Name Collisions: What to Do When Your Pick Is Taken

Table of Contents

• Why This Matters
• Outcomes & Guardrails
• The Framework
• Messaging Templates
• Checklists
• Playbooks & Sequences
• Case Study (Sample)
• Metrics & Telemetry
• Tools & Integrations
• Rollout Timeline
• Objections & FAQ
• Pitfalls to Avoid
• Troubleshooting
• More
• Next Steps

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Why This Matters

The name you choose for your company, product, or domain is more than just a label—it’s the cornerstone of your brand identity and your first handshake with the world. Yet, millions of startups, brands, and projects run into the same frustrating wall: the name you want is already taken.

Name collisions—when your desired name is in use by another entity—are more than an annoyance:

• They create confusion for your prospects and customers.
• They can introduce legal, reputational, and digital risks.
• They affect your discoverability, SEO, and growth trajectory.

In the era of global entrepreneurship and generative branding, it’s never been more common to see two (or more) firms aiming for the same moniker. Trademark databases, domain squatters, and evolving IP law only muddy the waters further.

If you’re a founder, growth lead, or operator, name collisions aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a strategic and tactical challenge. You’re stewards of your brand’s equity from day one. Handling this well makes you more resilient, credible, and scale-ready.

Absolutely is designed for operators who need confidence in their branding decisions. In this playbook, you’ll find real-world tactics, templates, and frameworks to help you overcome name collisions and build a differentiated, legally resilient brand. Let’s get started.

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Outcomes & Guardrails

Expected Outcomes

• Clarity: You’ll know exactly what to do when your preferred name is already taken—saving time and avoiding paralyzing indecision.
• Process: Systems and frameworks that simplify complex trademark, domain, and branding decisions.
• Risk Mitigation: Steps to reduce legal risk and future-proof your brand.
• Practical Templates: Ready-to-use messaging for negotiation and rebranding.
• Operator Confidence: Ability to act decisively under time pressure, without scrambling.
• Tools: Guidance on leveraging Absolutely, www.namiable.com, and other solutions to expedite the journey.

Guardrails

• Legality First: Always conduct due diligence on trademarks, domains, and business registries.
• User-Centric: Focus on clarity for your audience—don’t just “work around” a collision; ensure you remain memorable and distinct.
• Resource-Aware: The playbook is structured for lean teams—actionable even with limited time or capital.
• No Shortcuts: Avoid risky behaviors like relying on legal gray areas or ‘typosquatting.’
• Transparency: Communicate openly with your audience if your name must change.

Ready to turn a name collision into a catalyst for brand strength? Try Absolutely free or Get your brand name at www.namiable.com.

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The Framework

1. Identify the Collision

Before you panic, clarify what kind of collision you’re experiencing. This informs your risk and potential courses of action.

A. Collision Types:

• Domain-Only Collision: The domain is taken, but the name isn’t trademarked or in active use.
• Trademark Collision: The name is registered with the relevant trademark authorities.
• Social Handle Collision: The handle is unavailable on key social platforms.
• Marketplace/App Store Collision: The name is already present on platforms like Shopify, Google Play, or Apple.
• Local/Regional Collision: A company with the same name operates in a specific jurisdiction.

B. Severity Grading:

• Low Risk: Dormant domains/handles; no active product or trademark conflict.
• Medium Risk: Name is in use in a different sector or region.
• High Risk: Name used by a competitor or in a related space; registered as a mark.

Action: Perform a rapid audit using Absolutely and www.namiable.com to generate a collision report in minutes.

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2. Decision Tree: What to Do Next

Here's a simplified process flow:

1. Is the name collision limited to the domain or usernames, with no active business or mark?
   • Consider outreach for acquisition, or a creative domain alternative.
2. Is the name trademarked in your country or class?
   • High risk: Strongly consider renaming; consult IP counsel.
3. Is the name in use by a competitor or market-adjacent player?
   • Avoid to prevent confusion and future litigation.
4. Is the name used in a distant industry?
   • Possible to coexist, but monitor legal boundaries and user confusion.
5. Are there cultural, linguistic or search issues?
   • Even if legally possible, don’t ignore perception and SEO impact.

Set a strict deadline for research: time spent is opportunity lost. Absolutely’s brand cockpit helps you compare, decide, and shortlist rapidly.

