In mythology there is a creature called a brownie, these creatures enjoy doing house hold tasks for small rewards such as honey but if these rewards are descirbed as being payments then the brownie will leave the house to find another residence. They make their homes in unused areas of a house. It is likely the brownie was the inspiration for J.K. Rowlings house elves.
Dobby the House Elf
Dobby the house elf.
Kreacher.
Kreacher
If you mean house elves, there are two main ones. The Malfoys pervious house elf's name is Dobby and the Black family house elf's name is Kreacher.
An elf :)
You.
Imp
There is a House Elf and his name is Dobby.
Doby!
The "thing" was actually a creature called a "house elf", and the elf's name was Dobby.
You have to adopt an elf on the shelf if you want one to come to your house. You can purchase an elf on the shelf at major retailers like Target and Barnes and Noble. After you name your elf, that is when he gains his magic, and he will come back to your house each year at Christmas time.