abstract simply means something that’s a thought or idea but doesn’t really have a physical or concrete interpretation. Some examples of band names that fit this category are Pink Floyd, Modest Mouse, or The Smashing Pumpkins.
Examples of abstract concepts that could be great band name ideas:
- Woven Dreams
- Infinite Static
- Violet Seas
- Ghost Frequencies
- Glass Serpent
- Shouting Flames
By the way — from funny to downright weird, there are multiple versions of how The Smashing Pumpkins got their name. However, a 1993 Addicted To Noise Magazine interview with guitarist James Iha and former bassist D’Arcy Wretzky said the band’s friend, Bob English, coined the name.
AI-Generated
AI, or artificial intelligence, is still relatively new. However, using free AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can yield interesting ideas as far as band name results. See for yourself.
Band name ideas we generated using prompts in ChatGPT based on our criteria for “what makes a good band name:”
- Woven Shadows
- Ivory Fortress
- Copper Rain
- Aurora Sync
- Wild Ember
- Feral Hearts
- Strangers of Eden
- Midnight Machine
Genre
Leaning into genre can make your band’s name instantly relatable and memorable. You can work with genre-based names for rock, heavy metal, pop, hip-hop, jazz, and more.
Here are examples of genre-based band name ideas:
- ThunderHawk (Rock)
- Golden Junction (Jazz)
- Sugar Avenue (Pop)
- Brick City Scholars (Rap/Hip-Hop)
- Wanderlust Hours (Indie)
- River’s Whisper (Folk)
- Razorfall (Metal)
- Whiskey Rain (Blues)
- Electric Outlaws (Country)
How to Test Your Top Picks
You’ve chosen your band name. Now it’s time to test it with friends, family, fans, and the World Wide Web. Dun, dun, dun…
Run Your Band Name Ideas by People You Trust
Running your band name by your friends and loved ones is an easy way to get another perspective on the chosen band name. If they dislike it, you can always run a few more ideas by them or let them come up with ideas.
You can also get fan input at concerts or with interactive polls on social media. After all, the fans are the ones you want to please the most. According to the latest music and DJ statistics, musicians are all about getting super fans who follow them on social media, buy their digital and physical albums, go to all of their concerts, and buy all of their merch.
See If Your Top Picks Are Available
If your new name passes the friend, family, and fan tests, it’s time to do the real test: Availability.
- See if it’s been trademarked.
- Check the internet for any occurrences (however obscure) of your name.
- Check whether the domain is available on Namecheap for web hosting, or an all-in-one for hosting and domain plus website builder, Wix Domains.
- Make sure you can grab social handles with your band name.
- See if you can get matching profiles on streaming channels (Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Discord, and so on).
Ready to get gigs, but not sure where to get started? Check out this article on how to get band gigs.
Mistakes to Avoid When Coming Up With a Band Name
While finding the right band name is a fun and collaborative effort, there are some mistakes you should avoid when choosing the best name. Some common “don’ts” when it comes to naming your band are:
- Swear words: You may score cool points with fans, but it can ruin press and gig chances.
- Not having consensus: As a band, you’re a team. If you and all your bandmates can’t agree on a name, it may be a sign that you need to keep working on it.
- Controversial names: Similar to swear words, controversial names can give you more bad press than good and fewer chances of getting hired for gigs.
- Not giving the new name time to settle: It will take time for your band to gain name brand awareness and help you build traction.
- Naming your band after a current girlfriend or boyfriend: Naming the band after a boyfriend or girlfriend is like getting their name tattooed on your arm. What if you break up the next day? Then you’re stuck with all the awkward feelings because every time you say your band’s name, you think of your ex. Yikes.
Get Liability Insurance to Protect Your Good Name and Reputation
Risks are always present, and no matter how careful you are, accidents can happen at gigs.
For example, you’re setting up your gear and instruments, and an attendee trips over one of your cords and sprains their ankle. While tripping, they knock your lighting system over, which damages the wall and floor of the venue. You could end up getting sued by your fan and the venue owner — without insurance, your reputation and finances could take a big hit.
Band insurance can protect you from incidents like these and more, so you don’t have to worry about paying for medical bills, property damage, and legal expenses out of pocket. This coverage is designed to protect you so you can focus on the music and rocking out the crowds at your gigs in peace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Choosing Band Names
What are Some Cool Unused Band Name Ideas?
Some cool, unused band name ideas include:
- Blazing Grapes
- Ciao
- Oui, Oui!
- Shouting Flames
- Dra Cula
- Bay O’ Wolf
- The Expecto Patrnonums
- Infinite Static
- Tears and Scabbed Knees
What are Good Rock Band Name Ideas?
Good band name ideas need to be memorable and relatable to the audience and genre. For a rock band, some ideas could be:
- Viper Chain
- Jagged Clown
- Crimson Sunsets
- Iron Echo
- Steel Ember
- Burning Clay
Where Can I Find Ideas for Band Names?
You can find band name ideas virtually anywhere — such as geographical references, literature, family stories, life experiences, cultural references, artificial intelligence, name generators, foreign words, and more.
How Can I Own My Band Name?
The best way to “own” your band name is by trademarking it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), so no one can steal or misuse it. You can also buy a domain name for your band’s website and register it as a business by getting a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) and state business license.
Even if you’re not ready to get active on social media, grabbing social media handles and streaming music channel profiles with your band name also protects its use.
