Why Do People Name Their Routers And What Names Are Most Common

In homes across the world, hidden in plain sight—on a shelf, tucked behind a TV, or mounted discreetly on a wall—a small device hums quietly, connecting families, powering remote work, streaming entertainment, and linking smart devices. This unsung hero is the wireless router. While it may seem like just another piece of tech, many users go beyond default settings and give their routers something personal: a name. Not a serial number or an IP address, but a human touch—like “FBI Surveillance Van,” “The Batcave,” or “Pretty Fly for a Wi-Fi.” But why do people name their routers? And what names dominate neighborhoods and coffee shops alike?

The naming of a Wi-Fi network—technically known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID)—was never intended as a creative outlet. It was designed for functionality: to identify networks so devices could connect reliably. Yet, over time, this technical field has evolved into a digital canvas for humor, branding, warnings, and even social commentary. The choices reflect both personality and practicality, revealing much about how we interact with technology in our daily lives.

The Psychology Behind Naming Routers

Naming objects is a deeply human behavior. From childhood toys to cars, giving names fosters emotional attachment and individuality. When applied to routers, this instinct serves several psychological functions.

First, there's **personalization**. A router named “Grandma’s Secret Recipes” stands out from the sea of “NETGEAR56” or “Linksys1234.” It reflects identity and adds character to an otherwise impersonal device. In a world saturated with mass-produced technology, naming a router reclaims a sense of ownership.

Second, **humor** plays a major role. Many SSIDs are inside jokes, puns, or pop culture references. Names like “Tell My Wi-Fi Love Her” or “It Burns When IP” showcase wit and tech-savviness. These names often spark smiles from neighbors who see them during network scans, turning a mundane interaction into a moment of connection.

Third, **security signaling** influences some naming decisions. While not a real security measure, names like “I am the FBI – Leave Now” or “Honeypot – Do Not Connect” attempt to deter casual freeloaders. Though ineffective against determined hackers, they serve as digital signage meant to ward off opportunistic users.

“People anthropomorphize their devices because it makes technology feel less intimidating. Naming a router is a way of domesticating the invisible infrastructure that powers modern life.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Digital Sociologist at MIT Media Lab

Most Common Types of Router Names

Router names fall into recognizable categories. Analyzing public Wi-Fi data, online forums, and crowdsourced lists reveals consistent trends in how people choose SSIDs. Below are the most prevalent types:

Funny & Punny Names

This is by far the most popular category. Wordplay involving “Wi-Fi,” “wireless,” and internet slang dominates neighborhood networks.

• “Dumbledore’s Army”
• “Drop It Like It’s Hotspot”
• “No Internet, No Cry”
• “The Promised LAN”
• “Say My Name… Then Connect to My Wi-Fi”

Pop Culture References

From movies to music, fandom runs strong in router naming.

• “Winter Is Coming” (Game of Thrones)
• “May the Force Be With You” (Star Wars)
• “Bing Bong’s Wi-Fi” (Inside Out)
• “TARDIS Network – One Way Trip” (Doctor Who)

Security Theater Names

These names aim to scare off intruders through bluffing rather than actual protection.

• “FBI Surveillance Van #4”
• “NSA Listening Post”
• “Hacked by KGB – Beware”
• “This Network Will Self-Destruct”

Branding & Personal Identity

Some users treat their network like a mini brand.

• “Smith Family Network”
• “Cafe Java – Guest Access”
• “Dr. Williams’ Office – Staff Only”
• “The Johnson Residence – Authorized Devices Only”

Technical Jokes & Nerd Humor

Tech enthusiasts enjoy subtle nods to networking concepts.

• “1.21 Gigawatts” (Back to the Future reference + power unit)
• “LAN Solo”
• “MAC Address Unknown”
• “HTTP://LOVE”

Tip: Avoid using your real name or address in your SSID. Even playful names like “John’s Apartment” can make you more vulnerable to social engineering.

Top 20 Most Common Router Names (Based on Public Data)

Data collected from WiGLE.net—a global database of wireless networks—reveals which SSIDs appear most frequently. Here are the top 20, ranked by occurrence:

Rank	SSID Name	Type
1	AndroidAP	Default/Carrier
2	linksys	Default
3	NETGEAR	Default
4	FBI Surveillance Van	Humor/Security Theater
5	Dlink	Default
6	TP-Link_Extender	Default/Extension
7	MyPlace	Generic Personal
8	Home	Generic
9	Belkin	Default
10	Skynet	Pop Culture Reference
11	Guest	Functional
12	WiFi	Generic
13	Apple Network	Device-Specific
14	Free WiFi Here	Inviting/Misleading
15	Virgin Media	ISP Default
16	ARRIS-Modem	ISP Default
17	XfinityWiFi	ISP Broadcast
18	Attic Wifi	Location-Based
19	Beware of Geek	Humor
20	DSL-Modem	Legacy Equipment

Note: Default names still dominate globally. However, user-customized names like “FBI Surveillance Van” and “Skynet” show surprising consistency across countries, suggesting shared cultural humor in tech communities.

