Startup dreams start in the heart—and sometimes, that heart beats in your mother tongue.
🌟 Starting Up with a Local Flavor
So, you’ve got the next big idea. A killer product, a brilliant service, or a tech innovation that could shake things up. But when it comes to naming your startup, you’re leaning towards something close to home—literally. Maybe it’s in Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Bengali, or even Sanskrit. You’re wondering:
“Can I register a startup using a regional or vernacular name?”
Short answer? YES. Long answer? Stick around, because there’s a lot you should know before you lock in that beautiful name that speaks to your roots.
💡 Why Go Vernacular in the First Place?
Let’s be real—regional names hit different.
They carry emotion, authenticity, and local relatability. A startup name like “KissanKart,” “Annadata,” “Maatram,” or “Rozgaar” connects instantly with people in a way generic English names simply don’t.
Here’s why founders choose vernacular names:
- Emotional Connect: People trust and relate more to something in their language.
- Differentiation: Most startup names are in English. A local name stands out.
- Brand Storytelling: It adds depth and cultural richness.
- Market Targeting: If your audience is regional, a local name makes perfect sense.
🏛️ Is It Legally Allowed?
Yes, Indian laws do not restrict company names based on language. However, the Registrar of Companies (RoC) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) have a few rules. So let’s break this down:
✅ The Basic Criteria
Your startup name:
- Must be unique.
- Must not be identical or too similar to an existing registered company or LLP.
- Should not include offensive or restricted words (like “bank,” “exchange,” unless approved).
- Must comply with Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014.
💬 Pro Tip: Just because it’s in another language doesn’t mean it skips the uniqueness check. If “RotiTech” exists, “RotiTek” may still be considered deceptively similar.
📚 Transliteration vs. Translation: Know the Difference
When you use a regional name written in English (like using “Swad” instead of स्वाद), it’s called transliteration.
The MCA checks:
- Meaning (semantics)
- Sound (phonetics)
- Spelling closeness
If two names sound the same, even if they’re in different scripts or languages, they may be rejected.
🧾 How to Register a Regional Name
Here’s a clear, no-fluff process:
1. Do a Name Check
Use the MCA Name Search Tool to see if a similar name exists.
Also search:
- Domain name availability
- Trademark registry (important!)
2. Apply for Name Reservation
File SPICe+ Part A through the MCA portal. You can submit up to 2 name options.
3. Add a Business Descriptor
Every name must end with a suitable suffix:
- Tech, Labs, Foods, Solutions, Innovations, etc.
- For example: “NammaKadai Foods Pvt Ltd” or “DesiRide Mobility LLP”
4. Mention the Language Origin (If Asked)
Sometimes, the RoC might ask for a declaration of meaning if the name is in a lesser-known or regional dialect. Just provide a simple explanation.
🛑 Things That Can Get Your Name Rejected
- Sounds like a government body or international org (e.g., “UNO Innovations”)
- Has religious or caste-based connotations
- Misspellings to mimic existing brands
- Use of generic words (like “Good,” “Best,” “India”) without context
📦 Real-World Examples
- Chumbak – Kannada for ‘magnet’. Became a lifestyle brand loved across metros.
- Zomato – Not regional, but inspired by the food experience (“tomato,” “zesty,” etc.).
- Faasos – A made-up name, but phonetically local.
- Naukri.com – The word “naukri” is pure desi and wildly effective.
Your regional name could be the next one people Google every day.
💰 What About Trademarks?
Startup name registration and trademarking are not the same. You can register a name with the RoC, but someone else could already have the trademark.
So always check:
If your name is available, file a TM-A form to claim trademark protection.
🌍 Vernacular Names, Global Impact?
Don’t worry if your name sounds too “local.” With proper branding, even a regional name can go global.
Look at:
- Ola (means “hello” in Spanish, but it’s our ride buddy)
- Byju’s (a tutor’s nickname, now internationally known)
- Meesho (short for “Meri Shop”)
Remember: The world loves authenticity.
🚀 Final Takeaway: Go Native, Go Bold
Yes, you absolutely can register a startup in a vernacular or regional name. In fact, it might just be the smartest branding move you make. Just follow the rules, do your checks, and don’t compromise your creativity for convention.
If your idea is born in your language, let the name speak it too.
📋 Bonus Checklist Before You Finalize Your Startup Name
✅ Check MCA company name database
✅ Do a trademark search
✅ Look up domain name availability
✅ Keep a simple English translation ready
✅ Avoid phonetic similarities to existing names
✅ File SPICe+ Part A
✅ Have a backup name ready (just in case)