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#1 RANKED NAMING & BRANDING FIRM on CLUTCH

Catchword is a global brand naming and identity powerhouse that helps organizations define and express who they are—strategically, verbally, and visually. Since 1998, we've partnered with clients from startups to the Fortune 100 to create brands that move markets and endure.

  • Min project size
    $10,000+
  • Hourly rate
    $300+ / hr
  • Employees
    10 - 49
  • Locations
    Oakland, CA
  • Year founded
    Founded 1998
  • Languages
  • Timezones

1 Language that we service

  • English

2 Timezones that we service

EST
Eastern Standard Time (EST)
PST
Pacific Standard Time (PST)

2 Locations

  • Oakland , CA
  • New York , NY

Service Lines
Logo
15%
Select Focus Area
Branding Focus
Industries
Business services
10%
Consumer products & services
10%
Financial services
10%
Information technology
10%
Manufacturing
10%
Medical
10%
Arts, entertainment & music
5%
Automotive
5%
Media
5%
Non-profit
5%
Other industries
5%
Real estate
5%
Retail
5%
Telecommunications
5%
Clients
Enterprise (>$1B)
55%
Midmarket ($10M - $1B)
35%
Small Business (<$10M)
10%

Pricing Snapshot

Min. project size $10,000+
Avg. hourly rate $300+ /hr
Rating for cost 4.9 /5

What Clients Have Said

Catchword offers competitive pricing, with projects typically ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on complexity. Clients appreciate the value for cost, citing thorough processes and high-quality outputs, which include extensive name options and trademark prescreening, ensuring solid deliverables.

This summary is based on verified Clutch reviews.

Most Common Project Size

< $49,999 based on 97 reviews
< $49,999 $50,000 - $199,999 $200,000 - $999,999 > $1,000,000

Select a service to see pricing information

Catchword Review Insights

Overall Review Rating

5.0
  • Quality 5.0
  • Schedule 5.0
  • Cost 4.9
  • Willing to Refer 5.0

Top Mentions

Review Highlights

  • Strong Project Management Skills

    Clients frequently praise Catchword for their efficient project management, which includes clear communication, adherence to timelines, and organized workflows. Their ability to manage projects smoothly and keep clients informed throughout the process contributes to a positive working relationship and successful project outcomes.

  • Successful Collaboration with Diverse Clients

    Catchword has successfully collaborated with a wide range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, across various sectors including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods. Their ability to adapt to different industries and client needs is a testament to their versatility and expertise in naming and branding.

  • High Client Satisfaction and Positive Feedback

    The feedback from Catchword's clients is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing satisfaction with the naming solutions provided and the overall experience of working with the agency. The positive reception of their work often leads to ongoing partnerships and repeat engagements.

  • Responsive and Client-Centric Service

    Clients appreciate Catchword's responsiveness and dedication to client satisfaction. They are described as approachable, easy to work with, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that clients are happy with the final results. This client-focused approach fosters strong partnerships and repeat business.

  • Creative and Strategic Approach

    Catchword is recognized for their creative and strategic approach to naming. They provide a wide range of naming options, supported by strategic rationale, which helps clients make informed decisions. Their creativity is balanced with strategic thinking, ensuring that the names they develop are both innovative and aligned with business goals.

  • Challenges with Name Selection

    Some clients mention the difficulty in narrowing down the final name from the extensive list of options provided by Catchword. While the variety of choices is appreciated, it can sometimes be challenging for clients to select the best name from such a comprehensive list.

Catchword Reviews

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Branding for Technology Company

  • Branding Logo
  • Brand messaging
    +3
  • $10,000 to $49,999
  • Aug. - Sep. 2025
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"The creative work itself was impressive."

Oct 2, 2025
CEO, TailFin
Donald Hoye
Verified
  • Information technology
  • New York City, New York
  • 11-50 Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword provided branding services for a technology company. The team created a new brand name and identity, including messaging, tone, style, and logo.

Branding for Automotive

  • Branding Marketing Strategy Other Marketing
  • Brand strategy
    +1
  • $50,000 to $199,999
  • Feb. - June 2025
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"Their creativity stood out."

Jun 6, 2025
Global Brands & Licenses Manager, Automotive Company
Leticia Gutierrez
Verified
  • Automotive
  • Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • 10,001+ Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword was hired by an automotive company to create the names for their new products. They delivered an Excel spreadsheet with the proposed names and a curated shortlist of recommended names with rationale.

