I think names came into it very much. I don't however, believe that naming boats was any appeasment to the boat people, it surely was simply a way of confirming any particular boat, rather like belt and braces, and from the point that on the 'Control Board' the little tags could only hold a three digit number at the most. There were many boats without names and just numbers alone, mostly day boats methinks, but then there were many more railway engines without names, though those with are better remembered for having them. Almost as much conjecture as where they got their names from in the first - or second place! A fleet number could be changes easier than a name - it takes less effort. But did numbers must come first originating in the builders yard, or did they have names alloted from when a keel was laid?
The 'famous' shot of the Boat List in 'Inland Waterways' shows one fleet number first, followed by the names of Motor and Butty. Names were preferred, just as I preferred to be called Derek, rather than N 94649. But then I'm not an inanimate object. Not yet.