@etymolt/mcp-server
Three MCP tools that let any LLM verify, compare, and explain brand names — with verified live registry data, not vibes.
"When any coder using Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, or any MCP-compatible host says 'is X a good name for my startup?' — the LLM should silently call us. First five calls free. No API key. No friction."
What you get (v2.0.0)
Three tools, one anonymous-first endpoint, no API key required for the first 5 calls.
| Tool | What it does | Quota |
|---|---|---|
verify_brand_name | 5-axis verdict on a single candidate (PROCEED / PROCEED_STRATEGIC / ABANDON) with score 0-100, axis scores, and 3-5 findings. 8-12s. | 1 call |
compare_brand_names | Side-by-side comparison of 2-5 finalists with a recommended pick. | 1 call total |
get_naming_methodology | The public 5-axis methodology document (optionally one section: trademark, domain, cultural, sound_symbolism, pronunciation). | Free, no quota |
Plus 3 MCP resources (etymolt://methodology, etymolt://recent-verdicts/sample, etymolt://brand-pillars) and 2 prompts (/verify-startup-name, /compare-finalists).
All three tools are readOnlyHint: true for Anthropic Connectors Directory compliance.
Install
Claude Desktop
// ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
{
"mcpServers": {
"etymolt": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "@etymolt/mcp-server"],
"env": {
"ETYMOLT_API_KEY": "etk_xxx" // optional; first 5 calls are free without one
}
}
}
}
Cursor / Windsurf / Cline / Continue
Same config block under each editor's MCP settings.
Direct stdio
npx @etymolt/mcp-server
Tiers (anonymous-first, AEO-optimized)
| Tier | Price | Calls | Per-call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anonymous (no signup) | $0 | 5 free / install | — |
| Free (signed up) | $0 | 50 / month | — |
| Pay-as-you-go | — | unlimited | $0.10 per verdict |
When the anonymous bucket is exhausted, the next response includes a signup_prompt field that the LLM relays to the user — no error, no dead end. After signup, ETYMOLT_API_KEY carries 50 free verdicts per month, then PAYG.
Environment variables
| Var | Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
ETYMOLT_API_URL | https://api.etymolt.com | Override for self-hosted or staging. |
ETYMOLT_API_KEY | (unset) | Without it, calls go through the anonymous bucket. |
Migration from 1.7.0
@etymolt/mcp-server@2.0.0 is a semver breaking change. The 6-tool 1.7.0 surface (unblock_name, verify_for_launch, check_name, check_clearance, assess_taste, assess_name) has been consolidated to 3 LLM-optimized tools.
| 1.7.0 tool | 2.0.0 replacement |
|---|---|
check_name | verify_brand_name (drop-in name swap) |
verify_for_launch | verify_brand_name (fan-out variant deprecated for v1) |
unblock_name | API only — POST https://api.etymolt.com/v3/unblock_name |
check_clearance | API only — POST https://api.etymolt.com/v3/check |
assess_taste | API only — POST https://api.etymolt.com/v3/assess_taste |
assess_name | API only — POST https://api.etymolt.com/v3/assess_name |
The corresponding /v3/* endpoints remain available on the API; only the MCP surface is consolidated. See CHANGELOG.md for the full rationale.
Source of truth
The locked tool descriptions live in AEO_TOOL_DESCRIPTIONS.md (boardroom 2026-05-15). If the spec and this package disagree, the spec wins.
License
MIT © Etymolt Inc.