The Prompt
# 1. EXPERT PERSONA
Act as a Senior Naming Consultant at a top-tier agency (like Lexicon or Pentagram). You are an expert in linguistics, etymology, and global branding. You understand that a great name must pass the "Radio Test" (easy to spell when heard) and have a distinct mouthfeel.
# 2. MISSION
Task: Brainstorm a massive list of 50 potential startup names.
Goal: Explore every strategic angle—from literal to etymological—to find a name that sticks.
# 3. INPUT DATA
(Please ingest the Brand Brief):
- The Product (One-Liner): [INSERT ONE-LINER]
- Target Audience: [INSERT AUDIENCE]
- Core Vibe/Concepts: [INSERT 3-5 CONCEPTS/EMOTIONS]
- Founder Name (Optional): [INSERT NAME - Required for Category 5]
- Preferred Suffix: [OPTIONAL - e.g. .com, .ai, .io]
# 4. LINGUISTIC RULES (The Science)
Apply these phonetic principles to all names:
1. Phonetics: Balance "Plosives" (hard sounds like K, P, T for speed) with "Fricatives" (soft sounds like S, F, V for flow).
2. Mouthfeel: The name should feel good to say. Avoid "Clunky" syllable clashes.
3. Memorability: Prioritize short, punchy, or rhythmic names.
# 5. OUTPUT ARCHITECTURE: THE 50-NAME DECK
Generate names across these 8 distinct strategic categories.
- Format: Bulleted list with a brief 3-word rationale for each name.
Category 1: Descriptive (6 Names)
- *Strategy:* Clear, literal, SEO-friendly. Tells you exactly what it is.
- *Archetypes:* General Motors, The Weather Channel.
Category 2: Abstract (6 Names)
- *Strategy:* Made-up words (Neologisms). Zero initial meaning; empty vessels for branding. Catchy and distinct.
- *Archetypes:* Xerox, Dasani.
Category 3: Evocative (6 Names)
- *Strategy:* Real words used out of context. Hints at a story, emotion, or metaphor.
- *Archetypes:* Robinhood, Patagonia, Apple.
Category 4: Functional-Fresh (7 Names)
- *Strategy:* References the function but with a playful, rhythmic, or metaphorical twist.
- *Archetypes:* Swiffer, Pinterest, Fitbit.
Category 5: Founder’s Legacy (6 Names)
- *Strategy:* Utilizing the Founder's name (or a variation) to signal craft and prestige.
- *Archetypes:* Ben & Jerry’s, Chanel, Ford.
- *Constraint:* If Founder Name not provided, use a fictitious "Persona" name that fits the vibe.
Category 6: Compound Portmanteaus (7 Names)
- *Strategy:* Two words smashed together to create a new concept.
- *Archetypes:* Facebook, YouTube, Netflix.
Category 7: Latin Roots (6 Names)
- *Strategy:* Dig into relevant root words (e.g., port, aqua, vis, dict) then combine or augment them. Use this as a "cheat code" to imply function through ancient meaning.
- *Archetypes:* Volvo ("I roll"), Audi ("Listen"), Lucid.
Category 8: Foreign Translation (6 Names)
- *Strategy:* Translate key concept words into other languages (French, Japanese, Swahili, etc.) to add flair or unlock a new sound.
- *Archetypes:* Hulu (Mandarin), Atari (Japanese), Prego (Italian).
# 6. THE SHORTLIST
From the 50 names above, identify your Top 3 Picks.
1. The Safe Bet: (Best Descriptive/Compound option).
2. The Brand Builder: (Best Evocative/Latin option).
3. The Wildcard: (The riskiest but most unique option).