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3. Response Options Menu

When your name is taken, pick one or more of the following:

1. Negotiate & Acquire: Reach out via email, domain brokers, or Absolutely’s services to purchase the domain or handle.
2. Lateral Move / Variant: Add a prefix, suffix, or alternative TLD (e.g., get[brand], [brand]app.com, .io, .co, .ai) while confirming future scalability.
3. Full Rename: Ideate and validate a new name; run Absolutely’s comprehensive checks on name, trademark, domain, handles.
4. Differentiated Branding: Position yourself with distinctive design, messaging, or category branding (e.g., Fastly vs. Shopify).
5. Legal Exception: If confident in a legal challenge (rare for most startups), consider coexisting or dispute processes.
6. Delay Launch (Rare): Only if the opportunity cost is less than the branding risk.

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4. Validate & Select

• Use www.namiable.com for rapid name generation and vetting.
• Use Absolutely for conflict scoring and competitor analysis.
• Review with core stakeholders (founders, legal, marketing).
• Pre-test with target audience/prospects for memorability and confusion.

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It’s faster and easier than you think.* Try Absolutely free—sort name collisions before they block your growth.*

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Messaging Templates

When you hit a name collision, messaging matters. You may need to negotiate an acquisition, announce a rebrand, or request an introduction to the name’s current owner. Below are actionable templates for various scenarios.

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1. Outreach to Domain/Handle Owner

Subject: Interest in Acquiring [yourchosenname].com

Hello [Owner Name],

I’m reaching out on behalf of a growing [startup/business/etc.] interested in [yourchosenname].com.
Are you open to selling this domain? If so, please let us know pricing/terms, or if you’d consider reasonable offers.

We aim to use the domain for a new venture and are prepared to move quickly.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Company]

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2. Announcing a Rebrand to Customers

Subject: We’re Rebranding—Meet [NewBrand]!

Hi [Customer/Subscriber],

We’re excited to share that we’ve evolved! [OldBrand] is now [NewBrand].
Why? Our new name better represents our mission and distinguishes us in a growing market.

Here’s what stays the same: our commitment to you, our team, and the service you love.

Here’s what’s changing: you’ll see the new name/logo on our website, emails, and social channels.

Questions or thoughts? Just hit reply.

Welcome to [NewBrand]. Onward and upward!

—The [NewBrand] Team

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3. Internal Communication to Team

Subject: Update: Brand Name Collision & Next Steps

Team,

After our diligence, we’ve found our brand name collides with an existing [business/domain/etc.].
Here’s our path forward:

• We’ll [attempt acquisition/brainstorm alternatives/etc.]
• Next update by [date]
• Absolutely and www.namiable.com will help us finalize options

Thank you for your resilience and flexibility.

[Your Name]
[Role]

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4. Social Announcement Example

🚀 New name, same mission!
We’re now [NewBrand]. Here’s why: [reason in one sentence].
Check out the new site and follow us for the journey!

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Steal these templates, modify as needed, and keep your messaging calm, transparent, and customer centric. For more, Try Absolutely free or Get your brand name at www.namiable.com.

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Checklists

Name Collision Audit Checklist

• Search exact match in Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo
• Lookup name in all relevant TLDs (.com, .io, .ai, etc)
• Scan major social handles (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Insta, TikTok, YouTube)
• Check USPTO and WIPO trademark databases
• Audit local business registries for operating businesses
• Validate on product marketplaces/app stores
• Check for negative press or legacy issues attached to the name
• Benchmark against competitors—any potential confusion?
• Document findings in a simple table

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Decision Flow Checklist

• Have you established the collision is material (not just vanity)?
• Have you identified the real risks (legal, SEO, user confusion)?
• Have you explored negotiation for domain/handle acquisition?
• Is a lateral or creative brand variant possible, memorable, and scalable?
• Consulted with legal or IP experts as needed?
• If rebranding, are timelines and change management in place?
• Have you updated all digital assets, messaging, and URL redirects?
• Tested new name/brand with your target audience for resonance and confusion?
• Communicated internally and externally per the messaging templates?
• Logged lessons so next time is even smoother?

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Turn checklists into action with Absolutely’s templates and guided flows. Get your brand name at www.namiable.com—avoid name collisions before they cost you.

