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