In any relationship, there comes a time when you ought to ask yourself: What do I call my boyfriend?
Usually, it starts with an accidental nickname. You say "babe" or "honey," and things get awkward. In your head, at least.
The simple fact is that women are used to cute nicknames. With guys, boyfriends, partners, husbands, things are a bit more complex. It is not that guys don't like sweet names. They are programmed to think that they are made for gals.
Besides, their fragile male egos often need a booster. And that is where you come in.
Choosing the right nickname has a lot to do with the type of guy who is with you, and of course, where you stand.
Here are 21 names that will make your man swoon; keep in mind that you cannot go wrong with a manly nickname no matter what.
#1 Hey, Sexy!
Calling your guy simply "sexy" is a no-brainer. It is hot, a bit possessive, and yup, an ego booster.
Though this nickname is foolproof when you are alone, it is not something you should use when his parents are visiting.
Sexy is cute for texting as well, and you could even rename him in your cell. It is also nice to use it as a caption on social media: "me and my sexy."
Yet, it is not ideal for all those moments when you are among "adults," aka people who are older family members or in public.
#2 Call Me By Your Name
No, we are not talking about the movie, though it is pretty passionate.
Calling your guy with a full name is sexy. Guys agree that using their whole name, often followed by their surnames, is hot.
Instead of saying "John, come over," try "Johantan Jones, come over here, now!"
It is demanding, bossy, and sends him the message that he is yours and you are his. It is also a bit posh, and guys love to feel important.
#3 Who's Your Daddy?
Calling a guy "daddy" works if you are in a committed relationship. If you use it too soon, he will wonder whether you are with him for sex and sex only.
So why do guys even like being called "daddy"? There is a simple psychological explanation: men like to be heroes.
It's been that way since the dawn of time. When you call your long-term boyfriend "daddy," he feels respected and protective.
It is all very Freudian, but if you like it, your guy will like this nickname!
#4 Bonjour Monsieur
Everything sounds better in French. You just have to nail the pronunciation, and your man will be fascinated.
It is both romantic and respectable. You can use it when you are unsure where you stand or when you are already dating for a while.
It merely means "Mister," but that sounds a bit too much. Monsieur is a sweet, warm nickname, a bit unusual, which only makes it more distinctive.
Give your guy a sign that you find him intelligent by using some of those adorable French words. Tres Magnifique!
#5 You Are My Sunshine
Calling your partner "sunshine" is one of the best nicknames, adorable and full of positivity.
This nickname shows a loving woman who enjoys spending time with her man and cannot imagine her world without him.
We need sunshine to survive, so use this nickname for a guy who is truly close to your heart. It will cheer him up and send all the good energy into your connection.
#6 Hello, Handsome
Guys like to be complimented on their looks. Giving your new, hot boyfriend the nickname "handsome" will only make him feel more comfortable with you.
It is cheesy and cheeky, and always say it with a smile. Make him see that you love his looks, but you also enjoy playful teasing.
You can use this nickname in texts or greet him when you see him. From "Hello there handsome" to "Good morning, handsome," every phrase sounds better if you add this nickname in it.
#7 Loverboy
No, we are not going to explore a Canadian rock band from the 70s. We are simply suggesting that you could call your man "loverboy."
It combines two nicknames and sounds a bit dirty yet so sweet. And yes, it helps that it just rolls down the tongue.
Use this nickname with a guy who is different from your previous boyfriends. The nickname "loverboy" implies that you are getting the best sex ever from the sweetest guy. What more could a man ask for?
#8 Come Get It, Bae
"Bae" and "boo" got a bad rep because people are using these terms left and right.
That, however, doesn't mean that bae is not an ideal nickname for your boyfriend.
The meaning, at least in the XXI century, is before anyone else. That is love, right?
It is also a shorter version of "babe" or "baby," and of course, that is as cute as it gets when it comes to nicknames for any gender.
Try it: perhaps your man will be like, "Nah." Or maybe he will be pleasantly surprised, and you will only use his full name when trying to prove a point.
#9 Hot Stuff
Calling your bae "hot stuff" or "hottie" is pretty self-explanatory.
This is a perfect nickname for the early stages of a relationship. Everything is new, and everything is sexy. Your boyfriend will enjoy being known as the "hot stuff" or simply "hottie" because it is a massive ego boost.
Use it casually. You should not use your most serious tone when you are calling your partner "hottie." Instead, just use it in a sentence: "Hey, hottie, wanna grab a cup of coffee later?"
It's seductive, and when you use it nonchalantly, your man will feel more secure in your relationship. Win-win situation!
#10 I Got You Babe
Before you burst into a song, let's see why "babe" might be the ideal nickname for your guy.
It is short, sweet, and it can be used in almost any context. Simply, "babe" is a nickname that sticks.
Do not overdo it - calling your boyfriend "babe" instead of using his name or mixing it with other nicknames suggests you are getting too comfortable.
Relationships should be exciting, and babe is a casual, everyday way to show your affection. It is the little black dress of nicknames. But, why wear one dress when you have so many more?
#11 We Are The Champions
Nicknaming your man a "champion" or simply a "champ" means is a fantastic way to remind him just how awesome he is.
It is a name made for winners, and since he won you over, he must be something special.
"Champ" is not a romantic nickname, but it is a great way to encourage him to be a better man. For you, of course!
#12 Aye, Aye, Captain
Boys dream of becoming pilots, pirates, so calling your guy "captain" is a dream come true.