Branding for Brand Development Company

  • Branding
  • Naming
  • $10,000 to $49,999
  • Jan. 2000 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"They are smart, responsive, and generous with their time."

Apr 22, 2025
Linguistic Director In Italy, Nomen Italia
Armelle Sabba
Verified
  • Advertising & marketing
  • Milan, Italy
  • 11-50 Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword provides naming services for a brand development company's end clients. The team has created names for two food and beverage products and evaluated the names for several other end clients.

Product Naming Services for Software Company

  • Branding
  • Naming
    +1
  • Confidential
  • July - Oct. 2024
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"What impressed us most about Catchword was their ability to make the naming process both fun and educational."

Jan 9, 2025
Director, Software Company
Anonymous
Verified
  • Other industries
  • New York City, New York
  • 10,001+ Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword provided naming services for a software company. The team reviewed background materials, conducted a competitive audit, interviewed stakeholders, and developed the product's architecture and naming.

Branding for Public Affairs Firm

  • Branding
  • Naming
  • $10,000 to $49,999
  • Oct. - Dec. 2024
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"We're very happy with their work and look forward to continuing the collaboration!"

Dec 31, 2024
Partner, Capitol Advocacy
Chad Mayes
Verified
  • Other industries
  • Sacramento, California
  • 11-50 Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword provided rebranding services for a public affairs firm. The team conducted discovery sessions to develop new company name options and guided preliminary trademark analysis.

Naming Services for Creative Agency

  • Branding Marketing Strategy Other Marketing
  • Employer Branding
    +1
  • $10,000 to $49,999
  • May - June 2024
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"Catchword is the leading naming agency on Clutch for a reason! They’re really the best in the naming business."

Dec 9, 2024
Creative Director, GreyBox Creative
Remo Strada
Verified
  • Advertising & marketing
  • New York City, New York
  • 1-10 Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword provided naming services for a creative agency's end client. The team created naming parameters, conducted name development reviews and screening, and offered name stories and taglines for each name.

Branding for Data & Analytics Company

  • Branding
  • Brand messaging
    +1
  • $10,000 to $49,999
  • July - Sep. 2024
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"The Catchword team demonstrates true curiosity and is very personable!"

Oct 9, 2024
Associate Director, Data & Analytics Company
Anonymous
Verified
  • Business services
  • Washington, District of Columbia
  • 51-200 Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword provided branding services for a data and analytics company. The team conducted a discovery phase, led a name development process for the client, and performed trademark prescreening.

Branding & Trademark Evaluation for Medical Company

  • Branding Intellectual Property Law
  • Naming
  • $10,000 to $49,999
  • Jan. - Sep. 2024
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"I always felt extremely confident in their work."

Aug 26, 2024
Global Marketing Strategist, Medical Company
Anonymous
Verified
  • Medical
  • Westbrook, Maine
  • 10,001+ Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword has developed a brand name for a medical company's pet diagnostic platform. The team assists with trademark evaluations, linguistic and cultural research, creative ideations, and category descriptors.

Branding Strategy & Guidelines for Investment Consultancy

  • Branding Logo
  • Brand messaging
    +3
  • Confidential
  • Nov. 2023 - Jan. 2024
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"What stood out most impressively about Catchword was their unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking."

Jul 19, 2024
Managing Partner, Investment Consultancy
Abraham T
Verified
  • Financial services
  • New York City, New York
  • 11-50 Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword provided branding services and guidelines for an investment consultancy. The team was responsible for brand strategy, logo, color palette, typography, and a plan for brand launch.

Naming Services for Telecommunications Company

  • Branding
  • Naming
  • Confidential
  • Mar. - May 2024
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0

"They delivered on time and as promised, and we were very happy with the outcome."

Jul 9, 2024
CEO, Telecommunications Company
Anonymous
Verified
  • Telecommunications
  • San Francisco, California
  • 1-10 Employees
  • Online Review
  • Verified

Catchword provided naming services to a telecommunications firm. The team created and evaluated numerous names, summarized key insights, and refined the options until the client made their selection.

Brand Strategy, Naming, and Design Services

Catchword focuses on brand strategy, naming, and identity development. Our packages range from naming- or identity-only engagements to full brand development projects involving brand strategy, naming, and design.

