A touch of whimsy is hitting roadways across the United States, and even internationally, as cities and states increasingly turn to the public to name their snowplows. What began as a localized effort to engage communities has blossomed into a widespread phenomenon, offering a lighthearted break from the often-serious business of winter weather management.
Where Do Plows Get Their Names?
The trend of naming snowplows isn’t new, but its recent surge in popularity is largely attributed to a desire to connect with residents and foster appreciation for the work of snow removal teams. Departments are now actively soliciting name suggestions from the public, narrowing down the submissions to a shortlist of finalists, and then allowing residents to vote for their favorites.
Transport Scotland is credited with being one of the earliest adopters of this practice, initiating a naming contest in 2006 that specifically targeted Scottish primary school children. The idea quickly gained traction, and now states across the US are following suit. In Minnesota, the inaugural contest in 2020 garnered over 24,000 submissions, demonstrating a clear public appetite for participation.
The motivation behind these contests extends beyond mere entertainment. According to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, the goal is to “foster awareness of the dedication and effort that goes into maintaining our roadways, while also building a deeper appreciation for the men and women who operate these vehicles through snowstorms and icy challenges.”
What’s in a Name?
The names themselves are as varied and creative as the communities that propose them. Winning suggestions often incorporate puns, pop culture references, or nods to local landmarks and personalities. The results are often humorous and memorable, transforming utilitarian vehicles into beloved local icons.
Pop culture influences are common. Names like Darth Blader, Scoop Dogg, and Blizzard of Oz demonstrate a playful connection to the entertainment industry. Weather-related puns, such as Fresh Plowder, Blizzard, and Drift Master, are also popular choices.
However, the most engaging names often tap into local pride. Colorado residents, for example, named one of their snowplows Eisenplower, a clever reference to the Eisenhower Tunnel, a crucial transportation artery through the Rocky Mountains. In Michigan, known as the “Mitten State” due to its distinctive shape, plows have been christened Mitten Muscle, Mitten Mover, and Frostbitten Mitten. New Hampshire residents embraced their regional dialect with the name Wicked Plowah.
Minnesota’s naming conventions have also paid tribute to local icons. One snowplow is named The Truck Formerly Known as Plow, a playful nod to singer Prince, who was once known as The Artist Formerly Known as Prince and resided in Minneapolis.
The city of Chicago is continuing the tradition, currently holding its third annual “You Name A Snowplow” contest. Residents were encouraged to submit names through , with the Department of Streets and Sanitation selecting six winning names to represent plows in each of the city’s six snow districts. Previous winning names include Skilling It, CTRL-SALT-DELETE, Casimir Plowaski, Ernie Snowbanks, Mies van der Snow, and Bad, Bad Leroy Plow. The 2023 contest yielded seven winning names, including Mrs. O’Leary’s Plow, Da Plow, Salter Payton, Sears Plower, Sleet Home Chicago, Holy Plow!, and Jean Baptiste Point du Shovel.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is currently in the process of selecting finalists for its 2025-26 contest, having already received thousands of submissions. Voting is scheduled to begin in , and announcements will be made through MnDOT’s social media channels.
As winter continues, the trend of naming snowplows shows no signs of slowing down. It’s a simple yet effective way for municipalities to engage their communities, inject a bit of fun into a potentially challenging season, and recognize the essential work of those who keep the roads clear.
