How to Come Up with Unique and Creative Fragrance Names for Your Products
Naming your fragrance products is more than just slapping a label on—it’s about creating an experience, connecting with your audience, and reinforcing your brand identity. The right name can spark curiosity, evoke emotion, and ultimately drive sales. But how do you come up with that perfect name? Here are my top tips to help guide you through the creative (and sometimes tricky) process of naming your scents.
Why Do Scent Names Matter for Driving Sales?
Before we get into it, I want to share with you why this even matters! Fragrance names are powerful marketing tools. They set expectations for your customers and often help them imagine how the fragrance will make them feel. A well-chosen name can evoke a sense of nostalgia, luxury, comfort, or excitement. It’s also a chance to make a memorable impression that keeps customers coming back. A name is more than a label; it’s an invitation to connect with the scent and, ultimately, with your brand.
How Do I Come Up with Unique and Creative Fragrance Names?
Naming fragrances is one of my favorite parts of the creative process, but it can definitely be a challenge when you’re staring at a blank page! Here are some of my top tips for coming up with unique and creative fragrance names that reflect your brand and the essence of each scent.
First off, I love to turn to Pinterest for inspiration. But instead of searching for candle-specific ideas, I cast a wide net. For example, if I’m naming a floral candle for spring, I might search for broad terms like "spring vibes," "floral mood boards," or even colors, words, and phrases that evoke the feeling I want the fragrance to create. This approach helps me break out of the box of literal scent descriptions and opens up a world of creative possibilities.
Another great tool is ChatGPT! (Yep, I’m a fan too.) I’ll input details from the scent description and see what name ideas it generates. Often, I’m not looking for something tied directly to the scent notes like "orange" or "citrus." Instead, I think of aspirational names—words or phrases that evoke a mood or feeling. For instance, with a citrus fragrance, instead of focusing solely on the ingredient, I might brainstorm names like "Sunshine Allure" or "Golden Glow"—things that capture the essence of what citrus feels like to me, rather than just what it smells like. Plus, I am a sucker for a good alliteration! LOL!
I also take inspiration from unexpected places—songs, books, nature, and more. The possibilities are endless if you allow yourself to be open and creative. Sometimes, it helps to step back from trying to "figure it out" and just let the name come to you as you think about the feeling or experience you want the scent to convey.
I jot down all of these ideas onto some paper and set aside some creative time to smell the product and start putting my research together and brainstorming final names!
Tips for Getting Unstuck During the Creative Naming Process
If you're stuck, here’s a technique that always helps me: set a timer for five minutes and just freewrite everything that comes to mind when you think of the scent. Don’t filter yourself—let your mind wander.
Another strategy I love is mind mapping, where you jot down related words or concepts in a visual web. You’d be surprised at what surfaces when you let your creativity flow without restrictions.
Our MWFC Facebook group is another fantastic resource! Many people post there asking for help with fragrance names, and the community is amazingly supportive and creative.
You can even get your own customers involved—poll your audience or ask them to help name a new scent. It not only makes them feel like part of the process but also brings fresh ideas to the table.
Don’t Forget About Trademark Considerations
Lastly, it’s important to make sure your chosen name isn’t already trademarked. Check out our blog post Fragrance Renaming 101, where we list alternate name ideas for all MWFC fragrances and discuss how to avoid trademark issues. Make sure to double-check each name against the USPTO trademark database to ensure you’re not accidentally stepping into any legal issues.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Creativity
The key is to give yourself permission to be creative and take your time. Naming scents is a personal and subjective process, and when you allow yourself the freedom to explore different ideas, the perfect name will eventually reveal itself. So, relax, have fun, and let the creative process guide you!
Happy naming, friends!