Nicknames are more than just short names. They carry love, humor, and identity. In the Philippines, nicknames are everywhere—friends, family, and even coworkers use them daily. Sometimes they come from childhood habits, sometimes from how a person looks, or even just a funny twist on their real name.
People search for Filipino nicknames because they want something more personal and special than a given name. Maybe you want a cute pet name for your partner, a funny name for your barkada, or a cool and unique nickname that stands out.
In this blog, we’ll cover different categories of Filipino nicknames—cute, funny, romantic, unique, family-inspired, and more. Each one has a meaning, so you’ll know exactly what fits your loved one.
🌸 Cute Filipino Nicknames
Cute nicknames are sweet and simple. They show affection and bring smiles. Perfect for kids, partners, or besties.
1. Bebe
Meaning: A Filipino take on “baby,” used for partners or kids.
2. Bunso
Meaning: The youngest in the family, often used lovingly.
3. Nene
Meaning: Little girl or young lady.
4. Toto
Meaning: A cute term for little boy.
5. Kikay
Meaning: Cute and playful, often for a fun-loving girl.
6. Mingming
Meaning: Imitates a cat’s meow, used for cat-lovers or adorable kids.
7. Pogi
Meaning: Handsome boy.
8. Ganda
Meaning: Beautiful girl.
9. Chuchay
Meaning: A sweet, cuddly-sounding pet name.
10. Dodong
Meaning: A Visayan endearment for a young boy.
😂 Funny Filipino Nicknames
Filipinos love humor, and nicknames often highlight funny traits or quirks.
1. Totoy Bibo
Meaning: Lively and energetic kid.
2. Kulot
Meaning: Curly-haired person.
3. Payatot
Meaning: Skinny person.
4. Tambok
Meaning: Chubby or round.
5. Tisoy
Meaning: Mestizo-looking person.
6. Itim
Meaning: Dark-skinned, often used playfully.
7. Bungal
Meaning: Someone missing a tooth.
8. Puyat
Meaning: Always sleepy.
9. Daga
Meaning: Small and quick like a mouse.
10. Tabachingching
Meaning: A fun, chubby nickname variation.
❤️ Romantic Filipino Nicknames
Romantic nicknames in the Philippines are extra sweet. Couples often use English terms with a Filipino twist.
1. Mahal
Meaning: Love or beloved.
2. Irog
Meaning: Old-fashioned Filipino word for darling.
3. Bhe
Meaning: Short for “baby,” common among couples.
4. Sweetiepie
Meaning: Endearing English-Filipino mix.
5. Pusong
Meaning: Heart, used with affection.
6. Huni
Meaning: Means “song” or “chirp,” romantic for singers or music lovers.
7. Honeyko
Meaning: “My honey.”
8. Jowa
Meaning: Modern slang for boyfriend or girlfriend.
9. Sinta
Meaning: Traditional word for beloved.
10. Babe
Meaning: English nickname widely used in Filipino romance.
🌟 Unique Filipino Nicknames
Want something rare and cool? These nicknames stand out.
1. Bagwis
Meaning: Wing, symbol of strength.
2. Liwanag
Meaning: Light, brightness.
3. Alon
Meaning: Wave, perfect for beach lovers.
4. Datu
Meaning: Tribal chief or leader.
5. Mutya
Meaning: Precious pearl or gem.
6. Ulap
Meaning: Cloud.
7. Gubat
Meaning: Forest, for nature lovers.
8. Bituin
Meaning: Star, a shining personality.
9. Lakandula
Meaning: Noble or warrior chief.
10. Haliya
Meaning: A goddess in Bicol mythology.
👶 Baby Nicknames in Filipino Families
Babies often get playful nicknames from day one.
1. Bulilit
Meaning: Tiny little one.
2. Totoy
Meaning: Small boy.
3. Neneng
Meaning: Sweet little girl.
4. Taba
Meaning: Baby with chubby cheeks.
5. Pipay
Meaning: Cute and bubbly baby name.
6. Jingle
Meaning: From the sound babies make.