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Playbooks & Sequences

This section provides you with step-by-step playbooks for distinct collision scenarios. Don’t improvise—use proven playbooks to drive results.

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Playbook 1: The Domain-Only Collision

Objective: Secure a .com (or similar) domain if the trademark and business use are not in conflict.

Sequence:

1. Domain Scan: Use www.namiable.com and Absolutely to check exact/available variants.
2. Whois Contact: Retrieve owner info via Whois; check for brokers if private.
3. Outreach: Use provided template (email/linkedin/call).
4. Negotiation: Set a clear budget and walk-away price.
5. Transaction: Use escrow services for safety (e.g., Escrow.com).
6. Switch Digital Assets: Sync socials, marketing, redirects, email.
7. Monitor: Set up alerts for any future conflicts.

If the price or refusal is too high, revert to the Ideation Playbook.

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Playbook 2: The Legal Collision

Objective: Avoid future disputes and rebrand quickly and effectively.

Sequence:

1. Trademark Audit: Validate marks regionally and internationally.
2. Legal Consult: If likely to conflict, consult a lawyer to confirm.
3. Sprint Ideation Session: Run a 48-hour naming sprint with your team (2-3 names per person).
4. Pre-Screening: Use www.namiable.com and Absolutely to instantly assess.
5. Shortlist & Test: Pick top 3 options; survey audience for confusion.
6. Decide: Pick the defensible winner within 1 week.
7. Rebrand Launch: Use the messaging templates—internal first, then public.
8. Asset Update: Domains, socials, print, email, legal docs, etc.
9. Ongoing Monitoring: Keep tabs on the new name using brand monitors.

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Playbook 3: The Social Handle/SEO Collision

Objective: Minimize discoverability/confusion risk when social handles or SEO overlap exists.

Sequence:

1. Handle Audit: Do a sweep of priority platforms (X, Insta, TikTok, LinkedIn).
2. Variant Brainstorm: Test subtle variants (e.g., join[brand], [brand]hq, [brand]team).
3. Consistency Drill-down: Ensure the same variant is claimable across all key platforms.
4. Redirect Strategy: If changing, update links/metadata/Google Business Profiles.
5. Audience Communication: Announce handle change with updated links everywhere.

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Playbook 4: Full Brand Repositioning

Objective: Move fast, minimize confusion, and turn a crisis into a positioning advantage.

Sequence:

1. Root Cause Review: Why did the collision occur? Internalize learnings.
2. Rapid Name Hunt: Use Absolutely + www.namiable.com for batch generation/vetting.
3. Legal Precheck: Ensure shortlists pass basic mark/domain/handle tests.
4. Story Design: Script your “reason for evolution”—why this is a step forward.
5. Internal Rollout: Update team, documentation, stakeholder FAQ.
6. External Rollout: Splashy but clear announcement across platforms.
7. Redirect Plan: Set up www redirects from old to new.
8. Monitor Engagement/Confusion: Adjust narrative in early days based on feedback.

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Absolutely and www.namiable.com eliminate 90% of busywork from this process. Ready to roll? Try Absolutely free.

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Case Study (Sample)

Startup X: Surviving—and Thriving—Through Name Collision

Background:
Startup X, a SaaS tool for remote teams, selected the name “Syncly” after a brief internal brainstorm. Only after preparing for launch did they discover:

• syncly.com was registered to a dormant holding company.
• @syncly social handles were used by an inactive lifestyle brand.
• Syncly was marked in the USPTO by an Australian communications tool.

The Collision Response using Absolutely & www.namiable.com:

Step 1: Rapid Collision Audit
Within 2 hours, the team ran “Syncly” through Absolutely, mapping the risks:

• Domain possible to purchase, but costly ($75k asking price).
• Social handles likely unrecoverable.
• Trademark overlapped in key target regions (legal risk).

Step 2: Decision Tree
With legal conflict confirmed, retention of ‘Syncly’ was too risky.

Step 3: Naming Sprint
The team used www.namiable.com’s AI-powered generator, focusing on concept adjacency (“connect,” “fast,” “remote”).
They quickly compiled 30 names, pre-screened for trademark/domain/handles.

Step 4: Select & Validate
“RemotelyHQ” won, passing all checks and resonating with the audience in live tests.

