Your first name should be distinct. So, before you settle on a name, try typing your future name into YouTube and see what happens. If you notice that another channel (or channels) has a channel name that is quite similar to yours, you should probably choose something else to use as your channel name. The difficulty you will encounter if you try to use an existing name arises under trademark laws.
How to Choose a YouTube Channel Name (DO NOT DO THIS)
The channel title is protected as a trademark because it is used to "brand" the channel in the eyes of viewers and the viewers' friends. Trademark rights are acquired through the use of a trademark in commerce in the United States.
In addition, in most cases the first person or company to use a trademark in commerce acquires the trademark rights – this is called the "senior user" of the property in question. Anyone who tries to use the trademark is later called a junior user. In nine out of 10 cases, the older user wins in court.
Yes, YouTube allows channels to use the same name. This is allowed and fine, as long as you don't impersonate another channel. For example, if you steal their name and profile picture and re-upload their content on your channel, your channel will be banned.
