“Honey” Is No Longer the #1 Pet Name Couples Use

If you still call your significant other “Honey,” there’s a decent chance you also keep a landline and refer to texting as “sending a message.”

A new nationwide poll by YouGov reveals that while “Honey” is still sticking around, it’s being abandoned by younger generations.

The most popular pet name in America is “Babe”

That’s according to a survey of more than 25,000 adults across the country. Yes, “Honey” is still in the mix, but it’s definitely skewing older.

Here’s how the top five nicknames couples use for each other stack up these days:

1. Babe – Used by 20% of Americans, but especially popular among younger adults. Only 10% of seniors have adopted it.
2. Honey – Still beloved by 13%, but mostly by folks over 65. Just 6% of Gen Z use it, compared to a whopping 22% of seniors.
3. Baby – Sitting at 10% overall, it’s actually the top pet name among Gen Z with 15%.
4. Sweetheart – Used by 6%, and once again, it’s the older crowd keeping this one alive.
5. Love – Also 6%. Apparently, we’ve got a few Americans channeling their inner Brit.

Other pet names couples use

If your preferred pet name is even more niche, 2% of people use Dear, Boo, Bae, or Darling. Meanwhile, the truly dedicated 1% are still out here calling their partners Angel, Sugar, or Pumpkin.

Interestingly, the poll found that half of all couples regularly use pet names, but not everyone’s on board. 10% said they’d prefer if their partner didn’t use them at all.

So, if your significant other throws out a “Hey, Pumpkin” and you flinch? You’re not alone.

Bottom line: pet names are still alive and well, but like fashion trends and social media platforms, they change with the times. If you’re still saying “Sweetie Pie,” it might be time to upgrade. Or, just double down and say it louder.