Other Names
What the other names field means on an ABN record, why entities have multiple names, and how to read them.
- Definition
Other Names
A field on ABN records that lists additional names associated with the entity, such as trading names or former business names, beyond the primary registered name.
Why it matters
Many ABN records list more than one name. The main name identifies the entity as registered. Other names show additional names the entity uses or has used — typically trading names or business names registered separately.
If you are searching for a business by name and the main name does not match, the other names field may help. It is also useful for understanding whether an entity operates under multiple brands or has changed its trading name over time.
This site tracks changes to other names as part of its weekly change detection. When an alternate name is added or removed between snapshots, that event appears in the name changes feed.
What other names include
The other names field can contain:
- Trading names — names the entity uses for business operations, which may differ from the registered legal name.
- Former business names — names the entity previously used but may no longer actively trade under.
- Other registered names — additional names recorded in the ABR dataset.
A single record can have multiple other names. Some records have none.
Main name versus other names
Every ABN record has one main name. This is the primary registered name — usually the legal name of the entity.
Other names sit alongside the main name. They do not replace it. When you see both, the main name is the formal registration identity. The other names provide additional context about how the entity may be known.
What this means
When other names appear on a record, the entity has additional names recorded beyond its primary registration name. These often reflect trading names or historical names. When names are added or removed between weekly snapshots, the change is recorded and may appear in the name changes feed.
What other names tell you
Other names reveal the trading names, former names, and alternate identities associated with an entity. They help you identify a business when the primary registered name is unfamiliar, and track name changes over time through the name changes feed.
For official business name registration details, check the ABR or ASIC's business names register.
This page is part of an independent reference product. The site compares weekly data snapshots to surface changes and explanations. Read our methodology.