Need something to call your significant other? You could do worse than the options on this list. (Except Muffy. Can’t do worse than that.)
Choosing the right pet name is a wildly underrated early decision a couple makes. In fact — unless you decide to get tattoos of each other’s names or the rhythm method fails you — it might be the most permanent thing you decide in the first six months.
My girlfriend and I somehow landed on “Babe.” Which I spell “Baeybe,” in an attempt to put her Michigan accent into letters. I don’t remember how we landed on it, but I *do* know that our friends have never stopped mocking it. So that’s good.
I recently spotted a British article on the 10 most popular pet names. I immediately wrote it off as a list for cowards. But I read it anyway, and realized they had included the 11th place finisher. So I’m giving the results their full, proper treatment in a heroic 11-item list.
11 most famous pet names for couples
Pet names for couples can give you a glimpse into their unique and often quirky relationships. So whether you’re in the market for a pet name or just want to laugh at neophyte relationship fools, enjoy. These are the 11 most popular pet names for couples, not pets — in order of most to least popular.
1 | Darling
The term “darling” has been used as a term of endearment for centuries. It doesn’t sound archaic, but its charm has stood the test of time. Not only does it roll off the tongue effortlessly, but it also manifests warmth and affection.
Of all the pet names, this one feels the most British on the list. So if you’re not British, you can use this to sound particularly proper in your affection. “Darling” is a good couple’s pet name pick if you do things like calling the elevator a “lift,” calling the trunk a “boot,” or omitting the second “w” whenever you say “downtown.”
2 | Babe/ Baby
Originally, the romantic pet name “babe or baby” was used to describe a child who just started speaking. Although it still has this meaning today, over time it has evolved into a cute and affectionate term for couples.
Interestingly, prior to this evolution, the terms were associated with grown-ups in a derogatory manner, referring to them as “childish adult people.” I think it could still be that way today if we’re meant to be literal and couple it with the cooing baby sounds.
It wasn’t until the 1900s that the terms became associated with affection for one’s romantic partner. This shift in meaning was further popularized by the music industry, which often romanticized the nickname in their lyrics and songs.
This one’s great if you’re both big fans of Sonny & Cher, Amy Grant or Justin Bieber. Could be bad if you’re with someone who’s sensitive about looking like a homely-but-talented baseball legend or a pig in the city.
3 | Love
I’m surprised it’s this high, but I really like this one. Turning “love” into a noun — that’s smoother than Color Me Badd turning “sex” into a verb. Just don’t preface this pet name with “Jennifer” and end it with “Hewitt” and you’re good to go.
4 | Sweetheart
The term “sweetheart” has been a beloved pet name for couples for ages. As we all know, the heart is not only a symbol of love, but also the source of human emotion. Addressing your significant other as “sweetheart” is a clear expression of your affection towards them.
Particularly good if you’re with someone you met during some level of schooling. High school sweethearts, college sweethearts, Devry sweethearts — they should really get first dibs on this.
5 | Gorgeous
Haven’t heard this one that much, but there’s nothing wrong with taking one that’s a little old-fashioned. I also really like that this is the first one on the list used by a professional wrestler. (I’m talking Gorgeous George. And no, Brother Love doesn’t count.)
6 | Honey/ Hun
This is probably the sweetest of all the sweet pet names for couples, and one of the most popular. I mostly hear many people use this endearment, probably because it fits well when referring to a male or female partner, aside from rolling off quite easily in your tongue.
“Honey” is traditional and pretty classic, so I’m surprised it’s this low on the list. I think it’s being brought down by “hun.” Guess it has that in common with ancient Rome.
7 | Sweetie/ Sweetie Pie/ Sweets
They excluded the Leon Phelps classic “sweet thang” from this.
To make up for that horrific slight, if you DO call your significant other something from the “sweet” family, go buy her a fish sandwich.
8 | Angel
Hearing a person call their partner using this pet name makes me think that he must be enchanted by her divine beauty. Calling someone ‘angel’ can make them feel that they are the light of your life and a friend when you’re in need.
Still, I’d only go with this one if your shorty is closer than your peeps she is to you.
9 | Sugar
I was going to write a whole thing about this being a British list and the way they use sugar makes Americans look like we’re all on Atkins… but instead, I’m cutting to the chase and just jumping into the “Homer Simpson protects his sugar pile” quotes that so many people are hoping for.
Must protect sugar… thieves everywhere… the strong must protect the sweet… in America, first you get the sugar, then you get the power, then you get the weemen.
10 | Boo
I love that “boo” made the list. It’s so ’90s R&B. And no, I don’t think it just made this list in a token way — like how every Bachelor brings the one black contestant to the second round before eliminating her. Boo is a cross-racial, unifying classic.
11 | Muffin
Love this one. Just follow two rules: (1) Don’t abbreviate it to Muff or Muffy and (2) shelve it when your significant other wears pants that are too tight in the waist.
On second thought, Muffy is fine.