Becoming a grandparent comes with one delightful decision: what will the baby call you? The name sticks for life, so it is worth choosing one that feels like you, whether that is classic, playful, or pulled from your own heritage.
Here is the ultimate list of grandparent names, with more than 150 ideas for grandmothers and grandfathers, plus names from around the world and tips for picking one when two sets of grandparents want the same title. Skim the lists, say a few out loud, and see which one the baby ends up choosing for you anyway.
Good To Know
Many grandparents pick a name, only to have the grandchild mispronounce it into something even better. “Grandma” becomes “Gaga,” “Grandpa” becomes “Bops.” Stay open. The sweetest names are often accidents.
Table of Contents
Classic grandmother names
Timeless and instantly understood, these never go out of style:
- Grandma
- Grandmother
- Granny
- Gran
- Grandma + first name (Grandma Jane)
- Grandmama
- Nana
- Nanna
- Nan
Cute and playful grandmother names
- Mimi
- Gigi
- Lolli (often paired with Pop)
- Nonnie
- Honey
- Bunny
- Birdie
- Gaga
- MeeMaw
- Gammy
- KiKi
- Mawi
Modern and trendy grandmother names
For grandmothers who do not feel like a “Granny,” these read younger and more personal:
- Glam-ma
- G-Ma
- Mom-Mom
- Yaya (also Greek, see below)
- Lovey
- Gma
- Mamo
- Nina
Classic grandfather names
- Grandpa
- Grandfather
- Granddad / Grandad
- Gramps
- Grampa
- Grandpa + first name (Grandpa Joe)
- Pop
- Pops
- Pop-Pop
- Papa
Cute and playful grandfather names
- Pappy
- Poppy
- Pa
- Big Pop
- Bumpa
- Boppa
- Gpa
- Pawpaw
- Dada-Pa
- Chief
- Bear
- Buddy
Grandparent names from around the world
A name from your family’s heritage is one of the most meaningful choices you can make. Some of the most popular:
- Italian: Nonna (grandmother), Nonno (grandfather)
- Spanish: Abuela / Abuelita (grandmother), Abuelo / Abuelito (grandfather)
- French: Mamie / Grand-mère, Papi / Grand-père
- German: Oma (grandmother), Opa (grandfather)
- Greek: Yaya / Yiayia (grandmother), Papou (grandfather)
- Polish: Babcia (grandmother), Dziadek (grandfather)
- Hebrew/Yiddish: Bubbe / Savta (grandmother), Zayde / Saba (grandfather)
- Portuguese: Avó (grandmother), Avô (grandfather)
- Hawaiian: Tutu (grandparent of either gender)
- Korean: Halmoni (grandmother), Harabeoji (grandfather)
- Hindi: Dadi / Nani (grandmother), Dada / Nana (grandfather)
- Filipino: Lola (grandmother), Lolo (grandfather)
How to choose your grandparent name
Start with what feels natural to say and what suits your personality. If you have a partner, pick a matching pair (Mimi and Pop, Oma and Opa) so the set sounds intentional. If a name is already taken by the other side of the family, use a first name or hometown to differentiate, for example “Grandma Lake” and “Grandma Texas.” And remember, you can lock in a favorite, but toddlers have the final vote.
Frequently asked questions
When should grandparents choose their name?
Most pick before or shortly after the baby arrives, but there is no rush. Many names evolve naturally once the child starts talking around age one or two.
What if both grandmothers want to be called Grandma?
Add a distinguishing word: a first name, last name, or location. “Grandma Sue” and “Grandma by the Sea” both work and avoid confusion.
Can grandparents change their name later?
Yes, especially early on. If a chosen name never sticks or the grandchild invents a better one, it is perfectly normal to let the new version win.
Related guides
- What to Write in a Baby Shower Card
- What to Write in a Book for a Baby Shower
- Words of Wisdom & Quotes for New Parents
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