How to Change a Name to an Acronym

A lot of acronyms exist as handy ways to remember things, most of them creating new words. Business names can potentially become acronyms, if it is legal in your state. Before legally changing any name--whether it's a personal name or a business name--to an acronym you'll have to consult with a lawyer.

Instructions

1. Create the acronym by taking the first letters of each word in the name. Construct them together to see if they form an easily remembered sequence or word.

2. Add in additional letters from one or more words in the name if the base acronym does not lend itself to pronunciation. For example, AWOL (absent without leave) would technically be AWL as it's formed of only three words. But adding the O from without makes the acronym pronounceable.

3. Consult a lawyer. This is for two purposes. In order to protect your acronym, you'll want to trademark it, if doing so for business purposes. This process is much easier if handled by a lawyer. As well, your lawyer will do research to ensure the acronym you've created isn't already trademarked.

   Your lawyer will also be able to advise you on any legal issues that may be involved in your state regarding changing a name to an acronym.

References

• Business Balls: Acronyms and Abbreviations