Earlier this year, I shared a free ebook about how to write a naming brief, including an interactive naming brief template. As a follow up, I’ve written an ebook full of tips for generating name ideas: How to Generate Names. Just like the previous ebook, this one is based on my own experience as a professional namer as well as interviews with other namers (season one of the podcast).

You can download the ebook for free by clicking here. Download a master list template (in Excel) here.

This booklet contains nine sections:

1. About name generation: this guide shares some common approaches and best practices
2. The naming process: a generally agreed-upon, seven-step process for name development
3. Keeping a master list: advice on keeping all your name ideas organized in one place
4. Ideation ground rules: brainstorming rules and steps for coming up with new ideas
5. Basic name generation: a guide to getting set up and taking some easy first steps
6. Diving deeper: thinking conceptually; conducting relevant research
7. Ten techniques to try: from looking up idioms to getting some exercise, ten ways to spur your creativity
8. Additional resources: books and websites namers use during naming projects
9. About this guide: who created it, namers whose ideas may have been incorporated, etc.

Like the previous ebook, I’m hoping How to Generate Names is helpful for naming amateurs and experience pros. Even if you already have a process that works for you, seeing how other professional namers are approaching the same challenges may give you some new ideas. If you’d like to download your free copy (and the the master list template), please click the link below. And feel free to provide feedback in the comments here, on social media, or via email.

Rob Meyerson is a brand consultant, author of Brand Naming, and co-author of the sixth edition of Designing Brand Identity. He runs Heirloom, a brand strategy and identity firm, and hosts the podcast How Brands Are Built.