230+ Cute Nicknames from Around the World for Your Friends and Loved Ones

I can’t remember the last time I called my husband by his name. I only call him babe, baby or—when I need to differentiate between him and our daughter—bigger baby.

Whether you’re calling out to your darling in Spain or making new friends in Japan, you’re likely to need a nickname.

Check out over 230 cute nicknames from around the world that you can use with your loved ones—both of the romantic and the platonic kind!

Contents

• Nicknames in Spanish
• Nicknames in French
• Nicknames in Chinese
• Nicknames in German
• Nicknames in Japanese
• More Nicknames from Around the World

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Nicknames in Spanish

The use of nicknames in Spanish-speaking cultures is quite common and deeply rooted in daily interactions. Known as “apodos” or “sobrenombres,” Spanish nicknames can be based on various characteristics, physical traits, personality traits, or even events associated with the person.

Sometimes, the nicknames don’t even make sense: In my husband’s Peruvian family, every person has a nickname that seems to have been pulled out of thin air. I don’t even know what aunt Pecos’ real name is!

Nicknames in French

Nicknames in French are called “surnoms” or “petits noms.” The second phrase literally means “small names” and this is a pretty good assessment of the use of nicknames in French culture: They frequently feature diminutives. You might not think calling someone a cabbage is endearing, but call them “mon petit chou” (my little cabbage) and suddenly that’s a nickname I’d want someone to have for me.

Nicknames in Chinese

Chinese nicknames are referred to as 小名 (xiǎo míng) or 绰号 (chuò hào). Similar to Spanish nicknames, Chinese nicknames are often derived from physical characteristics or personal features. For instance, someone with big eyes might be called 大眼 (dà yǎn), meaning “big eyes.” There are also nicknames that denote familiar relationships, like 大哥 (dà gē), meaning “big brother”  or 老大 (lǎo dà), “eldest brother.”

Nicknames in German

Contrary to their stereotypical portrayal as serious and reserved, Germans do use some very sweet and playful nicknames in informal settings. German nicknames, known as “Spitznamen” or “Kosenamen,” are mostly used within close circles of family, friends and colleagues. German nicknames can be endearing and often reflect a person’s physical attributes, personality traits or even preferences. Similarly, nicknames like “Schatzi” (meaning “treasure” or “sweetheart”) or “Hasi” (meaning “bunny”) are commonly used between romantic partners.

Nicknames in Japanese

In Japanese culture, nicknames, known as あだ名 (adana) or 愛称 (aishou), are relatively less common due to the strong emphasis on politeness and formality. Even among married couples, a common term of endearment is あなた (anata), which is often translated as “darling” but really, literally just means “you.” This is in part because the use of nicknames tends to be replaced by the more common use of honorifics, and adding “-kun” or “-chan” to any name can make it sound cute and charming.

On the other side of the Japanese nickname spectrum, the rise of online culture has led to the adoption of internet pseudonyms or usernames as virtual nicknames. Just call me “Kinikini-kun”!

More Nicknames from Around the World

Want even more? Here’s a collection of nicknames from around the world, featuring languages I haven’t mentioned yet!

You’re done, darling! Now be a dear and go give your friends and family some nice nicknames in another language. (Just remember which ones are okay to use with friends and family, and which ones are for romantic love, only!) Have fun, hun!