Domain Name Brainstormer
This skill generates creative, available domain names for your project by brainstorming names and checking real-time availability.
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when:
- Starting a new project or side project
- Launching a product or company
- Rebranding an existing service
- Need multiple domain options quickly
- Want to explore name variations
Workflow
1. Understand the Project
Gather context:
- What does it do? Core functionality or purpose
- Who is it for? Target audience or users
- What's the vibe? Professional, playful, technical, creative?
- Key words: Important terms or concepts
- Constraints: Length preferences, must-include words
2. Brainstorming Strategy
Generate names using multiple approaches:
Descriptive Names:
- Directly describe what it does
- Combine function + industry
- Examples: CodeReview, DataSync, FlowTracker
Portmanteau/Blends:
- Combine two relevant words
- Examples: Snapchat, Pinterest, Instagram
- Your version: BidFlow, PropTracker, DealStream
Modified Words:
- Drop vowels: Flickr, Tumblr, Scribd
- Add prefixes: GetApp, UseThis, TryIt
- Add suffixes:Ify, ly, er
Creative/Abstract:
- Metaphors and concepts
- Examples: Airtable, Notion, Canva
- Your version: Compass, Catalyst, Horizon
Acronyms:
- Initials of key words
- Examples: AWS, IBM, API
- Make them pronounceable
TLD Hacks:
- Use TLD as part of name
- Examples: del.icio.us, bit.ly
- Your version: bid.io, track.dev
3. Name Criteria
Good domain names are:
- ✅ Memorable: Easy to recall
- ✅ Pronounceable: Can say it out loud
- ✅ Spellable: Easy to type correctly
- ✅ Short: Ideally 6-12 characters
- ✅ Brandable: Sounds professional
- ✅ Relevant: Relates to product
- ✅ Unique: Distinctive from competitors
Avoid:
- ❌ Hyphens and numbers
- ❌ Common misspellings
- ❌ Trademark conflicts
- ❌ Negative connotations
- ❌ Hard to pronounce combinations
4. Domain Availability Check
For each brainstormed name, check availability across:
Priority TLDs:
- .com (always check first)
- .ai (for AI products)
- .dev (for developer tools)
- .io (for tech startups)
- .app (for applications)
Secondary TLDs:
- .co
- .tech
- .software
- .tools
- .studio
Search Process:
- Use domain availability API or web search
- Check each TLD systematically
- Note pricing if relevant
- Flag premium domains (high cost)
- Verify not trademarked
5. Output Format
Present results organized by availability:
# Domain Name Suggestions for [Project]
## Available Domains (.com)
1. **projectname.com** - Available, $12/yr
2. **appname.com** - Available, $12/yr
3. **toolname.com** - Available, $12/yr
## Available Domains (.ai)
1. **name.ai** - Available, $45/yr
2. **tool.ai** - Available, $45/yr
## Available Domains (.dev)
1. **name.dev** - Available, $15/yr
2. **app.dev** - Available, $15/yr
## Available Domains (.io)
1. **name.io** - Available, $35/yr
2. **tool.io** - Available, $35/yr
## Creative Alternatives
If primary choices are taken:
- [alternative1].com - Available
- [alternative2].ai - Available
- [alternative3].dev - Available
## Taken But Worth Considering
- [greatname].com - Premium, $2,500
- [goodname].com - Taken, may be for sale
## Naming Notes
- Top recommendation: [name] because [reason]
- Backup options: [list]
- Avoid: [names to skip and why]Research Tools
Free Domain Checkers:
- Search: "domain availability check [domainname]"
- WHOIS lookup services
- Registrar search (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Google Domains)
- Instant Domain Search
Additional Checks:
- Social media handle availability (Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- USPTO trademark database search
- Google search for brand conflicts
- Domain history check (avoid spam/penalty domains)
Examples
Example 1: Foreclosure Auction Tool
Context: AI-powered foreclosure analysis for real estate investors
Brainstormed Names:
- BidWise, BidEdge, BidFlow
- AuctionIQ, AuctionPro
- DealScan, DealTrack, DealScope
- PropBid, BidProp
- ForeFlow, ForeEdge
Availability Check:
- bidwise.com - Taken
- bidedge.com - Available ✓
- bidflow.ai - Available ✓
- auctioniq.com - Premium $1,500
- dealscan.dev - Available ✓
Recommendation: bidflow.ai (Brandable, short, AI positioning)
Example 2: Developer Project Management
Context: Project management specifically for software developers
Brainstormed Names:
- DevFlow, CodeFlow, BuildFlow
- ShipIt, ShipDev, DevShip
- CodeTrack, DevTrack, BuildTrack
- FlowDev, DevBoard
- BuildPace, CodePace
Availability Check:
- devflow.com - Taken
- shipdev.dev - Available ✓
- codetrack.io - Available ✓
- buildpace.com - Available ✓
Recommendation: shipdev.dev (On-brand TLD, action-oriented)
Tips for Best Results
- Generate 20+ options: Don't stop at first few ideas
- Check variations: Plural, different TLDs, with/without prefixes
- Consider SEO: Keywords help discoverability
- Say it out loud: Does it sound good?
- Test spelling: Would people misspell it?
- Think long-term: Will it work as you scale?
- Secure multiple TLDs: Buy.com + branded TLD
- Move fast: Good domains get taken quickly
Advanced Strategies
Competitive Analysis:
- See what competitors use
- Identify naming patterns in industry
- Find gaps in naming space
International Considerations:
- Check meaning in other languages
- Avoid words that are offensive elsewhere
- Consider pronunciation globally
Future Expansion:
- Does name work for adjacent products?
- Can you build brand family with it?
- Room for tagline or descriptor?
Social Handle Strategy:
- Match domain with @handle when possible
- Acceptable: slight variations if core name works
- Reserve handles immediately after deciding