Our Favorite Names for Father-In-Laws

By Southern Living
January 31, 2017
Credit: Getty Images
Your father-in-law has been on your recent calls list for quite a while, but now it’s official. After the wedding, he’s family. You’ll see him on holidays, throughout the year, and whenever you and your husband need advice. One call, and your father-in-law is on the front porch with his toolbox. Or in the backyard at the grill. Or on Skype making faces at your kids. But what do you call him? Names for father-in-laws are delicate matters. Will you get creative? Stick with his first name? How about adding Mr.? We have more than a few ideas for what to call your brand-new father-in-law. Think about it now—and don’t be afraid to talk to him about a father-in-law name so that after the wedding, you know exactly how you’ll greet him.  Whether he’s a Dad, Pops, or Mr. Jim, he’s family now, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. 
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Formal Style

Mr. Johnson

This is for the formal father-in-law. You know the type: suit and tie always, with a well of financial advice. Calling this father-in-law by his last name just suits him.

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Casual Operator

Jim

A bit more casual, calling your father-in-law by his first name indicates a more personal relationship. This is the father-in-law you can call up and chat with, no matter the day.

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Traditionally Southern

Mr. Jim

This father-in-law isn’t super formal, but adding Mr. to his first name adds respect and good, old-fashioned Southern charm.

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Smoother Operator

Pops

For the coolest of father-in-laws, we have “Pops.” A pops is a father-in-law who can fix a classic motorcycle, pour a stiff drink, and tell a great story.

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Catchy and Efficient

Papa J

Shorten his name to an initial, add Papa, and you have this clever and oh-so-catchy name for your favorite father-in-law.

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Quick and Easy

Pop

Could there be a more classically Southern name for a father-in-law? And once you have kids, they can call him Pop too.

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Valuable Lessons Every Southern Dad Teaches His Son

We give a lot of credit to our sassy Southern mamas, but we love the wisdom, guidance, and love that our papas pass down to us. There are some invaluable lessons that Southern dads teach their sons, from how to open the door for a lady to how to find (and keep!) the right woman. These lessons are carried through lifetimes of Southern gentlemen, and passed down to their own sons.

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In-Between Title

Papa George

Add his first name to Papa, and you have a classic father-in-law name. Papa George has a great rib recipe and even better jokes.

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Practical and Fun

F.I.L

Pronounced “Phil,” this father-in-law name is practical and fun, since it capitalizes on the “FIL” in father-in-law. Explain it to him, and you’ll have an inside joke together.

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Classic Nickname

PaPaw

This traditionally Southern father-in-law name will come in handy once he has grandkids running around.

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Personal and Sweet

Dad

Once you’ve graduated from Mr. Jones and landed on calling your father-in-law “Dad,” you’ve reached an important point in your in-law relationship.

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Seafaring Style

The Captain

Father-in-laws with an affinity for sailing will enjoy this moniker.

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Southern Flair

Pa

This father-in-law name is as Southern as can be.

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