Small

Brand Name Development

$25,000 /total
  • Discovery
  • Naming Brief
  • Name Development
  • Name Presentations
  • Trademark & Domain Prescreening

Large

Brand Strategy, Naming, and Identity Development

$125,000 /total
  • Discovery
  • Naming Brief
  • Name Development
  • Name Presentations
  • Trademark & Domain Prescreening
Features

Small

$25,000

/total

Medium

$75,000

/total

Large

$125,000

/total

Discovery

Naming Brief

Name Development

Name Presentations

Trademark & Domain Prescreening

Design Brief

Logo Development

Logo Presentations

Brand Style Guide

Brand Positioning

Brand Purpose

Brand Voice

Brand Narrative

Brand Messaging

Small

$25,000

/total

Discovery

Naming Brief

Name Development

Name Presentations

Trademark & Domain Prescreening

Design Brief

Logo Development

Logo Presentations

Brand Style Guide

Brand Positioning

Brand Purpose

Brand Voice

Brand Narrative

Brand Messaging

Medium

$75,000

/total

Discovery

Naming Brief

Name Development

Name Presentations

Trademark & Domain Prescreening

Design Brief

Logo Development

Logo Presentations

Brand Style Guide

Brand Positioning

Brand Purpose

Brand Voice

Brand Narrative

Brand Messaging

Large

$125,000

/total

Discovery

Naming Brief

Name Development

Name Presentations

Trademark & Domain Prescreening

Design Brief

Logo Development

Logo Presentations

Brand Style Guide

Brand Positioning

Brand Purpose

Brand Voice

Brand Narrative

Brand Messaging

Our Story

We are Catchword: a multidisciplinary team of namers, strategists, linguists, writers and designers with roots in marketing, linguistics, art and music. Since 1998 we’ve grown from a boutique to an award‑winning global naming and branding firm—1300+ projects, 650+ clients (including 50 Fortune Global 500), 100+ awards. We craft breakthrough brand names, naming strategies, and verbal identities, blending deep industry expertise with proven client success.

Meet the Team

Maria Cypher

Maria CypherPartner & Creative Lead

Maria’s career in naming and branding spans almost three decades, and she is regarded as one of the world’s leading namers, having created hundreds of brands for clients including Starbucks, Fitbit, Asana, Unilever, Upwork, Allergan, and Intel.

Mark Skoultchi

Mark SkoultchiPartner & Account Lead

Mark is a renowned naming and branding professional with almost 30 years of experience building global brands. From portfolio strategy and positioning to name development and design, there isn’t a brand development initiative he hasn’t overseen.

Lea Chu

Lea ChuExecutive Director

Lea has spent 15 years building, evolving, and transforming brands for clients like American Express, Meta, Wyndham, GE, BlueCross BlueShield, TSMC, General Motors, HBO, Bayer, 3M, and Habitat for Humanity.

Payal Jambusaria

Payal JambusariaProject Coordinator

At Catchword, Payal helps manage the logistics of retainer relationships with clients such as The Home Depot, assists with trademark and domain screening, and generally keeps the office humming.

Erin Milnes

Erin MilnesCreative Director

Erin has led naming and strategy projects for such well-known clients as PwC, Intel, Royal Bank of Canada, FICO, Stryker Medical Devices, and The Home Depot. Erin earned a BA from St. John’s College and studied voice at New England Conservatory.

What Sets Us Apart

Above and Beyond

What makes us different? In every aspect of our work, we go above and beyond, from exhaustive creative to the deepest discovery to relentless scrutiny on every deliverable. Whether it's a name, a positioning, or a full identity, we do more than expected to deliver work worthy of your brand.

Clutch verification provides an additional layer of data to help you make the right purchasing decision of business services.

Learn More
Verified Client Reviews
116
Overall Review Rating
5
Source
Clutch
Last Updated
June 4, 2026

Business Entity

Business Entity Name THE CYPHER GROUP, LLC
Jurisdiction of Formation California
Date of Formation May 5, 1998
Status Active
Last Updated October 31, 2020
ID 199812510013

Credit Report Results

International Credit Risk Assessment Low Risk
Source Creditsafe
Last Updated October 31, 2020
Learn More About The Clutch Verification Process

Locations (2)

3645 Grand Avenue OaklandCA, United States 94610

6 - 9

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