127 Sweet Southern Nicknames for Everyone in the Family [+Boyfriend or Girlfriend]

UpdatedJun 22, 2024

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In the charming tapestry of Southern culture, endearing nicknames have always played a big role in expressing affection and closeness within family and friends.

Heck, you go to the grocery store in the South and you may even hear the cashier call you “sugar” or “babe.”

Here, we’ll look at Southern nicknames for everyone in your close circle. From beloved partners to cherished family members, these endearing Southern nicknames reflect the warmth and love deeply woven into the fabric of Southern heritage.

For Your Significant Other

Nothing shows your love more than a pet name, and why not a Southern pet name? The South is home to lots of pet names you won’t find anywhere else, and by picking one of these Southern pet names you can show your SO how much they mean to you.

Boyfriend

Beau
Cowboy
Gentleman
Blue Eyes
Maverick
Captain
Ranger
Ace
Maverick
Chief
Scout
Rodeo
Wrangler
Tex
Sundance
Bandit
Blaze
Ranger
Rocky
Hunter
Outlaw
Captain

Girlfriend

Sugar
Darlin’
Sweetheart
Belle
Dixie
Honey
Peach
Magnolia
Sweets
Buttercup
Biscuit
Sunshine
Daisy
Angel
Poppet
Shug (say it like the first part of “Sugar”)
Jewel
Daisy Mae
Cupcake
Bama
Tater
Bae
Huckleberry
Rebel
Moonshine

For Your Aunt

Aunts play a special role in the Southern family, and many Southerners have fond memories of their Aunts making cookies, taking them to the mall to sit on Santa’s lap as a kid, or giving them advice when they really need it. Mine still wants to be called Aunt!

Sissy
Bess
Lulu
Bea
Dottie
Dolly
Millie
Nell
Patsy
Winnie

For Your Grandparents

I’ve still got a lot of fond memories of myPaw Paw sitting in his chair, spitting tobacco and telling stories. He couldn’t hear that well, and my Maw Maw couldn’t see well, but according to her, that means “between the two of us we’ll make it.”