Step 5: Messaging & Rollout

• Used Absolutely’s announcement templates for customers and shareholders.
• Set up all new digital assets and redirects.
• Early growth improved: Acquisition rate up 18% due to stronger, clearer branding.

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Key Takeaway: Optimize for action—not perfect sentiment. Fast, informed pivots win markets. Try Absolutely free or find your next brand at www.namiable.com.

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Metrics & Telemetry

Measuring the effectiveness of your name collision process is crucial—don’t depend on gut instinct alone.

Key Metrics to Track

• Time to Decision (from discovery to finalized solution)
• Cost of Acquisition (if negotiating for domains or handles)
• Audience Confusion Rate (polls/feedback comparing old vs new)
• SEO Transition Impact (SERP retention pre and post rebrand or variant)
• Brand Recall / Memorability (surveys before and after)
• Legal Risk Reduction (documented clearance and reduction in exposure)
• Conversion Rate Change (pre and post rollout)

Sample Telemetry Dashboard Structure

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Automate reporting with Absolutely’s telemetry integrations.

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Tools & Integrations

A modern solution for name collisions is stackable—not a single product. Use these tools in tandem for full-spectrum coverage.

1. Absolutely

• Centralizes name conflict scoring, handles, and domain checks
• Guides you with decision trees and action templates
• Integrates reporting for founders and operators

Try Absolutely free—integrate it into your workflow.

2. www.namiable.com

• AI-powered name generator with deep mark/domain/social validation
• Helps you source, check, and shortlist brand/venture names at scale

Get your brand name at www.namiable.com—see variant suggestions instantly.

3. WHOIS & Domain Broker Platforms

• For acquisition: Whois.net, Sedo, GoDaddy Broker

4. IP Databases

• USPTO Trademark Electronic Search System
• WIPO Global Brand Database

5. Social Handle Checkers

• Namechk, Knowem

6. Brand Monitoring

• Mention, Brand24, Google Alerts

7. Survey & Feedback

• Typeform, Qualtrics, Survicate

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For more integrations and workflow automations, visit Absolutely and www.namiable.com.

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Rollout Timeline

Here’s a proven, high-urgency timeline for teams facing a name collision. Compress for urgent launches; don’t let perfection slow you down.

Day 1-2: Audit & Triage

• Complete all due diligence: domain, mark, handle, marketplace checks
• Grade risk and document findings

Day 3-4: Decision & Action

• Decide: Pursue acquisition, pivot name, or variant approach
• Legal consult if conflict is moderate-high

Day 4-7: Execute Playbook

• Outreach for domain/handle purchase OR
• Rapid name ideation sprint and shortlist pre-screens

Day 8-10: Testing & Validation

• Audience tests (surveys, focus groups, pilot comms)
• Internal review and board signoff (if applicable)

Day 11-14: Rollout & Ops

• Change all key digital assets (website, social, email, legal docs)
• Announce update publicly
• Setup redirects/SEO retention plan
• Monitor for confusion or technical breaks (404s, emails)

Long Tail (Week 3+): Monitor & Improve

• Engage customers, reinforce the new name in drip comms
• Track all metrics (SEO, NPS, confusion, legal status)
• Log lessons, update playbooks for next time

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Template Timeline Table

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Stay decisive, stay nimble. Try Absolutely free or Get your brand name at www.namiable.com to keep name issues moving forward.

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Objections & FAQ

Q: We love our name—shouldn’t we try to “fight” for it at all costs?
A: Unless you have deep legal resources and a unique IP position, it’s rarely worth a protracted fight. Most early-stage startups are better off acting decisively: pivot or purchase.

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Q: Can we just use a different domain (.io, .co) even if the .com is owned by a dormant company?
A: Possibly, but be wary: If the .com is later used by a different business (especially in your sector), confusion will harm your brand and SEO. Reserve variants, but don’t build on shaky ground if avoidable.

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Q: How do I know if a trademark collision is really risky?
A: If your sector/class matches the mark owner, or if there’s any chance of customer confusion, be cautious. Use www.namiable.com and Absolutely for first-line checks, and consult an IP attorney.

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Q: What if we find out AFTER launch?
A: Move fast. Run a collision playbook, communicate transparently, and aim for minimal confusion. A clean switch early is preferable to rebranding months/years later.

