Pet Names For Boyfriend

So you want some cute pet names for boyfriend?

Have you been called a million names in your lifetime? “Babe”, “honey”, “sweetheart” – and some of them have been from previous relationships?

image reads "pet names for boyfriend" and shows a woman standing over a man about to kiss him.

Have you ever really thought about why we give each other pet names? What’s the psychology behind that?

And what are some pet names that you could give to your boyfriend? Today, we’re going to talk about all things pet names.

Why Do People Give Each Other Pet Names?

There’s a more complex answer to this question and a simpler one, so let’s start with the simpler one.

You can compare pet names to an inside joke. All couples have their inside jokes.

Even friends have inside jokes with one another.

And in its very simplest form, it’s because you have a history with this person and these inside jokes make you feel connected to one another.

It’s something that is just between the two of you and no one else – so it’s unique. And that uniqueness helps to bond couples and friendships together.

Pet names are the same. These nicknames are something that a couple shares with each other.

Sure, some names are common among couples.

Babe, sweetheart, honey – these are common pet names that we give to our partners.

But the point is, you aren’t calling it to anyone else.

It’s something you call your partner and only your partner.

And it’s something that no one else calls your partner. In simple terms, it’s something only the two of you share and that makes it special.

The Psychology Behind Nicknames

Okay, now for the more in depth explanation. Psychology tells us that feelings of trauma and love are deep routed into our childhood.

That’s why women often marry men that are similar to their fathers, and why people that have been abused often have trouble trusting people in their adult relationships.

This is pretty commonly known in the field of psychology.

We know what you’re thinking – what on earth does that have to do with pet names?

Well, our love for pet names may actually be routed in our childhood as well.

As babies and young children, chances are your parents called you pet names.

Bunny, sweetie, bug – and we’re sure you have some of your own. In most cases, these names bring up positive, loving emotions.

So in a sense, pet names remind us of our first loves – our moms and dads. And that may be the reason that we choose to take pet names into our adult relationships as well.

Benefits of Nicknames For Your Boyfriend

So aside from the sense of belonging and closeness that pet names give us with our partners, what other benefits do they have? What is their purpose?

Pet Names are a Sign of Affection

You don’t give pet names to someone you hate. You give them to the people that you love the most. So being assigned a pet name by your partner is a sign of affection and love.

Nicknames Provide Reassurance to Your Partner

When you and your partner are having conflict, pet names can help to reassure your partner that everything is okay.

You’re not likely going to call your partner a pet name when you’re super angry.

So by addressing them in this way, you’re letting them know you’re calm, you still love them, and everything is going to work itself out.

Pet Names Play a Role in the Bedroom

Apparently pet names can be a huge turn on. Plus, who hasn’t used them in the bedroom?!

Nickname Research

So we’re giving you all the benefits of pet names, but is there any research to actually support that?

As it turns out, yes, there is!

According to research, couples who use pet names are significantly happier than couples who don’t.

More specifically, Americans who used pet names were 16% more likely to be happy in their relationship than those who didn’t. Europeans reported a 9% increase in happiness levels based on the use of pet names.

This may be because pet names help couples get through tougher times, and are a sign of affection and endearment in a relationship.

Use these nicknames in a cute note for him.

Are All Pet Names Created Equally?

No. Definitely not. As you can guess, not all pet names are beloved by partners. And if you use a pet name that offends your partner, you might get your relationship into trouble.

According to research, some of the most hated pet names are names like “Papi”, “Daddy”, and “Sweet cheeks”. Of course, who could blame them? Do men really want to be called Daddy? Depends on how both of you were raised…

Pet Names For Boyfriend

Okay, so now that we’ve covered that, let’s get to some of the most popular pet names. Perhaps you’ll like one of these for your boyfriend:

Cute Pet Names for your Boyfriend:

Sweetie
Sweetheart
Love
Babe
Baby
Boo
Boo Bear
Love Dove
Love Bug
Sunshine
Honey/Hunnie
Angel
Pookie
Snookums
Darling
Dear
Teddy
Snugglebug

Funny Nicknames For Your Boyfriend

Fuzzy Wuzzy
McStudly
Captain Handsome
Don Juan
Love Muffin
Snuggle Monster
Honey Buns
The Big Cheese
The Hunk
Love Nugget
Mr. Cuddle Cakes
The Love Guru
Snugglebutt
The Snuggler
Cuddle King
Love Monkey
Cuddle Bug
Love Bug
Cuddle Muffin
Snuggle Bear
Chuckles

Romantic Nicknames For Your Boyfriend

Love
My Heart
My Soulmate
My Forever
My Prince
My Knight
Sunshine
My Dream
My Everything
My King
My Adoration
My Joy
My Happiness
Romeo
My Casanova
My Soul
My Angel
My Darling
My Cherished
My Beloved

Animal Related Nicknames for Your Boyfriend

Bug
Bear
Fox
Foxy
Honey Bee
Puppy
Tiger
Wolf
Stallion
Big Gorilla
Honey Bunny
Pooh Bear
Deer

Food Related Nicknames for Your Boyfriend

Sugar
Sugar Pie
Sugar Plum
Pumpkin
Sweets
Sweetie
Peanut
Honey
Honey Pot
Puddin
Cupcake
Baby Cakes
Cookie
Muffin
Sugar Buns
Biscuit
Marshmallow (HIMYM anyone?!)

Nicknames to make your boyfriend feel Manly:

Mister
Sir
Prince
King
Prince Charming
Chief
Powerhouse
Sailor
Captain
Legend
Stud
Alpha
Studly
Hunk
Casanova
Hercules
Hero
Warrior
Romeo
My Knight (in Shining Armor)
Bull
Ironman
Muscleman

Nicknames to make your Man feel good:

Handsome
Good lookin’
Stallion
McDreamy
Mr. Big
Stud Muffin
Champ (My Champion)
Dream boat
Hot Shot
Gorgeous
Hot Stuff
Maverick

Nicknames for the Bedroom:

Beast
Hot Buns
Boy Toy
Hunk
Sexy
Playboy
Johnny Rocket
Rockstar
Hot Bod
Heart Slayer
Naughty Boy
Bad Boy
Hot Stuff
Hottie
Double Trouble
Stud
Rockstar
Cowboy
Agent

Of course, these are just a few of the many nicknames that you could call your boyfriend. You can use as few or as many that appeal to you. Alternatively, you could come up with your own.

Use your own personal experiences that you have together and create your own nicknames for each other – those are the ones that will be the deepest, most meaningful, and create the closest bonds.

Sara Kae

Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.