Nicknames for your significant other that ranges from cringey to cute
Those who have used pet names for a partner have seen the sideways glances, eye rolls and dismissive looks from others who think it's cheesy to have couple-centric nicknames. But it's the pet-name users who have the last laugh, since studies show that pet names can actually be beneficial for couples.
Cute nicknames may have more of a function than just celebrating your relationship (and disgusting your friends and families). At least one study showed that couples who used pet names were more likely to be satisfied in their relationships than those who didn’t use them. Other research noted that nicknames help couples get through conflict, injecting a source of endearment and playfulness into tough moments.
What nickname you choose for your boyfriend, though, is up to you as a couple. Do you want something cute and flirty? Something classic and romantic? Maybe a nickname borrowed from a language that's connected to you as a couple? The best nicknames for boyfriends will mean something to you both, won't feel too silly and encapsulates something about who you are together.
If you're looking for pet names for a boyfriend, husband or partner — or nicknames for a girlfriend as the case may be — try a few of these on for size, and see if he's more of a Boo Boo or a Xiao Bao.
Food-Related Nicknames
He's sweet...and maybe a little spicy. You can choose a nickname based off your favourite foods together.
Baby cake
Big Mac
Cheesecake
Cherry Pie
Cookie
Cutie Pie
Dumpling
Honey
Honey Bun
Jellybean
Jelly Belly
Meatball
Muffin
Peanut
Pickle
Pudding
Pumpkin
Short Stack
Stud Muffin
Sugar
Sugar Plum
Sweetie
Sweets
Sweet Pea
Tater Tot
Cute Nicknames
Not for the faint of heart, these names are so ultra-adorable that they require great commitment to pull off. Is he man enough to be Squiggles?
Angel
Amor
Babe/Baby
Boo
Buddy
Bubba
Bubs
Dimples
Fave
Fluffy
Lovey
Papa Bear
PIC (as in "partner-in-crime")
Pookie
Snookums
Snuggles
Squishy
Sunshine
Teddy
Nicknames for Boyfriends in Different Languages
The Dutch like to call their significant others "mijn poepie," which literally translated means "my little poop." If that's not romantic enough, try these terms of endearment from languages other than English.
Amore mio ("my love" in Italian)
Amorzinho ("sweetheart" in Portuguese)
Ange or Mon Ange ("angel" or "my angel" in French)
Cara Mia ("my beloved" in Italian)
Cariño ("honey" in Spanish)
Chang Noi ("little elephant" in Thai)
Chuchuzinho ("squash" in Portuguese)
Guapo ("handsome" in Spanish)
Kuschelbär ("cuddle bear" in German)
Liebling ("darling" in German)
Ma Puce ("my flea" in French)
Mi Rey ("my king" in Spanish)
Mo Chuisle ("my pulse" in Gaelic)
Mon Petit Chou ("sweetheart" in French; literally "my little cabbage")
Muru ("crumb" in Finnish)
Ke Aloha ("beloved" in Hawaiian)
Rodnoy ("soul mate" in Russian)
Schnuckiputzi ("cutie pie" in German)
Terrón de Azúcar ("sugar lump" in Spanish)
Xiao Bao ("little bun" in Mandarin)
Actual Pet Names
Animal names are a cute couple's go-to, but which ones? Feline, fowl or something a little more ferocious?
Bear
Bee
Bugs
Bunny
Dragon
Ducky
Foxy
Honey Bee
Honey Bunny
Lion
Love Bug
Penguin
Puppy
Tiger
Wolf
Pop Culture-Related Nicknames
Whether you like cuddling up to Seinfeld reruns or keep re-visiting the Shire of the Lord of the Rings, these names recall your favourite fictional adventures.
Booboo
Casanova
Cyrano
Don Juan
Drogo
He-Man
Hercules
McDreamy/McSteamy
Mr. Big
My Lobster
My Precious
Padawan
Prince Charming
Pinky
Pooh Bear
Romeo
Schmoopy
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