Naming my fitness studio can I use a name already taken in the state but not near me?

In North Carolina, businesses must have unique names when they incorporate and are actually checked against the state database to make sure there is no duplication.

Even if I could, I would try to find another name, though, particularly if it is in the same line of business. Think about the business as being ‘your good name’. In personal training, our reputation is our most valuable asset, and I would hate it if I would be confused with somebody else.