Band Name Ideas That Will Make Others Green With Envy

Writing is one of my several hobbies, and lists like the one below help me with writer's block every now and again.

The Big List of Band Name Ideas

A good band name isn't the only thing needed to have a successful band, but it doesn't hurt. Not everyone joins a band to become famous, but let's be honest: Being in a band is a lot more fun if you have an audience that enjoys your work. That's where a good band name comes into play. It goes without saying that the more talent your group has, the easier it will be to get fans regardless of what you name your band, but a catchy name never hurt any band on their way to stardom.

While my hope is that the band name ideas below will help jump-start the creative process in choosing a cool name for your little group of musicians, it'll be up to you to check and see if the name is actually available or not. It's not generally a big deal if an upstart garage band uses a name that another band has, but it could grow into an issue if the group starts to gain a huge following. When this occurs, you need to seriously look at trademarking your band's name.

Simple or Complex Band Names?

Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem were the main house band from Jim Henson's The Muppet Show from the 1970s. I remember watching this as a kid, and I also remember always busting a move whenever the band started playing a tune. Cool band names don't get any cooler than Electric Mayhem. For real.

Cool Band Name Ideas

Band members have a special bond. A great band is more than just some people working together. It's like a highly specialized army unit, or a winning sports team. A unique combination of elements that becomes stronger together than apart.

— Steven Van Zandt

How to Come Up With a Great Band Name

More Cool Name Ideas For Your New Band

Tips On How To Name a Band

• Use caution if you decide to include the lead singer's name in the title, even if you "know" they will never leave. Although there are several well known bands that have went this route, there are countless others where fights and arguments happened down the road, causing the group to have to re-brand their group with a new name - basically having to "start over again".
• Adding a color, emotion, or the word "the" in front of a word can make a big difference. Just don't go too off the wall with the word; make it one that is fairly recognizable by the masses, which will optimize its effectiveness.
• Don't choose a name too quickly. Take your time. Some would say, the longer you take to come up with a name, the better it will be. This is especially true if any alcohol is involved (I know from experience).
• Pick a bunch of cool-sounding words and put them on a scrap of paper. Put in a hat, mix them up, and let fate take its course. Believe it or not, you can get some truly unique, interesting and different name options for your musical group using this method.

Even More Awesome Band Names

Remember the first time you went to a show and saw your favorite band? You wore their shirt and sang every word. You didn't know anything about scene's politics, haircuts, or what was cool. All you knew was that this music made you feel different. Someone finally understood you. This is what music is about.

— Gerard Way

Band Names You've Been Mispronouncing This Whole Time

Cool Band Names That Everyone Knows

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You may ask yourself why I am listing band names that I know I can't use. Well, the answer is - for inspiration. After all, a band can't be a band without a good name, and each of those famous bands listed above was exactly like yours at one point: just starting out. They had to choose a catchy name for their new band, while at the same time making music that people would sit up and take notice of. Don't ever think that your group can't make it, because it can. As with most things in life, hard work, determination and making smart decisions will make the difference.

A Cool Band With a Kick-Ass Name

Every time this song came on when I was younger, I just had to sing along. This is the feeling any singer or songwriter wants to strive for when creating songs. Good songs matter; without them it won't make a difference how good of a band name you come up with. You may even want to concentrate on making good songs before even thinking about choosing what to call your music group. If the songs come first; the pressure to name your group would definitely be non-existent because you have several kick-ass tunes.

© 2017 Don

Any Good Ideas About Naming A Band?

Don (author) from Tennessee on August 26, 2020:

Having some talent and a strong work ethic is a really good place to start. In fact, without those assets, a cool band name won't do much for you. Good luck on your singing career.

Karen the Manager (of everything) on August 25, 2020:

I hate every name you suggested. How will I ever get famous? Thanks for nothing!

Kyle on August 03, 2020:

What about "The Teenager Dream" or "Queens and a King?"

Don (author) from Tennessee on June 02, 2020:

I think "Oversight" would make a fantastic band name; it just rolls off the tongue.

