Nicknames are a perfect way to show love, admiration, or familiarity. The meaning can be deep, the expression unique, or even tinted with humor across cultures. Whether you are trying to find a new nickname for someone or are just curious about how this expression varies across the world, here are 45 cute nicknames from around the world, along with their meanings.
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Amor (Spanish)
Meaning: Love.
Used for: One whom you deeply care for.
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Bubbeleh (Yiddish)
Meaning: Little baby.
Used for: A sweet, precious person. Could be a child or just any other loved one.
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Mon Chéri (French)
Meaning: My darling.
Used for: A romantic partner or someone cherished.
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Miel (Spanish/French)
Meaning: Honey
Used for: A sweet and loving individual.
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Cielo (Spanish)
Meaning: Sky or heaven
Used for: Someone beloved who brightens your life and fills it with joy.
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Pookie (American English)
Meaning: No literal translation; it’s just cute!
Used for: A significant other or a close friend.
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Tigrou (French)
Meaning: Little tiger.
Used for: Someone playful or strong.
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Ciccio/Ciccia (Italian)
Meaning: Chubby.
Used for: An affectionate term for someone cuddly or soft.
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Tesoro (Italian/Spanish)
Meaning: Treasure.
Used for: A person who is precious and dear.
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Schatz (German)
Meaning: Treasure.
Used for: A loved one, often romantic.
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Maus (German)
Meaning: Mouse.
Used for: Someone small, cute, or dear.
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Liefje (Dutch)
Meaning: Little love.
Used for: A beloved person, often a partner.
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Chouchou (French)
Meaning: Little cabbage (or something cherished).
Used for: A favorite or beloved one.
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Pumpkin (American English)
Meaning: Tiny, adorable pumpkin.
Used for: A term of endearment, mostly for children.
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Cariño (Spanish)
Meaning: Affection or darling.
Used for: Someone who holds your affection.
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Mi Vida (Spanish)
Meaning: My life.
Used for: Someone you could not imagine breathing without.
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Angelito/Angelita (Spanish)
Meaning: Little angel.
Used for: Someone sweet or innocent.
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Doudou (French Creole)
Meaning: Sweetheart.
Used for: A dear or beloved person.
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Jaanu (Hindi/Urdu)
Meaning: My life.
Used for: A romantic partner, feeling much affection.
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Kätzchen (German)
Meaning: Little kitten.
Used for: A person who is cute and cuddly.
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Flaca (Spanish)
Meaning: Skinny.
Used for: To mean thin in an affectionate way.
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Peque (Spanish)
Meaning: Short for “pequeño/a” or small/little.
Used for: Younger/smaller persons.
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Smotánka (Czech)
Meaning: Little cream.
Used for: Someone sweet and soft.
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Bebé (Spanish/Portuguese)
Meaning: Baby.
Used for: A romantic partner or loved one.
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Dumpling (English)
Meaning: A small soft piece of dough.
Used for: Someone round and cute or just as an affectionate term.
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Kochanie (Polish)
Meaning: Sweetheart.
Used for: A term of endearment for a loved one.
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Mi Amor (Spanish)
Meaning: My love.
Used for: Someone deeply treasured.
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Muffin (American English)
Meaning: Sweet, soft pastry.
Used for: A person sweet as a treat.
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Nene/Nena (Spanish)
Meaning: Little boy/little girl.
Used for: A child or a young loved one.
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Gatinha (Portuguese)
Meaning: Little cat or kitten.
Used for: Playful or attractive person.
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Mi Alma (Spanish)
Meaning: My soul.
Used for: A loved one near you.
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Petal (English)
Meaning: A tender, small flower petal.
Used for: One who is soft and fragile.
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Lapochka (Russian)
Meaning: Small paw.
Used for: A small and cute one.
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Pooh Bear (English)
Meaning: From the name of the cute character in “Winnie the Pooh.”
Used for: A cute, soft, or huggable person.
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Honey Bunny (English)
Meaning: Two sweet things combined.
Used for: Someone sweet and adorable.
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Mi Corazón (Spanish)
Meaning: My heart
Used for: A person dearly loved.
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Bubba (American English)
Meaning: Brother
Used for: A term of endearment to a male loved one.
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Chiquito/Chiquita (Spanish)
Meaning: Little one.
Used for: Someone small and cute.
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Bambino/Bambina (Italian)
Meaning: Little child.
Used for: A sweet or dear young one.
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Piccola (Italian)
Meaning: Little girl.
Used for: Someone small or young.
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Snugglebug (English)
Meaning: A mix of snuggle and bug.
Used for: A person who loves to snuggle.
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Amorcito (Spanish)
Meaning: Little love.
Used for: An affectionate and loving term toward one’s romantic partner.
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Chibi (Japanese)
Meaning: Small, short.
Used for: One that is small and cute.
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Yavrum (Turkish)
Meaning: My baby.
Used for: A loved one, often a child.
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Cucciolo (Italian)
Meaning: Puppy.
Used for: A person who is young and adorable.
Draw your inspiration from Italy, France, or even Hawaii; these sweet nicknames are sure to bring a little more love into your relationships. Embrace linguistic and cultural diversity to find the perfect nickname that resonates with your heart!
