Cute Names to Call Your Boyfriend
The best nickname for a boyfriend is one that only you use. It might be sweet enough to make him grin at a text, silly enough to make him roll his eyes, or tender enough to save for when it’s just the two of you. Below are more than 100 ideas, sorted by mood, with a note on why each one works.
Try a few out and see which one sticks. The good ones usually come from inside jokes anyway. For even more ideas, see nicknames for boyfriend and cute nicknames. If he wants to return the favor, send him our names to call your girlfriend.
Classic sweet names for your boyfriend
The tried-and-true terms of endearment. They never get old.
| Nickname | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Babe | Short, easy, universally loving |
| Baby | Tender and a bit playful |
| Honey | Warm and old-fashioned sweet |
| Sweetheart | A classic that sounds sincere |
| Darling | Romantic and a little vintage |
| Love | Simple and heartfelt, popular in the UK |
| Handsome | A compliment every time you say it |
| Dear | Gentle and quietly affectionate |
| Sweetie | Casual and cute |
| Hon | Short for honey, homey and cozy |
| My Love | For when you really mean it |
| Boo | Playful, from R&B slang |
| Bae | “Before anyone else,” text-friendly |
| Hubby-to-be | For a serious relationship heading somewhere |
Food-inspired cute names
Sweet treats make sweet nicknames. Many of them also work as cute pet names, so don’t be surprised if the dog gets jealous.
| Nickname | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Honey Bun | Soft, sweet and a little silly |
| Cupcake | Adorably over-the-top |
| Muffin | Cute for a cuddly guy |
| Sugar | Southern sweetness |
| Pumpkin | Warm and cozy, great in fall |
| Sweet Pea | Old-fashioned and tender |
| Cookie | Fun for a guy with a sweet tooth |
| Peanut | Ironic for a big guy |
| Cheesecake | Playful flirting |
| Butterscotch | Smooth and golden |
| Nugget | Silly and endearing |
| Hot Sauce | For a spicy personality |
| Meatball | Goofy, affectionate |
| Pop-Tart | Nostalgic and fun |
| Cinnamon Roll | Too sweet for this world |
| Sugar Plum | Vintage and whimsical |
Funny nicknames for your boyfriend
For couples who show love by teasing. If you need more, raid our funny nicknames list.
| Nickname | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Goofball | For the guy who makes you laugh |
| Captain Obvious | For someone who states the obvious |
| Hot Stuff | Half compliment, half joke |
| Mr. Man | Mock-serious and cute |
| Chief | For the one who thinks he’s in charge |
| Snuggle Bug | Hilarious on a 6'4" guy |
| Stud Muffin | Classic cheesy flirting |
| Big Guy | Works on any size of boyfriend |
| Dork | Affectionate if he’s a proud nerd |
| Wookiee | For a hairy, huggable guy |
| Sir Snores-a-Lot | For the one who snores |
| Grumpy | For a morning grump |
| Tater Tot | Ridiculous and adorable |
| Knucklehead | Gentle teasing |
| Mister Fix-It | For the handyman |
Romantic names from other languages
Terms of endearment from other languages sound instantly romantic, especially if one of you speaks it.
| Nickname | Language & meaning |
|---|---|
| Mon Amour | French, “my love” |
| Mon Chéri | French, “my dear” |
| Mi Amor | Spanish, “my love” |
| Cariño | Spanish, “darling, affection” |
| Mi Vida | Spanish, “my life” |
| Papi | Spanish, “daddy,” an affectionate slang |
| Amore Mio | Italian, “my love” |
| Tesoro | Italian, “treasure” |
| Schatz | German, “treasure” |
| Liebling | German, “darling” |
| Habibi | Arabic, “my beloved” |
| Querido | Spanish/Portuguese, “dear” |
| Álskling | Swedish, “darling” |
| Jagiya | Korean, “honey, darling” |
| Aşkım | Turkish, “my love” |
| Mo Chroí | Irish, “my heart” |
Nicknames for a strong or manly boyfriend
For the guy who likes his nicknames a bit tougher, or pretends to.
| Nickname | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Captain | Leader of your little crew |
| Tiger | Fierce but playful |
| Champ | For the one who always wins, or thinks he does |
| Hercules | For a gym lover |
| Rocky | Tough and loyal |
| Viking | Big beard, bigger heart |
| Hero | For the guy who saves the day |
| King | He runs your world |
| Maverick | For a rebel with a heart |
| Big Poppa | Swagger, Notorious B.I.G. style |
| Ace | Number one in your book |
| Rambo | Tongue-in-cheek toughness |
| Superman | For the one who does it all |
| Boss | Confident and cheeky |
Cute animal nicknames
Animals make endlessly cute nicknames, especially the fluffy ones.
| Nickname | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Teddy | Cuddly, like a teddy bear |
| Honey Bear | A classic for huggers |
| Cub | For a younger or smaller guy |
| Bunny | Unexpectedly cute |
| Puppy | For puppy-dog eyes |
| Monkey | Playful and mischievous |
| Panda | Big, soft, a little lazy |
| Koala | Clings on for cuddles |
| Lamb | Gentle and sweet |
| Bubba | Southern-style affection |
| Penguin | Penguins mate for life |
| Lovebird | For inseparable couples |
| Otter | Otters hold hands while they sleep |
Deeply sweet names for serious love
For when you want the nickname to mean something.
| Nickname | Why it works |
|---|---|
| My Person | From Grey’s Anatomy: your one and only |
| Sunshine | He brightens every day |
| Soulmate | For the one who gets you |
| Other Half | Because together you’re whole |
| My Everything | Big feelings, big name |
| Angel | For a truly kind guy |
| Heartthrob | Still makes your heart race |
| Lover Boy | Flirty and romantic |
| Prince Charming | Straight out of a fairy tale |
| Star | The brightest in your sky |
| Home | Where you always want to be |
| Better Half | Honest and humble |
How to pick the perfect nickname for your boyfriend
- Pay attention to his reaction. If he smiles, it stays. If he winces, try another. A nickname should make him feel loved, not embarrassed.
- Match his personality. A gentle giant might love “Teddy,” while a jokester may prefer “Goofball.” Our nicknames section has ideas for every type.
- Use inside jokes. The best nicknames come from a shared memory, like a first-date food, a funny mistake or a trip you took together.
- Keep one for private. Have a public nickname for texts and friends and a sweeter one just for the two of you.
- Learn the language. If you use a term from his heritage or a language he speaks (Mi Amor, Habibi, Jagiya), learn to pronounce it properly. It’s a lovely gesture.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cutest name to call your boyfriend?
Babe, Honey Bear, Sunshine, Teddy and Sweet Pea are some of the most popular cute names. The cutest one is the one that makes him smile.
What do you call your boyfriend in Spanish?
Popular Spanish terms include Mi Amor (my love), Cariño (darling), Mi Vida (my life), Mi Cielo (my sky) and Papi (an affectionate slang term).
What is a funny nickname for a boyfriend?
Goofball, Stud Muffin, Tater Tot, Captain Obvious and Sir Snores-a-Lot are funny nicknames many couples use.
What’s a good nickname for a manly boyfriend?
Captain, Tiger, Champ, Viking, King and Ace give a tough edge while staying affectionate.
Is it weird to give my boyfriend a nickname?
Not at all. Most couples use pet names. They signal closeness and playfulness. Just check he’s comfortable with it, especially in front of friends.