# Corporations and Associations (GCA)

## Title 1. General Provisions

### Subtitle 5. Entity Names

#### Section 1-502

(a)

  (1) The name of a corporation must include one of the following words or an abbreviation of one of the following words:

    (i) "Company", if it is not preceded by the word "and" or a symbol for the word "and";

    (ii) "Corporation";

    (iii) "Incorporated"; or

    (iv) "Limited".

  (2) If a corporation is a benefit corporation, the name of the benefit corporation must include:

    (i) The words "benefit corporation";

    (ii) "Benefit Corp.";

    (iii) The words "benefit company", if not preceded by the word "and" or a symbol for the word "and"; or

    (iv) "Benefit Co.", if not preceded by the word "and" or a symbol for the word "and".

(b)

  (1) The name of a limited liability company must include:

    (i) The words "limited liability company";

    (ii) "L.L.C.";

    (iii) "LLC";

    (iv) "L.C."; or

    (v) "LC".

  (2) If a limited liability company is a benefit limited liability company, the name of the benefit limited liability company must include:

    (i) The words "benefit limited liability company";

    (ii) "Benefit L.L.C.";

    (iii) "Benefit LLC";

    (iv) "Benefit L.C."; or

    (v) "Benefit LC".

(c) The name of a limited liability partnership must include:

  (1) The words "limited liability partnership";

  (2) "L.L.P."; or

  (3) "LLP".

(d) The name of a limited partnership must include:

  (1) The words "limited partnership";

  (2) "L.P."; or

  (3) "LP".

(e) The name of a limited liability limited partnership must include:

  (1) The words "limited liability limited partnership";

  (2) "L.L.L.P."; or

  (3) "LLLP".

(f)

  (1) The corporate name of a professional corporation must include:

    (i) The word "chartered";

    (ii) The abbreviation "chtd.";

    (iii) The words "professional association";

    (iv) The abbreviation "P.A.";

    (v) The words "professional corporation"; or

    (vi) The abbreviation "P.C.".

  (2) A professional corporation need not use any word specified under paragraph (1) of this subsection if:

    (i) The corporation has registered the name to be used in the manner provided in Sec. 1-406 of this title; and

    (ii) The name is the same as its corporate name except for the allowable omissions.

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Md. Code Ann., Corps. & Ass'ns (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)