Anthropomorphism
is the attribution of human form or other characteristics to beings other than humans, particularly deities and animals.
Personification
is the related attribution of human form and characteristics to abstract concepts such as nations and natural forces likes seasons and the weather.
Both have ancient roots as storytelling and artistic devices. Most cultures have traditional fables with anthropomorphized animals as characters.
Anthropomorphism
derives from its verb form anthropomorphize,
itself derived from the Greek
ánthrōpos (ἄνθρωπος, lit. "human") and
morphē (μορφή, "form").
It is first attested in 1753, originally in reference to the heresy of applying a human form to the Christian God.