Invented Domain Names
How to create entirely new words that work as professional domains
Building Words From Linguistic Roots
Verizon, Accenture, Xfinity, Lexus, Kodak, Xerox. These names didn't exist before their companies created them. They sound real because they follow patterns our brains recognize from Latin and Greek-derived vocabulary.
Creating an invented word requires deliberate construction using morphemes - the building blocks that humans intuitively recognize as word-like. The goal is a name that feels familiar despite being entirely new.
Five Construction Techniques
1. Use Latin and Greek roots: "Accenture" combines "accent" (Latin: to emphasize) with "future" associations. "Verizon" suggests "veritas" (truth) and "horizon." These roots carry implicit meaning and sound authoritative. Study etymology dictionaries to find roots relevant to your industry.
2. Apply professional suffixes: Endings like -ium, -us, -is, -ex, -ix, -on, and -ia suggest established terms. "Lexus" sounds like a Latin noun. "Xerox" uses Greek-style -x ending. These suffixes signal seriousness and permanence.
3. Maintain pronounceability: Invented words must be speakable. Alternate consonants and vowels. Avoid consonant clusters that don't appear in English (like "tsk" or "bzh"). If native English speakers stumble over it, the name fails.
4. Keep to 2-3 syllables: Most successful invented names are short. Kodak (2), Xerox (2), Lexus (2), Verizon (3), Accenture (3). Longer inventions become hard to remember and seem artificial rather than natural.
5. Test across languages: An invented word has no meaning in any language. But it might accidentally resemble something offensive. Check pronunciation and appearance in Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Japanese, and Arabic at minimum.
The Invention Process
Start with concepts you want to evoke, not specific words. List the feelings, ideas, and associations your brand should trigger. "Speed," "precision," "innovation," "trust" - whatever matters to your positioning.
Find roots that connect to these concepts. Latin and Greek dictionaries (free online) map concepts to historical word forms. Combine prefixes, roots, and suffixes in different arrangements. Generate dozens of candidates before narrowing down.
Filter ruthlessly. Does it pass the phone test - can someone spell it after hearing it once? Does it look good written down? Does it fit on a business card? Would you feel confident saying it in a board meeting?
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Base construction on actual linguistic roots
- Test pronunciation with diverse speakers
- Check for negative meanings in major languages
- Keep length to 2-3 syllables maximum
Don't
- Randomly combine letters hoping something works
- Use unpronounceable consonant clusters
- Create names that sound like existing brands
- Skip trademark research before investing in the brand
Find Your Perfect Domain
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Try DecideDomain FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How is "invented" different from "brandable"?
Brandable names often blend or modify existing words (Spotify from "spot" + suffix). Invented names are built from scratch using linguistic roots, creating entirely new words like Verizon, Accenture, or Lexus. Invented names require more deliberate construction but offer complete ownership of the word.
What makes an invented word sound professional?
Latin and Greek roots lend authority because they underpin scientific, legal, and medical terminology. Words ending in -ium, -us, -is, -ex, or -ix sound established. The rhythm matters too: 2-3 syllables with stress on the first or second syllable sounds natural in English.
Do invented names hurt SEO?
Initially, yes - no one searches for a word that doesn't exist yet. But SEO impact from domain names is minimal compared to content and backlinks. Invented names like Google, Xerox, and Kodak eventually become search terms themselves. Brand building matters more than keyword matching.
How do I check if my invented word has bad meanings?
Run the word through Google Translate in major languages (Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Japanese, Portuguese, Arabic). Search the word in quotes on Google to see if it already exists. Pay for professional linguistic screening if you're investing significantly in the brand.