What Do Guys Like To Be Called By Their Partners? These 20 Names

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Guys might not always admit it, but they appreciate a thoughtful nickname. Why? Because whether it’s a casual nickname or something sweet whispered during a quiet moment, what you call your partner can say a lot about your relationship. It makes them feel loved, cherished, understood, and validated. Some names or terms of endearment spark laughter, others can melt stress like butter on a hot pan, or make a person feel better about themselves on their worst days. These special names are expressions of connection, affection, and the little things that make love feel personal. Now, there is no denying that special names are just as important to guys as they are to women, but which among these do they prefer the most? What do guys like to be called by their partners?

In this article, we break it down for you with this handpicked selection of 20 names guys tend to love being called by their partners, and why each one hits home.

20 Names Guys Like To Be Called by Their Partners

Nicknames for your partner are more than just a term of endearment. They’re often tiny love notes tucked into everyday conversation. For guys, being called something affectionate can create a sense of closeness, appreciation, and even pride. Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship expert, explains, “Terms of endearment are rituals of connection. They reinforce the couple’s unique identity and help maintain a sense of closeness.”

And if you’re wondering whether guys really notice or care, just check Reddit. In response to the question, what do you like being called by your partner, on r/AskMen, a user shared, “When she calls me ‘handsome’ randomly, my whole day changes. I could be half-dead, but that word brings me back to life.”

flirty nicknames for guys — The key is finding a name that feels natural between you two

So, you can see that the pet names you pick out for your partner convey a deeper meaning. They tap into emotions, humor, and shared connection to make you feel closer to one another. Now, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question: what names do guys like to be called?

It all really depends on your partner’s personality and the dynamics of your relationship. Whether he’s the type who’d melt at “baby” or laugh at “babezilla” only you can tell. The key is finding a name that feels natural between you two. To make that search for the perfect name for your boo somewhat easier, we’ve handpicked 20 names that are most well-loved by men. No matter what the specifics of your connection, you will find one that can spark smiles, intimacy, or just a playful back-and-forth that keeps things feeling alive. Let’s check them out:

Related Reading: What Holding Hands Means To A Guy – 16 Interpretations

1. Babe

What nicknames do guys like, you wonder? Let’s start with a simple, classic, and probably the most common term of endearment: babe. It fits into everyday conversations so easily, and when you say it, there’s a quiet intimacy to it, even in public. It’s a classic for a reason!

2. Handsome

A compliment and a flirt, rolled into a loving nickname. Guys adore this because it makes them feel strong and attractive in a grounded way. It’s flattering without being too cringey or on the nose, and a nice change of pace from “cutie”.

3. Love

What do guys like to be called by their partners? Here is a soft, warm, and timeless answer to that question: call him “love”. It feels cozy, and some guys find it oddly soothing. It’s also got a subtle charm that reminds him of British rom-coms, in a good way.

4. Honey

cute names to call your boyfriend — Warm and homey

Sweet without being saccharine, “honey” feels homey and familiar, and creates a sense of belonging in a relationship. It’s got a nostalgic kind of comfort to it. That’s why, when you start looking for an answer to what terms of endearment do guys like, “honey” will make the cut almost every time.

5. My man

This one hits differently. There’s a possessiveness here, but in a good way. It tells him you see him as your protector, your person. It also appeals to a man’s desire to feel needed and triggers his hero instinct.

6. Stud

What do boyfriends like to be called? Well, guys with fun, dynamic personalities will definitely dig this light-hearted and cheeky pet name. “Stud” is fun because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It plays into his ego just enough to make him grin, without being too cringey or weird.

7. Baby

“Baby” is different from “babe”, and it hits different too because there’s more vulnerability to it. It can feel nurturing, like you’re giving them permission to be soft for a second. No matter how tough a guy is on the outside, he will enjoy being called “baby” by his significant other, especially when he is deeply in love.

Related Reading: What Does Exclusive Mean To A Guy?