It is a flirty way to let him know who is in charge. Or at least to make him think he is the one in charge.
Calling a guy "captain" or "capt" is masculine. He knows that you trust him, and he wants to protect you. He is in hero mode, guiding and providing you with all you need.
It is submissive, and if you don't mind it, your guy will love his new but really old nickname.
#13 Sugar, Honey, Honey
Sugar, honey, and other cake ingredients are timeless nicknames for guys.
These nicknames are great for couples who are comfortable with each other, enjoy planing the future and their time together.
Though calling your bae "honey" doesn't sound too exciting, it is a cool nickname for everyday life. And yes, you can use it in front of your grandparents, which is a plus.
There is one small issue: if you are a touchy-feely person, you most likely use these nicknames with your friends as well. So, you need to mix and match when you are with your man to let him know he is above everyone else.
#14 Baddie (Baddy)
Make your man feel dangerous, naughty, with a nickname that combines bad and baby.
It will spark his masculinity (men and their fragile egos) and do wonders for your sex life.
Provocative, suggestive and unusual nickname is ideal for the early stages of a relationship. It can also spice things up when you get used to calling each other "honey" or "bae."
"Baddy" will get you out of the relationship rut.
#15 Come On Boy
If you are still just hanging out, break that friendzone circle with a cute nickname. Yes, calling your new crush or new boyfriend "boy" suggests that you find him exquisite.
It is not a typical nickname, and that makes it even better. It is, however, suggestive: you are a woman, and he is a man, so you don't want just to chitchat and drink coffees.
Use "boy" casually, as in "What's up boy," or "Long time no see, boy.
#16 Eye Of A Tiger
Men will never admit it publicly, but comparing them to majestic tigers is a major turn-on.
The nickname "tiger" suggests you see a man as dangerous, protective, wild, and you admire these treats.
There are two great reasons to include this nickname in your everyday vocabulary. One is obvious: you will improve your sex life.
The second is even more suggestive. Your "tiger" will know that you see him as a man who can do anything. So, if you want him to start fixing things around the house, just keep telling him he is your "tiger."
#17 Oh! Darling
Well, here is one nickname that stands the test of time - "darling."
It is a soft, romantic way to call out for your loved man. Seemingly, it is appropriate for pretty much any occasion.
This nickname is great for those in committed relationships. It is effortless and can be used in any sentence.
Not all nicknames have to be unique. Most of the time, it is about telling someone in one word that they are near and dear to your heart.
Swoon!
#18 Bubs
Though out of the ordinary, this nickname will make your man's heart melt!
"Bubs" is a nickname you should use if you two are in a proper relationship. You do not want to spend this adorable pet name on someone just passing through your life.
It implies that a guy is near and dear to your heart. So, use "bubs" as a nickname for your perfect mate.
#19 Hubby, It's Your Wifey
You don't have to marry a guy to call him "hubby."
It is cute to play household when you are secure in your relationship, but you are still unsure whether you need to get married.
Calling someone your husband is serious. But giving them a sweet pet name such as "hubby" is cute and less frightening.
Just do not use this nickname for your crushes or all potential suitors. It might give them the wrong impression and scare them away.
Men scare easily.
#20 My Love
It is one of the oldest nicknames, but it is still going strong. Calling your man "love" says it all: you love him, and you want the world to know it.
This nickname gives a guy all the affection and desire, and in many ways, this one word summarizes the whole meaning of relationships.
It is not something that stands out, but do not use it with a guy you started dating a week ago. Wait, because, despite being everywhere, this pet name is rather special.
#21 You Are Gorgeous!
Calling your guy "gorgeous" is perfectly cool, and here is why.
The word implies you are not talking about look specifically. You show that you appreciate your guy, not just that you see him as a sex toy.
What's even better is that you can "accidentally" drop this nickname on your crush. Hey, it is not your fault you simply asked: "What's cooking, gorgeous?"
To a man, it means you are saying his soul and character are "gorgeous."
More Nicknames And Pet Names To Call Your Boyfriend
Not all nicknames are the same. Some should be used on special occasions, while others are merely too long to be called nicknames.
So, here are a few more ideas on how to call a guy depending on where you stand in your relationship.
Flirty and Cute Nicknames For Boyfriends
Mr. Cool
My King
Hulk
King Kong
Naughty
Cowboy
Angel
Muscleman
Big trouble
Sugar Boy
Sexy Names To Call Your Boyfriend To make him Smile
Stallion
Dragon
Fox / Foxy
Dare-Devil
Sexy Thing
Love bullet
Lion King
Mr. Spice / Mr. Spicey
Master
Commander
Meaningful And Suggestive Nicknames For Your Man
Mustang
Fox
Bear
Doctor
Rockstar
Superstar
Outlaw
Sexy Beast
Sugar Lips
Ace
Hotshot
When It Doubt, Just Use His Name
Hopefully, this list made your search for the ideal nickname easier.
If you are still questioning whether it might be too soon to start using pet names, start slowly.
First, use the nickname of your choice nonchalantly, do not turn it into a thing. Let it be something for the two of you only.
If it feels comfortable, start using it more frequently. However, if you are still uncertain, just use your man's name.
Instead of overthinking, try it. You can always pretend that it was an "oops" moment. There are far bigger things in relationships than nicknames. They should be playful, unburdening, carefree. Not something that will only bring you a headache.
