When it comes to the final details, your cafe’s name is an important part. While many people start with an idea in mind, the reality of the name being taken (or just not great) is more common than you might expect. 

It might sound like an easy task, but the perfect name doesn’t always just “come to you”. Plus, the name that you decide on is going to stick with your cafe forever, so you want to make sure that you set yourself up for success. Choosing a name that is memorable, catchy and (most importantly) true to your vision is an essential step in the process of opening a cafe.

Yes, it’s a big deal. But don’t be overwhelmed.

How to Name a Cafe

Whether you’re already inspired or feeling like you have a creative block, there are a few easy steps that will work for everyone when it comes to finding a perfect name. No matter what stage you’re at in the brainstorming process, these tips will get your imagination flowing so that the perfect name can come to you. It's as easy as following these steps

1. Step 1: Be Inspired
2. Step 2: Know Your Vision
3. Step 3: Have Fun With It
4. Step 4: Use Tools to Brainstorm 

Step 1: Be Inspired

Start to look to other resources to inspire potential names. Do so without judgement, as you never know what could spark the perfect idea. Here's a video that runs through potential cafe names to start getting the ball rolling. 

In addition to searching online for ideas, go take a walk around a local neighbourhood, and jot down any names that catch your eye. You don’t want to copy another establishment’s name, but writing down names you like can help you find commonalities. If you know what you like, coming up with your own idea is a whole lot easier. 

Step 2: Know Your Vision

If you haven’t already, create a vision board or concept map of your cafe. This can include everything from furniture design to colour schemes. Regardless of how you get there, the goal is to create a visual representation of what you want your cafe to be. 

An easy way to go about making your cafe’s vision board is to go through old magazines, tearing out any images that spark your interest. Round up all these images in one place, and there you have it: Your cafe vision board. 

Even if you think some of the images might ultimately be unrelated to the cafe itself, they can speak the aesthetic you are trying to create. Plus, these unrelated pictures might make for great cafe names. A picture of a flower might seem out of on your board, for example. But Sunflower Cafe might be the perfect name.

Step 3: Have Fun With It

Start listing things you see around you, testing them for cafe name potential. Staircase coffee, couch cafe, tree cafe… The initial tests might be boring, but you might soon find yourself on the right path. Tree cafe sounds bland, but let your imagination wander a bit and you might end up with Treehouse Coffee Shop. Much better!

Step 4: Use Tools to Brainstorm

If brainstorming doesn’t come naturally, use tools like random name generators online. We’ve created one here to show as an example, but it goes to show how simple mixing and matching can lead to great inspiration.