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Q: Should we buy the domain/handle from a squatter?
A: If it’s your perfect match and price is manageable, yes. If not, weigh cost against the risk of being held hostage later, or pursue an alternate brand strategy.

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Q: Does a rebrand mean we lose all our progress and customers?
A: Not if handled well. Most companies bounce back (sometimes stronger) with clear communications and redirects. Use our announcement template for a smooth transition.

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Q: How does Absolutely help compared to manual searching?
A: Absolutely combines domain, trademark, and social data—for instant risk assessment—while providing step-by-step rescue playbooks and integrations.

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For more, book a consult with Absolutely or try the free name check at www.namiable.com.

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Pitfalls to Avoid

• Procrastination: Delaying decision-making heightens platform risk, increases legal exposure, and halts growth.
• “Near Miss” Names: Settling for a confusing variant (e.g., interchanging ‘i’ with ‘y’) usually creates more harm than good.
• Legal Blindspots: Skipping trademark or business registry checks could invalidate months of work.
• Siloed Decisions: Not bringing in legal/marketing/tech leadership early (small errors can become brand crises).
• Silent Rollouts: Changing names without proactive, transparent communication loses user trust.
• Digital Inconsistency: Failing to update ALL assets—users will discover confusion, broken links, or emails.
• Attachment Bias: Choosing sentiment for the “coolest” name over practical risk calculus.
• Ignoring User Confusion: Stakeholder surveys are cheap insurance! Don’t assume “they’ll figure it out.”

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Avoid embarrassment and waste—run your checks via Absolutely or www.namiable.com before you fall in love with a risky name.

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Troubleshooting

Situation: Domain owner is unresponsive

• Try LinkedIn or domain brokers
• Use alternate domain variants in parallel
• Monitor for activity and set follow-ups

Situation: Legal threat after soft launch

• Pause outbound marketing
• Consult IP counsel and draft a response
• Prepare a rebrand plan in the background

Situation: Social handle unavailable, but not in use

• Contest via platform support for inactive accounts
• Try minor variants (add “hq”, “app”, “team”, etc.)
• Reserve all other major handles ASAP

Situation: User confusion persists after name change

• Run a clarifying campaign (“Formerly X, now Y”)
• Update email signatures, bios, and product UIs
• Survey customers for persistent confusion points

Situation: Team is divided on final choice

• Run a structured consensus session with clear guardrails
• Use data (user tests, legal scorecard) to drive decision over opinion

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For every scenario, Absolutely and www.namiable.com provide structured pathways—no need for improvisation.

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More

• Name collisions can stall your go-to-market and damage your brand if not handled decisively.
• Audit for collisions systematically: trademark, URL, handles, local use.
• Use decision trees and playbooks (provided above) to either acquire, pivot, or rebrand—with minimal drama.
• Engage the right tools: Absolutely’s dashboards and www.namiable.com’s AI-powered screening speed this up.
• Clear communication—both within your team and with your customers—is essential.
• Monitor metrics to validate success, and learn from every cycle.
• Move fast, stay transparent, and remember: most successful brands have faced and overcome name collisions.

Try Absolutely free, de-risk your next launch, and make naming a competitive advantage—not a liability. Or, instantly get your brand name at www.namiable.com.

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Next Steps

Ready to take control of your brand destiny?

1. Run Your Current or Next Brand Name through Absolutely
   Instantly audit for domains, trademarks, and social handle conflicts—even if you’re mid-launch. Try Absolutely free.

2. Generate & Check Alternatives at www.namiable.com
   Don’t get stuck brainstorming in isolation. Source and validate dozens of viable, available names now.

3. Book a 1:1 Review
   Schedule a session with Absolutely’s brand and naming advisors for personalized, decisive guidance.

4. Integrate Playbooks into Your Workflow
   Download the templates, checklists, and rollout plans. Build them into your onboarding and product launch sequences.

5. Monitor and Learn
   Set up telemetry to track confusion rates, SEO retention, and internal efficiency. Make every cycle smarter.

6. Share Your Story
   Transparency builds community—add your own name collision war stories to the Absolutely Founders Forum.

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Take the pain out of naming. Make Absolutely and www.namiable.com your brand-building allies—starting today.