181 Nicknames for Your Boyfriend: Endearments He'll Love

Use the pet names below for that special someone in your life.

November 17, 2022

dictionary definition of "nickname" — Shutterstock / TungCheung

Running out of pet names to call your best guy? Or are neither of you very fond of the ones you've tested out so far? Don't worry, we've collected 181 cute names you can call your boyfriend aside from his given one. Besides, peppering some adorable nicknames for your boyfriend helps make certain requests a lot more palatable. No one wants to be told to take out the garbage, but a refusal is a lot less likely when the command comes tethered to phrases like "sweet pea" and "snuggle bug." And there's even more to it than that.

Coming up with cute names for one another signifies intimacy within the relationship, which is why you should put a little thought into it. Besides, the options are endless. You want a romantic nickname? No problem. Looking for something a little cuter? Sure. You can also decide on a fun nickname for the more spirited men out there. Then again, there's also no shame in phoning it in. Check out the list below for help finding the perfect fit.

READ THIS NEXT: 50 Cute Things to Say to Your Boyfriend Every Day.

The Science of Nicknames

Before we dive into the list, let's quickly discuss the science of nicknames. For those who aren't yet in the know, a cute nickname carries a lot more weight than the general term of endearment. Though more research is needed to identify just how these phrases apply to different demographics, a study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships confirms that the use of nicknames is linked to higher levels of marital satisfaction.

Out of the 154 couples studied, researchers found those in their first five years of marriage and without children were most likely to incorporate cute nicknames into the relationship. Sadly, it seems the further you push into a relationship, the less likely you are to keep up with the sweet talk.

That said, there could be a more positive interpretation of this decline. According to Carol J. Bruess, PhD, who led the study, it's possible that individuals involved in long-term relationships simply stop recognizing their nicknames as something special. In other words, the more time goes by, the more likely those pet names are to become part of the general lexicon.

Bruess also suspects that these titles play an important role in abating conflict, allowing a certain level of playfulness and humor to enter the room.

Supporting evidence appears in The Normal Bar, co-authored by Pepper Schwartz, PhD, professor of sociology at the University of Washington in Seattle. The text, which collected data from almost 100,000 participants through an online survey, found that among those who said they were in "very happy" relationships, 76 percent reported using pet names.

181 Pet Names Your Boyfriend Will Low-Key Love

Now that we know why nicknames matter, let's look at some available options. Read on for our list of cute names to call your boyfriend. And don't hesitate to put your personal spin on things, either.

READ THIS NEXT: 206 Questions to Ask Your Crush So You Can Finally Figure Them Out.

Cute Nicknames for Your Boyfriend

Take a look at the cute nicknames below for some inspiration. These terms are sure to let him know just how much you care.

woman kissing her boyfriend on the balcony — Shutterstock / Marjan Apostolovic

Honey Bunny
Teddy Bear
Love Bug
Snuggle Bug
Darling
Ace
Rocky
Cutie
Honey Bear
Buddy
Sport
Mr. Man
Champ
Cutie Pie
Kitten
Baby Face
Pup
Sweet Cheeks
Ducky
Wuvy
Wild Thing
BFG

Goofy Names to Give to Your Boyfriend

Find the perfect pet name for your man and don't be afraid to let things get a little silly.

playful couple sharing an ice cream cone — Shutterstock / Maridav

Pooh Bear Blue Eyes
Cookie Monster
Old Man
Goober
Manly Man
He-Man
Goofball
Captain
Hot Shot
Snookums
Squishy
Macho Man
Handy Man
Bubba
Batman
Big Guy
Boo Bear
Schmoopy
Baby Doll
Rockstar
Puppy
Chipmunk
Dream Lover
Chief
Hulk
Petal
Curly

Romantic Nicknames for Your Boyfriend

Choose one of the romantic nicknames below to solidify that special bond with your partner.

couple sipping wine on the beach — Shutterstock / mavo

PIC—Partner in Crime
Light of My Life
My Other Half
Baby
Babe
King
Sweet Thing
Mr. Right
Angel
Prince
My Favorite Man
My Soul Mate
Good Lookin'
Sunshine
Papi
Bae
The first letter of their name (so if his name is Ben, call him "B")
Good-Looking
Boo
My Guy
Beau
Hero
Prince Charming
Lover Boy
Dream Boat
Maverick

Food-Related Nicknames

They don't just taste good, they also sound good. Check out the food-inspired nicknames below.

muffins - nicknames for boyfriend — Shutterstock / beats1

Tater Tot
Potato Cakes
Meatball
Pickles
Honey Pot
Sweet Pea
Sweetie Pie
Jellybean
Chicken Butt
Everything Bagel
Pumpkin Pie
Stud Muffin
Cupcake
Peanut
Sodapop
Honey
Dumpling
Pudding
Buttercup
Marshmallow
Kit Kat
Sugar
Eye Candy

Sweet Nicknames for Your Boyfriend

Pick out a cute name below for that special guy in your life. Some options may seem a little old school, but that's only because good things never go out of style.