Metaphorical naming uses words from unrelated domains to create unexpected brand associations. Apple (technology), Amazon (e-commerce), Slack (communication) — none describe their products, yet all are unforgettable. This technique trades literal description for emotional resonance.
How It Works
Choose a word or concept that embodies how your product feels, not what it does. Slack evokes 'cutting slack' — ease and relief. Asana is a yoga pose — balance and flow. The metaphor creates an emotional shortcut that transcends literal product description.
Examples
- Apple.com — Fruit → technology. The disconnect creates intrigue and approachability.
- Amazon.com — River → marketplace. The metaphor of vastness perfectly captures scale.
- Slack.com — Slack → productivity. Paradoxically named for ease, not effort.
- Asana.com — Yoga pose → project management. Balance and flow as brand metaphors.
- Stripe.com — Pattern → payments. Clean, precise, structured — all implied by 'stripe'.
- Notion.com — Idea → workspace. A 'notion' is the spark before creation.