The perfect pet name is hard to come by unless you have that one experience that inspires a pet name. But for those of you who just want to come up with a nice pet name for your guy, here’s a list of great options to choose from!
Common Pet Names for New Couples
It’s common for new couples to not know what to call each other. Most of the time, a unique term of endearment comes about from an inside joke or an experience you share. But if you and your man haven’t found the right term of endearment yet, you can always start off with some common and “safe” ones like these:
Babe
Baby
Bae – This is more suitable for younger and more modern couples, since it’s a recent slang term. However, if you’re a more mature couple who want to be in with the times, this is a great choice!
Honey
Sweetheart
Love
Dear – Admittedly old-fashioned, this name has stood the test of time. Some folks might think it’s a little too old-fashioned, but many couples love this because of the implied familiarity in the name.
Darling
Pet Names Related to Animals
Who doesn’t love cute animals? Most men might not take kindly to pet names like “butterfly” or “kitten,” but these manlier animal pet names might be more to their liking. Keep in mind that each animal has its own traits, so make sure you pick an animal that shares traits with your man!
Bear – Attach “bear” to any type of pet name you like for a pet name that implies how your man is a big cuddly bear!
Huggy Bear
Teddy Bear
Puppy
Panda – If “bear” is too mainstream, go for something a little more unique like panda!
Stud Muffin –
Tiger
Monkey
King Kong – If your guy’s a silly monkey, but he also happens to be a pretty big and buff guy, King Kong might be a funny term of endearment you’ll like.
Pet Names Related to Food
Is your man so irresistibly delicious that you can’t help but compare him to your favorite food? Or maybe just seeing your man in his favorite outfit is enough to make you water? Then a food-related pet name might be the right one to choose.
Sweetie
Sweetie Pie
Apple
Hot Chocolate
Chocolate Man – if your man is as smooth and delicious as chocolate, this is the pet name for him.
Cookie
Cookie Monster
Cupcake
Marshmallow Man – if your man is a little soft on both the inside and outside, pick out this funny pet name.
Peanut
Pork Chop
Sugar
Honey Buns – Can’t get enough of your man’s buns, hun? This is the pet name for him!
Pet Names that Describe Him
Does your man have a trait that you absolutely love? Maybe it’s his penchant for cuddling in bed or his beautiful eyes? These are the pet names you might like if you want your man to know how much you appreciate some of his characteristics.
Cuddly
Playboy
Sugar Lips – perfect for a boyfriend who’s a terrific kisser
Angel
Angel Eyes
Brown/Blue/Green Eyes
Dimples
Dork – If you’re a pair of silly dorks, use this pet name on each other!
Derp
My Sun and Stars
Dreamboat
Manly Pet Names
Pet names in general might not be very manly, but there are some pet names that highlight the manliness of your boyfriend. Here are some pet names you can choose from to not only make him feel like a manly man, but they also let him know which of his best traits you want to draw attention to.
Iron Man – for the guy who has it all
Superman – for the guy who can do it all
Batman – for the guy who’s got it all but is also a little on the mysterious side
Daredevil – if your guy’s an adrenaline junkie, this is the pet name for him
Captain
Big Guy
Big Boy
Big Daddy
Sugar Daddy – This pet name might have some negative connotations, but if you’re confident enough, you can use it to imply that your boyfriend just spoils you a lot!
Super Stud
Knight
Knight in Shining Armor
Hunk
Hercules
Sailor – if you’ve got a man in the Navy, this is the perfect pet name!
Jock
Romeo
Prince Charming
My King
Mr. Right
Casanova – while Casanova had a ton of lovers, this pet name implies that out of all the women in the world, he chose you
Champ
Champion – This is the perfect pet name if you’re dating an athlete!
Cowboy
Handsome
Hero – if you’re the damsel in distress who’s got a man who saves you each time, what better way to show your appreciation than with this pet name?
Cuteness
McDreamy
McGorgeous
McSteamy
Soldier – this one’s for all you military girlfriends and wives out there!
Tarzan – if he’s got a little bit of wildness in him that you don’t want to tame
Hot Stuff
Knock-Out – if you’re dating a guy who’s a perfect 10, no other pet name would do!
Chippendale – this one’s for a hot boyfriend who can’t help but get you feeling all hot and bothered
Heart Throb
Mr. Wonderful
Man of My Dreams
Love Bug
Pet Names in Another Language
Lots of foreign languages sound exotic and romantic. Languages like French and Spanish in particular have tons of pet names that sound super sexy. These are great pet names to choose for your boyfriend if you want to add an exotic flair to how you call him.
Papi – a Spanish pet name that means “daddy”
Mi Amor – a Spanish pet name that means “my love”
Mon Cher – a French pet name that means “my dear”
Inamorato – an Italian pet name that means “lover”
Shekh Ma Shieraki Anni – From the show Game of Thrones, this is the pet name Daenerys gives to Khal Drogo. It means “my sun and stars” in Dothraki
Mi Alma – a Spanish pet name meaning “my soul”
Azucar – a Spanish pet name meaning “sugar”
Jefe – a Spanish pet name meaning “boss”
Mon Coeur – a French pet name meaning “my heart”
Petit Chou – a French pet name meaning “little cabbage”
Buah Hatiku – an Indonesian pet name meaning “fruit of my heart”
Oddball Pet Names
If you’re the oddball couple that likes to keep things weird and zany, these are the pet names you might like. Some of these pet names sound absolutely ridiculous, but you can’t deny that they’re cute. Just a word of warning, though: if your man absolutely detests baby talk, these might not be pet names he’ll appreciate.
Boo boo
Bubz
Lumlums
Shmoops
Shmoopsie
Sugah Boogah
Moopiepoo
Tootie Wootsy
Shnookums
Found the perfect pet name for your boyfriend on this list? Share your pick with us below!