Hello / Services
Naming & Verbal IdentityA name with meaning.
A voice with character.
We develop brand names and verbal identities that express a clear business idea. From a new company or hospitality concept to an evolving brand, we connect the name, the message and the way it speaks.
When it makes sense
The right name starts with the right question.
Launching something new
A company, product or place needs a name that expresses its proposition, works for its audience and supports the direction of the business.
Reconsidering an existing name
A new audience, offer or market can call for a change. We assess the role of the current name before deciding whether renaming is appropriate.
Finding a consistent voice
Website copy, a short introduction and a campaign should sound like the same brand. We define a verbal direction that your team and collaborators can use.
What we deliver
From the idea to the words you use.
Naming brief & criteria
Audience, positioning, language, intended markets and practical requirements form an agreed brief. These criteria give the selection a clear basis.
Name proposals & rationale
A selected set of name proposals with the idea behind each direction, intended pronunciation and examples of use. The number of proposals and revision rounds is agreed in advance.
Tagline & key messages
Where included, a tagline and a hierarchy of messages that explain the brand’s offer and point of view.
Tone of voice
A defined verbal character, writing principles and examples of how the brand sounds in relevant situations.
Verbal identity guide
The approved name and agreed verbal elements, organised with practical examples for your team, designers, developers and copywriters.
Naming can be a standalone project or part of a wider branding programme. The proposal defines languages, markets, deliverables, screening and revision stages. Trademark clearance, registration and domain acquisition are separately defined specialist services; a naming proposal does not constitute legal clearance.
How we collaborate
Shared criteria. Clear direction.
Understand the business
We discuss what you offer, who you want to reach, the competitive context and the role the name needs to play.
Set the direction
We agree positioning, naming criteria and the desired verbal character before developing proposals.
Develop & evaluate
We present selected name directions with rationale and examples, then evaluate them against the agreed brief and consolidated feedback.
Prepare for use
We finalise the chosen direction and agreed verbal elements. Specialist checks and any registration are coordinated with the appointed advisers where required.
Naming in practice
Belle Époque: the name sets the scene.
For Belle Époque 20th Century Suites, a collection of 17 suites in a listed 1920s building in Athens, Hello Design developed the name, logo and corporate identity. The name and the “20th Century Suites” descriptor connect the character of the building with the experience of staying there.
Typography, the gold palette, print and signage carry the same direction into the visual identity. It is a concrete example of naming and design working together.
Identity presentation / mockup. Architectural design and construction: MAMAproject.
Before we begin
A few useful first answers.
Can we commission naming without a new visual identity?
Yes. We can define a standalone naming scope, including the strategic brief, proposals and agreed verbal elements. If a visual identity follows, the name and rationale provide a shared starting point.
Do you develop names in Greek and English?
The intended languages, audiences and markets are defined in the brief. We assess readability, pronunciation and associations in the agreed context rather than assuming that one name works everywhere.
Is trademark or domain availability guaranteed?
No. Creative naming, domain availability and legal trademark clearance are different checks. Their scope is agreed before the project, and legal clearance and registration require the appropriate specialist.
How are cost and timing determined?
They depend on the naming brief, languages, markets, extent of verbal identity and approval stages. Tell us about the business, what needs a name and your intended launch date so we can prepare a specific proposal.
Your next step
What needs a name?
Tell us about your business, the people you want to reach and what you are preparing to launch or change. We will define the right starting point together.
Before you begin, read our guide: How to choose a business name ↗