130 Cute Nicknames to Call Your Boyfriend

It happens to the best of us: One minute you’re using someone’s full government-issued name, the next you’re calling them something that would normally embarrass you both, but somehow now feels…right? That’s the magic of pet names. They’re weird, affectionate, deeply unserious, and wildly intimate. Cue the collective “awws.”

Whether you’re searching for pet names for boyfriend inspiration, cute nicknames to call your partner, or just trying to retire “babe” because it’s feeling a little stale (no babe shade, though—she’s a classic for a reason), nicknames are an easy way to add personality to your relationship. They’re basically a shorthand for closeness. It’s a way to say “we’ve got a special connection here” without actually saying it. And no, they don’t all have to be soft and romantic. Some are ironic, some are goofy, some start as jokes and never leave. That’s kind of the point.

Of course, pet names only work if both people are into them. If your boyfriend cringes every time you say it, that’s not flirting—that’s a warning sign. And nicknames don’t = perfect relationships. You could call your SO by their first name for the rest of your lives and be happy AF. But if—or when—you land on the right nickname? It turns everyday texts, inside jokes, and even mundane moments into something more personal. Verbal sorcery, if you will.

Below, you’ll find a full list of pet names to call your boyfriend, fiancé, husband, or FWB. From classic and sweet to funny, flirty, and slightly unhinged, we've got 'em all. And while this list is technically geared toward boyfriends, plenty of these nicknames work just as well for partners of any gender. Take what fits, tweak what doesn’t, and don’t overthink it—if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that the best nicknames often make no sense at all, babycakes.