Can I trademark a business name that is similar to an existing one?

This depends significantly on how similar the marks actually are and, importantly, whether the goods or services involved are similar enough that consumers might be confused into thinking the two brands are connected. Trademark protection is generally tied to specific categories of goods/services (classes), so similar names in genuinely unrelated industries can sometimes coexist without issue.

However, if the existing mark is a well-known or particularly distinctive brand, it may enjoy broader protection extending beyond its immediate product category, in which case even a different-industry use of a similar name could still face objection.

Before proceeding, it's strongly advisable to conduct a proper trademark search and, ideally, get a professional opinion on the likelihood of your application being challenged or, worse, later facing an infringement claim after you've already built your brand around that name. A trademark lawyer can assess the specific existing mark against your proposed one and industry to give you a realistic risk assessment before you invest further in the name.