Do you live with a robot vacuum named Vance, a coffee pot called Joe, or another household item you’ve given a special name? If so, you’re far from alone. It’s pretty common for people to name inanimate objects.
Giving human form or attributes to these things is called anthropomorphizing. And with more people staying at home, and buying new toys and gadgets, there is more and more to name. Earlier this year, we conducted an informal survey of our e-newsletter subscribers to see just what they’ve been naming (or anthropomorphizing) around the house.
Check out the infographic below to see the results.
Hi! My Name Is
Do You Anthropomorphize?
Giving human attributes to items is called anthropomorphizing. As more people stay at home, buying new toys and gadgets, there is even more naming to go around.
A recent survey of close to 300 respondents breaks down the popular household items that are lucky enough to get a name.
Robot Vacuum 48.3%
Other 22.9%
Large & Small Kitchen Appliances 9.6%
Electronics 5.2%
Houseplants 7.2%
HI! My Name Is Hazel
More than 100 people say they name their robot vacuum.
The number one name among survey respondents for their vacuum? Hazel (from the 1960’s sitcom). Other names include Taz, Rosie, Alice and Captain Jack.
Maybe the trick to keeping your houseplant alive is naming it?
From Sticky to Fern, respondents seem to name their plants according to its main characteristic.
Hi! My Name Is Sticky
Do you love your GPS enough to name it?
Some names that popped up in our survey included: Maggie, Susie, Clementine (because “you are lost and gone forever”) and Wacky Wonda (“because it’s usually wrong”). It appears to be a love-hate relationship.
Hi! My Name is: Maggie
Hi! My Name Is: Laundry
Hi! My Name Is: Twins
Hi! My Name Is: Poppie
No appliance large or small is too good for a name.
Joe the coffee pot and the Laundry Twins (a washer and dryer) are among a few of the large and small appliances that our respondents shared as special to their household. We can’t forget to mention Poppie the toaster.
HI! My Name Is: Nacho
Would you believe naming a draft blocker a thing?
Many people are naming items you may never have guessed. Let us introduce you to a thermostat named Nacho and Rudolph the red-toned rain gear.
Make an inventory list to be sure all of your “household friends” are accounted for. This will come in handy in case you ever have a major claim. Find an ERIE agent near you to find out more on how to protect your home and everything in it.
Visit erieinsurance.com.

Insurance for your Home and Appliances (To Name a Few)
Does Wally the washing machine or Frank Fridge need to be replaced? (Sorry, guys; it was good while it lasted.) Check out our blog story on when to replace appliances and how to protect your home from issues that can arise from crockpots or your dryer.
What about a home inventory list to make sure all your household “friends” are accounted for? Making a list of what is in your home will come in handy just in case you ever have a claim and need to do a roll call. Here's how to get your home inventory started.
Good news: You can get an extra cushion of protection for major appliances and home systems right in your homeowners insurance policy with our Equipment Breakdown Coverage.
If you are unsure what your home insurance can cover – and what it can’t – ask your agent. Or you can find a local ERIE agent near you.
See what separates us from the competition with a personalized home insurance quote.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of July 2022 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.