Write a description of your target audience in a notebook. Points to consider: Who are they? What do they get out of a nightclub? Are you looking to appeal to hipsters who boost their cool factor by hanging out in the cutting-edge club, college kids looking for wild parties and hookups, locals looking for a friendly watering hole to unwind with friends, or musicians and artists looking for a laid-back place to network?
Observe your target audience first-hand. Check out the clubs they frequent. What sorts of names do these clubs have, and what's the atmosphere like? Where are they located?
Scrutinize the space you have. Is it in the right part of town for your desired clientèle? Is it the right size and layout? If not, you'll probably have to refocus your client base and go back to Step 1.
Write down what words, names, and phrases appeal to your target audience. Are they swayed by nostalgia and 80s references, foreign words, pastoral imagery, etc. Think about your observations and the names of the clubs you went to.
Begin to brainstorm names. Come up with as many as you can. Don't censor stupid or silly names. Just let it flow.
Try the ideas in section 2 for more names. Keep your target audience in mind.
Decide on the 3-5 best names in the list and get feedback. Get opinions from friends, people in your target group, and other business people. Write down the responses you get.
Choose the best name from your list.
Name the club after yourself. This will show that you take a personal approach to running your club, and will make it sound friendly and approachable. This is an especially good idea if you have an interesting or unique name.
Name the club after your neighborhood or street. This is a great way to get known as a local hangout and gather a regular neighborhood clientèle.
Name the club something fantastic. A name like Dragon's Blood or The Mermaid will probably at least get people to peek inside.
Name the club something old-timey. Nostalgia and drinking go hand-in-hand for most people. Even hokey agrarian "Horse and Carriage Tavern" kinds of names will lure people in.
Give your club a name suggesting sex, fever, or confusion. Anything that sounds hot and sweaty will get people who want to dance in through the door. Names like Vertigo, Play, or Fever Dreams are worth considering.
Think evil. The cultural association of sex and alcohol with sin is strong, so names like Devil's Playground or Inferno will attract a young party crowd.
Be trendy. Name your nightclub after something having to do with monkeys, robots, or pirates. You can always rename it in a year or two.