Why We Name Our Things: Cars, Robots, Plants and the Human Habit of Making Objects Personal

Why do we name our cars, talk to our plants and treat household robots as though they have personalities of their own?

A stubborn old car becomes Fred. A robotic vacuum cleaner becomes Rosie. A struggling houseplant receives a name, encouragement and a surprising amount of affection. These ordinary habits reveal something fascinating about the way the human mind understands the world.

In Why We Name Our Things, Sky Adler explores the psychology behind our tendency to make objects personal. Drawing on research into anthropomorphism, memory, emotional attachment and human behaviour, the book examines why certain possessions seem to develop characters of their own and how names can influence the way we perceive and value them.

From childhood toys and cherished instruments to named ships, familiar household appliances and increasingly conversational artificial intelligence, this engaging exploration reveals how objects become connected with our routines, identities and memories.

Why does an old car become difficult to sell? Why can a favourite object feel irreplaceable? And why do we sometimes thank, praise or argue with machines that cannot understand us?

Discover why the things we own sometimes become more than things—and what our relationships with them reveal about us.

Disclaimer: This book is intended for general educational and informational purposes. Psychological research and technological capabilities are discussed within their documented limitations. Certain examples are illustrative. All trademarks, brand names and product names mentioned belong to their respective owners and are used solely for identification and commentary. This is an independent publication, not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer or organisation mentioned.