This article was updated on August 30, 2024
A candle name isn't just a label; it's a promise of an experience. It sets the stage for what others can expect from the fragrance. And if you're in the fabulous candle business, it's the first point of contact with your brand—an opportunity to evoke emotions and create a lasting impression.
Whether you're building a candle business of your own or crafting handmade scented candles at home, this guide to creating scent names for candles has all the info you need to get started.
What's In A Candle Name?
Your candle's name isn't just a string of words. The right name can entice customers, invoke curiosity, and create a lasting impression.
Just as poets and artists have used certain words to evoke emotions in their audience, candle makers can strategically choose names with appealing associations. One 2018 neuroimaging study suggests that even the sound of your words can influence human emotions.
This may explain why one Ralph Lifshitz decided that Ralph Lauren was better suited to his brand!
So stick to picking scent names for candles that sound nice and have positive connotations for your potential customers— you'll be glad you did.
Candle Names Should Tell A Story
Think of your candle names as mini-stories that create a narrative for your brand and invite customers to be part of that story. For example, a candle called “Autumn Stroll” paints a picture of crunchy leaves, brisk air, and cozy sweaters.
Story-driven names help customers imagine the scene they’re bringing into their home when they light the candle, making the product more than just a scent, but an experience.
How To Craft Scent Names For Candles In 3 Steps
Incredible candle scent names are chosen based on some combination of aroma and creator uniqueness. Aroma makes sense—candles fill the room with smells, so the name is a good way of letting people know what kinds of fragrances they can expect.
Creator uniqueness is where things get interesting. Some creators might name candles based on their favorite seasons, vibes, traditions, hometowns, or life experiences. If you can find a way to blend your creator identity with your scent, you're golden.
Here are a few more basics to keep in mind before we get to the naming process.
- Don't go too crazy with the length—remember that your candle's name will eventually adorn a beautiful candle label.
- Alliteration is excellent for creating memorable names (if you slept through that day of English class, that's when words start with the same sound).
- Avoid using trademarked names or characters if you plan to sell your candles to potential customers and candle enthusiasts. This will prevent legal issues.
Now that we've covered the basics, here are three simple steps to develop unforgettable candle names.
Step 1: Pick a theme for your candle names.
Themes are an excellent way to include your creator identity into the candles. And if you're trying to build a following around your candle creations, know that people love a theme.
For example, we've assembled collections with themes like:
Michigan Candles
Botanical Candles
Spring Floral Candle Collections
Thematic scent collections do more than just tell people what smells to expect—they can create an entire brand experience!
Step 2: Pick a natural element.
The fresh and subtle scents of nature almost always inspire candle scent names. That's because most oil fragrances developed for candle making are derived from flora (either naturally pressed or synthetically created).
If you really want your candle to stand out, start with the primary natural aroma of the candle. From there, you can add words that help cultivate an experience if it makes sense for your candle brand.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Lavender is one of the most popular candle scents in the world. (Side note: if you're wondering which scent is MOST popular, it's vanilla).
Lavender is known for its purple hue as well as relaxation and tranquility, so it makes sense to choose candle names that play with color and themes like "sleep," "dreams," and "relaxation."
Names for lavender-scented candles could be as simple as Lavender Candle or something more creative that captures the essence of the brand and candle creator.
Here are some lavender candle scent names ideas:
- Lavender Lullaby
- Bedtime Candle
- Purple Dreamsicle
- Enchanted Lavender
- Lavender Breeze
- Lavender Moonlight Candle
- Lavender Euphoria
The classic floral scent of rose is subtle, sweet, and floral. Roses symbolize romance, softness, and royalty (like the Tudor Rose). Although they come in many colors, most people associate them with the color red.
Rose-scented candle names should get creative with words that allude to romance and luxury.
Here are some Examples:
Moroccan Rose
Here's some rose candle name inspo:
- Blushing Bloom
- Love At First Sight
- Majestic Rose
- You're Glowing
- Red Hot Honeymoon Candle
- Velvet Rose
- First Kiss
The invigorating and zesty scent of lemon brings a burst of freshness to candle fragrances. Lemons are associated with vitality, brightness, and a rejuvenating atmosphere.
When naming your lemon-scented candle, consider using words that evoke energy, zest, and a lively ambiance. A popular example of lemon-scented candle names is the Lemongrass Candle.
Here's some lemon candle name inspo:
- Citrus Zest Awakening
- Lemon Luminosity
- Vibrant Lemon Fizz
- Sunshine Serenade
- Lively Lemon Grove
- Zesty Citrus Revive
Pumpkin
The scent of pumpkin is cozy, warm, and often associated with the comfort of autumn. It brings to mind images of spiced lattes, baked goods, and changing leaves.
Pumpkin-scented candles can evoke feelings of nostalgia, comfort, and seasonal joy. When naming your pumpkin-scented candle, consider words that capture the essence of fall, harvest, and the inviting atmosphere of gatherings—for instance:
Here's some pumpkin candle name inspo:
- Harvest Spice
- Cozy Pumpkin Hearth
- Rustic Pumpkin
- Toasted Pumpkin
Step 3: Get feedback.
Your name might be brilliant to you, but gathering feedback from friends and family offers invaluable insights. Present potential names alongside your candles, allowing others to experience the scent and suggest names that resonate. Be ready to pitch a few name ideas at a time and see which ones stick.
Common Scent Naming Pitfalls to Avoid
While creativity is key, there are some common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid when naming your candles.
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Overly complex names can be a turn-off if they’re hard to pronounce or too long to fit nicely on a label. Simplicity is often best.
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Being too vague can turn away a customer. Names like "Fresh" or "Sweet" don’t tell the customer enough about the experience they can expect.
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Generic names can also get lost in the market, so it’s crucial to strike a balance between creativity and clarity.
- Not on brand—make sure your names align with your brand identity and resonate with your target audience.
The Emotional Connection of Candle Names
Crafting the perfect candle name is more than just a creative exercise—it's about evoking the right emotion and experience. Studies have shown that certain words, phrases, and even sounds can trigger specific feelings and memories in our brains.
Think about it: a candle called “Evening Embers” brings to mind a cozy fireside on a chilly night, while “Sunset Breeze” transports you to a peaceful beach at dusk.
The emotional connection that a name can create is powerful, helping to deepen the overall experience of your candle. As you brainstorm, ask yourself what feelings you want your candle to evoke—comfort, relaxation, nostalgia.
By tapping into these emotions, your candle names will resonate more deeply with customers, making them more likely to connect with your brand and come back for more.
Real-World Examples from A Successful Brand
If you’re looking for inspiration, take a peek at how successful candle brands name their products. For instance, Kalamazoo Candle Company uses playful names like, “I’ve Got a Gal,” or “Candy Cane Lane” to capture the creative side of their brand.
They also have intriguing names like “Smitten” and “Leftovers” to make the buyer wonder, what does that candle smell like?
These names aren’t just labels—they’re an invitation to step into a mood, a moment, or a memory, making the candle experience that much more personal and memorable.
Ready to Name Your Candle? You Need Custom Labels!
Once you've got the perfect name, you'll need the perfect custom-label candle!
Whether you're commemorating a corporate event, celebrating your wedding day, or aiming to give a heartfelt gift, our personalized custom-label candles provide a timeless and elegant touch.