Atlantis on June 02, 2020:

I like the name “oversight” but I also came up with “mist 4” I don’t know which one pick

Addie1986 on May 31, 2020:

Manufactured Outrage is a cool one too.

What about Redsky?

shelby dietz on May 08, 2020:

cool band names

markusdearkus on May 06, 2020:

I like KrossThredd.

sheldon cooper on January 14, 2020:

i cant decide between the following

Nox

Landslide

Redacted

Outtakes

Cactus

hazmat

vortex

Death Of Life on October 22, 2019:

This is for emo or hard rock bands

Don (author) from Tennessee on July 25, 2019:

My two cents: If you're going to sing songs from a particular genre of music (Country, Blues, Classic Rock, etc.), then take inspiration from that particular genre. If you're singing anything and everything, you can certainly go more generic and widespread.

Don (author) from Tennessee on July 25, 2019:

That would be a good name is your music has more of a techno-dance feel to it.

anonymous on July 22, 2019:

me and my friend want to start a two person band, and neither of us are very good with naming... we are just gonna be a cover band until we get some inspiration for our own music... I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions

Nael on July 21, 2019:

Is “The Techno Eagles” a good band name??

Johnny Vegas on July 20, 2019:

Backseat Romeo, 60 RPMs, Sound Matters, Sprung a Leak, X is the spot, the slits, mad

Don (author) from Tennessee on July 12, 2019:

I can already hear the band's introduction now, "Give a hand for The River Styx!".

Jay on July 10, 2019:

Is The River Styx’s a good band name?

Don (author) from Tennessee on July 03, 2019:

It's a great name for a band. Did you happen to come up with it after a relationship break up?

Anonymous on July 03, 2019:

Is, "Heart Trauma.", a good band name

Don (author) from Tennessee on May 24, 2019:

You can go in two directions when coming up with your band name: 1-Base the name on something that is common between you and your band members or 2-Come up with a random name based on words you find cool. Good luck on coming up with a good one.

teresa on May 23, 2019:

Hello guys can you help me and give me some band names..i cant think whats best..thank you & Godbless

ana on May 19, 2019:

i liked the in-betweens but i also came up with funky little man

Don (author) from Tennessee on May 09, 2019:

What about the "United Shoes of America" as a great band name?

David f on May 07, 2019:

Untied shoes

Don (author) from Tennessee on April 18, 2019:

I actually think the name "Mowing Daisies" sound great. Just keep in mind that the name of your band (early on anyways) will make people presume what kind of music you will make. "Mowing Daisies" makes me think music that is fun, light and airy.

Martina Lo on April 17, 2019:

Mowing Daisies? I’ve been thinking of starting up a band for fun with my friends. It’s either that or Cactus Sweater haha can’t decide which I like better.. help!

Don (author) from Tennessee on April 13, 2019:

Maybe Sunshine Spring? I say why not Sunshine Spring! The great thing about band names is that they don't necessarily have to make sense, they just have to sound a little catchy and evoke some kind of emotion.

ksenia on April 12, 2019:

maby sunshine spring?????

Kristen on March 07, 2019:

Umm not exactly what I was looking for but pretty cool my mum showed me this website

Don (author) from Tennessee on February 22, 2019:

To get a good name, why not sit down with your friends and discuss things that you all like. Every time a cool word or phrase comes up... write it down. After a while of talking you should have some ideas that will strike a chord with all of you. Good luck.

Anomous on February 21, 2019:

I was thinking for my band extraordanary firls

Don (author) from Tennessee on February 01, 2019:

Beyond Freezing is one of the coolest band names I've ever heard of. Thanks for sharing.

Djenty Narwhal on January 31, 2019:

My band is from Minnesota and it’s so cold her is beyond freezing a cool name or no?

Precious Scott on November 02, 2018:

What about Girls For Life.

no name on October 05, 2018:

I think that a band name should be ''

black swan'' or'' blue mist ''

Charleze Dickons on October 04, 2018:

Replacements? As a new band name? Seriously? What rock are you living under? Just curious.

No Name on September 11, 2018:

I think that a band name you should add to this website should be "Why Can't We" and "Why Don't We" even though Why Don't We already is a band name.