Why Is My Business Name Showing Differently on Google Maps?
Your business name may show differently because Google displays a name based on the user’s language, edits suggested by users, or data from other listings. Make sure your profile name matches your trade licence and signage, check for user-suggested edits, and keep the same name across your website and directories.
Causes and Fixes at a Glance
| Why the name looks different | What to do |
|---|---|
| User’s language setting | Keep your official name matching your trade licence |
| User-suggested edits | Check and reject wrong edits in your profile |
| Different name on other listings | Use the same name everywhere |
| Signage doesn’t match | Make the name match your signage and licence |
Why is my business name showing in the wrong language? Google picks the name based on the searcher’s language settings and the information it has. If you only entered an English name, Arabic users may see a transliteration or a different name from directory data.
How do I fix it? 1. Use your real, registered business name, as on your trade licence and signage. 2. Add the Arabic name in the profile where Google allows another language, or suggest the Arabic name through Google Maps in Arabic. 3. Keep names consistent on your website, directories and social profiles.
What shouldn’t I do? Don’t add keywords or both languages joined together in the name field (for example “Best Clinic Dubai عيادة”). Keyword stuffing in names breaks Google’s rules and can lead to suspension.
Does language affect ranking? Yes. Arabic and English searches are treated separately. Having pages in both languages on your website helps you appear for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my Google name be in Arabic or English?
Use the name on your trade licence and signage. Google may show other versions based on the user’s language.
Who can edit my business name?
Users can suggest edits. Check your profile for ‘Google updates’ and reject wrong changes.
Will changing my business name affect ranking?
A big name change can trigger re-verification. Change it only to match your real, legal name.