When Naming Goes Too Far: Risks and Consequences

While naming a router seems harmless, certain choices can lead to real-world issues. Law enforcement agencies have responded to SSIDs such as “Bomb Makers Association” or “IRS Surveillance Van” due to public reports. In 2017, a man in Florida had his home raided after naming his network “Al-Qaeda HQ.” Although no charges were filed, the incident highlights how context can be lost in digital signals.

Similarly, offensive or threatening names—even as jokes—can attract unwanted attention from neighbors, landlords, or authorities. What one person sees as edgy humor, another may interpret as a threat.

Moreover, overly descriptive names can compromise privacy. An SSID like “John’s iPhone Hotspot” reveals device ownership and potentially enables targeted phishing or spoofing attacks.

Do’s and Don’ts of Router Naming

Do	Don't
Use generic identifiers like “Home Network” or “Main Floor Wi-Fi”	Avoid real names, addresses, or identifiable details
Add humor if it’s light-hearted and non-threatening	Steer clear of profanity, hate speech, or violent references
Separate guest and private networks clearly (e.g., “GuestNet”)	Don’t imply illegal activity (e.g., “DarkNet Access”)
Change default passwords regardless of SSID	Assume a funny name replaces real security measures

Real Example: The Case of “The Dark Net”

In 2019, a software developer in Portland, Oregon, named his home network “The Dark Net” as a joke referencing the deep web. He later discovered that multiple neighbors had reported the name to local police via an anonymous tip app. Officers arrived at his door asking questions about cybersecurity activities. After explaining it was just a nickname, the situation was resolved—but not without stress and wasted time.

He changed the name to “WillowTree LAN” and now uses a separate guest network labeled “Visitor Zone.” “I learned the hard way,” he said in an interview with a tech blog. “Humor doesn’t travel well over radio waves. Context disappears when all someone sees is a name on their phone.”

Best Practices for Naming Your Router

If you want to personalize your network without inviting trouble, follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Access your router settings: Open a browser and enter your router’s IP (often 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in with admin credentials.
2. Navigate to Wireless Settings: Look for “Wireless,” “Wi-Fi,” or “Network Name (SSID)” options.
3. Choose a safe, memorable name: Avoid personally identifiable information. Use abstract or whimsical names instead.
4. Create a guest network: If available, set up a secondary SSID for visitors. Label it “Guest Wi-Fi” or similar.
5. Save and reboot: Apply changes and restart the router to activate the new name.
6. Test connectivity: Ensure all devices can reconnect under the new name.

Checklist: Smart Router Naming

• ☑ Avoid real names, addresses, or family member details
• ☑ Steer clear of anything that sounds threatening or illegal
• ☑ Use humor cautiously—when in doubt, keep it light
• ☑ Separate guest and private networks
• ☑ Update firmware and use strong WPA3 encryption
• ☑ Change default admin password immediately

FAQ: Common Questions About Router Names

Can a router name affect my internet speed?

No. The SSID has no impact on performance, bandwidth, or signal strength. Speed depends on hardware, placement, interference, and ISP plan—not the network name.

Is it safe to use a funny name like “FBI Van”?

While common, names implying government surveillance or criminal activity can prompt reports. Though rare, law enforcement may investigate if multiple complaints arise. It’s safer to opt for humorous but neutral names like “Wi-Fight the Feeling” or “The Cloud Room.”

Should I hide my SSID to stay secure?

Hiding your SSID (making it invisible) offers minimal security benefit and can cause connectivity issues. Modern tools easily detect hidden networks. Focus instead on using WPA3 encryption, strong passwords, and regular firmware updates.

Conclusion

Naming a router is more than a quirky habit—it’s a reflection of how humans personalize technology to fit their lives. Whether driven by humor, identity, or a desire to stand out, these names add flavor to the invisible infrastructure around us. But with creativity comes responsibility. A clever SSID shouldn’t come at the cost of privacy, safety, or peace of mind.

The most effective network names strike a balance: memorable enough to distinguish from neighbors’ signals, neutral enough to avoid misunderstandings, and secure enough to support a protected connection. As wireless networks remain central to modern living, choosing a thoughtful SSID is a small act with outsized impact.

💬 What’s your router’s name? Share your favorite SSID—or your neighbor’s wildest one—in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the creativity (and caution) behind the names we broadcast every day.