We asked couples across the country: which version of babe, baby, honey, or sweetie do you call your partner… causing everyone within earshot to cringe?
Couple nicknames are an under-appreciated part of being in a relationship. Some opt for the timeless “honey” or “love,” while others use modern terms to avoid using a real name, like the infamous “bae.” But hey, at least we’ve nixed the 1960s and 70s era “my old man” or “my old lady.” (Lana Del Rey disagrees.)
We’ve had a lot of fun surveying people on their habits lately—dating habits by zodiac sign and the most popular wedding cake flavor over time to name a few—so we thought we’d make it awkward and get into the “pet name” game. Romantic partnerships come in all shapes, sizes, and genders, but just how different are the names we call each other in baby voices in the privacy of our own homes? We had to find out.
So, we surveyed 100 couples in all 50 U.S. states, and asked them: “what ‘pet name’ for your partner do you use most often?” We then broke down the trends of these 5,000 responses by state, region, gender, and generation. Read on for the summary of our findings, and to probably feel extra single if you aren’t in a ‘ship.
Table of Contents
i. The Most Popular “Pet Names” in Each State and Region
ii. The Most Popular “Pet Names” by Gender
iii. The Most Popular “Pet Names” by Generation
iv. Where is “Bae” Used the Most in the U.S.?
v. Wrap Up
i. The Most Popular “Pet Names” in Each State and Region
In 41 out of the 50 states, the reigning most popular pet name in the United States is (drumroll please)…. “babe/baby!” Basically the same word, both cute, and apparently almost universal. In fact, baby emerged as a slang term in the 1920s and has stayed pretty much ubiquitous as a pet name ever since. Because nothing says I love you like addressing your significant other as less than a toddler.
The second contender for the most popular pet name in the United States is “honey,” or other variations of the name, such as “hun” or “honeybunch.” Much to Paul McCartney’s chagrin, “honey pie” did not register. Guess he’ll never get any credit for anything whatsoever. We noticed, in particular, this name’s popularity in the Midwest and New England. How… sweet.
To get another perspective, take a look at the most popular pet name in each geographic region of the United States below.
Babe, honey, and dear managed to win out across regional differences and habits, with a little extra love for sweetie in the West, which is perhaps something to be celebrated in these divisive times. We’re always telling you this, reader: Love wins, babe.
Since the results are so universal, we decided to dive even deeper. When looking at the second and third most popular pet name in each state, we find a lot more local flavor in our results.
In most states, the second most popular pet name was honey/hun/honeybunch. This name is particularly popular in the southeastern and northwestern parts of the United States. We particularly love “honey” because it could just as easily be coming from your partner or your grandma. Wait, did we just make it weird?
We also saw some new names start to appear. Couples calling each other “dear” is popular in New York, Wyoming, Virginia, Utah, Kansas, and New Mexico, while “sweetie” and its variations are popular in New Mexico and Missouri. You friggen cuties.
And of course, we have our lovely Arizona, where couples are calling each other “love” more than any other state. So regal, so refined, like the shrill mating wail of the painted desert tortoise.
Finally, let’s consider the third most popular pet names in each state. This is where “dear,” “sweetie,” and “love” really start to take the cake as far as pet names go.
We see you, Connecticut, and your lone use of “bae.”
ii. The Most Popular “Pet Names” by Gender
Enough with the regional stuff. What about the names that men or women prefer to use for their partners? Is there a difference?
As it turns out, men are more likely to use the term “babe” or “baby” to refer to their partner than women are, but only by a smidge: 25.6% to 24.5%. Women are significantly more likely to use some variation of “honey,” whereas men are more likely to use “dear” or “love” more often.
iii. The Most Popular “Pet Names” by Generation
So much changes, but so much remains the same. While we might not be “going steady” anymore, there’s a ton that overlaps with past generations of love.
The most popular pet names with baby boomer couples is “honey/hun/honeybunch.” Which is cute, and takes us full circle back to the topic of grandmas.
We don’t see the popularity of babe/baby really taking off until we get to Gen X. Apparently, it’s been used since 1911. Ah, those Gen Xers and their love of early 20th century cultural norms.
Among Millennials, babe/baby has grown to almost 41% usage. Sweetie has also risen significantly in the ranks, and honey is barely used. (HEADLINE: MILLENNIALS ARE KILLING THE HONEY INDUSTRY, HATE BEES.)
We were also surprised to see the popularity of “bae” with Gen X. While small, it’s more than any other generational group.
iv. Where is “Bae” Used the Most in the U.S.?
This is the part where we make fun of couples who still use “bae.”
No, seriously. Sweeping the nation in 2013 and 2014, this term has fallen out of favor with many young folks who once used it. And yet, we see the most “bae” usage in southeastern states like Georgia, Louisiana, and Arkansas. It’s also rearing its ugly (we mean beautiful and endearing) head in Virginia and Connecticut.
Connecticut, can we talk? Listen, bae, why you gotta be late to the bae party and make us feel all awkward while we’re waiting in line for the new Taco Bell cheesy thing, bae? You know we love you, and you’ll always be our honey.
v. Wrap Up
Pet names are a beautiful way to let your partner know that they’re special to you. And of course, it’s important to remember that the language of love is a universal one. In a new relationship and want to try a new pet name on for size? (We are a formalwear company who loves puns, get used to it.) We hope our data on the most popular pet names in the United States steers you right.