7. Tantan
Meaning: Playful baby nickname.
8. Yanyan
Meaning: Derived from repeating sounds kids love.
9. Pochi
Meaning: Inspired by Pochi candies.
10. Chuchu
Meaning: Cuddly and sweet baby pet name.
👭 Nicknames for Friends (Barkada Style)
Friends in the Philippines always use nicknames—it shows closeness.
1. Brod
Meaning: Brother or close friend.
2. Sis
Meaning: Sisterly friend.
3. Pare
Meaning: Godfather or buddy.
4. Mare
Meaning: Godmother or gal-pal.
5. Boss
Meaning: Funny nickname for a leader-type friend.
6. Bes
Meaning: Short for best friend.
7. Tol
Meaning: Short for utol (sibling).
8. Koya
Meaning: Older brother figure.
9. Atey
Meaning: Sister figure.
10. Day
Meaning: Endearment used in Visayan circles.
🍴 Food-Inspired Filipino Nicknames
Food nicknames are funny, playful, and very Filipino.
1. Adobo
Meaning: Classic Filipino dish, nickname for foodies.
2. Taho
Meaning: Sweet tofu snack, often used for soft personalities.
3. Puto
Meaning: Rice cake, used jokingly.
4. Lechon
Meaning: Roasted pig, often for a big eater.
5. Bibingka
Meaning: Rice cake, for someone sweet.
6. Chicharon
Meaning: Crunchy snack, for a crispy personality.
7. Pancit
Meaning: Long noodles, for someone slim.
8. Gulay
Meaning: Vegetable, used for someone calm.
9. Kare-Kare
Meaning: Peanut stew, for someone unique.
10. Saging
Meaning: Banana, playful for friends.
🎉 Pop Culture Filipino Nicknames
Filipinos love to borrow from TV, movies, and music.
1. K-Pop
Meaning: For fans of Korean pop.
2. Regine
Meaning: From singer Regine Velasquez.
3. Piolo
Meaning: Inspired by actor Piolo Pascual.
4. Vice
Meaning: From comedian Vice Ganda.
5. Alden
Meaning: From actor Alden Richards.
6. KathNiel
Meaning: Popular love team nickname.
7. JLo
Meaning: Inspired by Jennifer Lopez.
8. Kobe
Meaning: For basketball lovers.
9. Tiktok
Meaning: For someone always online.
10. Rapstar
Meaning: For music-loving friends.
🏠 Family-Inspired Filipino Nicknames
Family roles often inspire nicknames.
1. Tatay
Meaning: Father.
2. Nanay
Meaning: Mother.
3. Kuya
Meaning: Older brother.
4. Ate
Meaning: Older sister.
5. Lolo
Meaning: Grandfather.
6. Lola
Meaning: Grandmother.
7. Bunso
Meaning: Youngest sibling.
8. Tito
Meaning: Uncle.
9. Tita
Meaning: Aunt.
10. Apo
Meaning: Grandchild.
🕶️ Cool & Modern Filipino Nicknames
These nicknames are trendy and often used by Gen Z.
1. Chillax
Meaning: For someone laid-back.
2. Swabe
Meaning: Smooth or cool personality.
3. Bossing
Meaning: Leader of the group.
4. Astig
Meaning: Street slang for tough.
5. Tropang Cute
Meaning: Group of stylish friends.
6. Crushie
Meaning: Term for a crush.
7. GwapoGang
Meaning: Fun name for handsome friends.
8. Ferson
Meaning: Slang for “person,” used humorously.
9. Petmalu
Meaning: Cool or amazing (reverse slang of “malupet”).
10. Lodi
Meaning: Idol, reverse slang.
Conclusion
Filipino nicknames are full of life—whether cute, funny, romantic, or cool, they reflect love and humor. You can choose from baby-inspired names, food-based names, barkada terms, or even mythical ones.
At the end of the day, the best nickname is the one that feels natural and makes your loved one smile. So pick your favorite from this list and start calling your friend, partner, or family member with a fun Filipino nickname today!