8. Boo

Cute and playful. “Boo” sounds like something you’d say when you’re in that giddy, slightly-silly honeymoon phase. And sometimes that’s exactly the vibe you want to keep alive. When you’re thinking about what nicknames do guys like, sometimes, you need to go with your instinct and trust what you like. Push the boundaries of mushiness and you might well be surprised by how well your partner responds.

9. Big guy

A favorite among taller or more muscular men, this one can make him feel powerful in the best way. It strikes the perfect balance between playful teasing and warm affection. When used in the right context, you just can’t go wrong with this.

10. King

Want to look beyond the usual terms of endearment in your quest of, what do guys like to be called? Here is a unique pick for you: call him king. It’s bold, but for the right guy, it works. “King” says you admire him, respect him, and maybe even worship him a little. Every man wants to feel like he rules your world, and this pet name plays into that fantasy perfectly.

11. Babezilla

romantic names for him in a relationship — Intimacy in its purest form

You don’t have to stick to tried and tested pet names for your man. Just come up with one of your own by tapping into a cute, sweet, cherished, or funny memory. For example, if your partner behaved like a total baby after stubbing their toe that one time, and you tease them to no end about it, the name “babezilla” might just stick. A nickname based on an inside joke conveys, “We have our own language.” That’s intimacy in its purest form.

12. Lovebug

On the question of what names do guys like to be called, lovebug is one that will have the male population divided right down the middle, much like pizza on pineapple. A guy will either consider it repulsively cringe or the ultimate term of affection. Use this depending on which side of this divide your partner falls. If he likes cute stuff, this one’s a winner.

13. Hunk

My quest of figuring out what do guys like to be called by their partners, led me to the nickname “hunk” or “hunky”. What started as a nickname between school friends has stuck with us a couple for over two decades now. There’s a bit of retro energy to this name. For a guy who is a certifiable beefcake, “Hunk” can be a fun, flirty reminder that he still makes your heart skip a beat.

14. Champ

Guys like to feel capable and strong, and “champ” channels that. It can also be encouraging, especially if he’s having a tough day or needs a little boost.

Related Reading: 21 Undeniable Signs A Guy Is Claiming You

15. Babe-a-saurus

Adding humor to affection goes a long way. If he’s the type who laughs when you’re weird together, names like this keep things light and loving at once. Remember what we said at the outset, the answer to what terms of endearment do guys like, depends on the dynamics of your relationship, more often than not.

16. Mr. (Last Name)

No, we’re not suggesting you use it in a traditional, formal way, but totally recommend using it playfully or as a way of flirting with your partner. Also works well when you want to tease him during your intimate moments or moments leading up to it.

17. Favorite human

What do guys like to be called by their partners? Well, how can you go wrong with telling him he is your favorite human, in as many words? It’s sincere without being sappy. Even if you don’t want to use it as a term of endearment in everyday conversations, it’s a great fit for birthday or anniversary messages, Instagram captions for when you post your partner, or even emotional messages.

18. Rockstar

Tell the man who rocks your world that he’s a rockstar in every sense of the word. This one’s perfect when he’s done something awesome or even just made your coffee right. “Rockstar” gives him that “you crushed it” feeling and is a great way to offer validation in a relationship without your partner having to ask for it.

19. Bubs

Totally ridiculous, completely affectionate. If you’ve ever had a nickname that made no sense to anyone but you two, you know how powerful that can be. Bubs is just that nickname!

20. My Love

What do boyfriends like to be called? What should I call my husband to let him know he is deeply loved? If you’re in a long-term serious relationship and looking for a meaningful name for your partner, you just can’t go wrong with “My love.” It is romantic without being over the top and has a bit of timeless magic to it. When you say it, he’ll feel like you chose him, day after day.

Final Thoughts

As Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages, notes, “Love is a choice you make every day.” Cute names and terms of endearment, used consistently and genuinely, can be a part of that choice. They’re more than just cute words. They’re daily reminders that he matters to you. So, what’ll it be? Babe, king, or bubs? Pick the one that fits your vibe, or just use these as inspiration to come up with one of your own.

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