Learning you’re about to become a grandmother is pretty exciting. Congratulations! There are lots of momentus milestones and sweet memories ahead—and also some big decisions. Chief among them: Choosing your grandmother name! There’s always the traditional choice of “Grandma,” but these days a lot of women are choosing more modern grandmother names to go by. Need help brainstorming some options? Keep reading for standout grandmother name ideas, whether you’re hoping for something classic or ultra-cool.
In this article:
What to consider when choosing your grandmother name
Traditional grandmother names
Southern grandmother names
Unique grandmother names
Grandmother names in other languages
What to Consider when Choosing Your Grandmother Name
There are plenty of cute grandmother names out there, but you’re going to want to take a few things into account when choosing yours. What best suits your personality? Is there a regional favorite you’d like to stick with? Perhaps you’d prefer a grandmother name from a different language that honors your family’s cultural heritage? Has your family has been using the same traditional name passed down between generations? You might decide to keep the name or use it as inspiration for a more modern grandmother name.
Another thing to consider: Baby’s pronunciation! Odds are, whatever name you pick, baby will have their own special way of pronouncing it—at least in those first few years—and your grandmother name may transform into something different. So whether you choose to take on a traditional name or adopt a new one, don’t stress too much about your selection. Go with the one you’re most excited to hear your grandchild utter one day.
Traditional Grandmother Names
There’s something to be said for sticking with tradition. But even if you like the idea of a classic grandmother name, there are still plenty of small tweaks that can make it feel special for you and your family. Many of the options below can be spelled several different ways, and some of them are simple enough for toddlers to say.
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- Grandmother
- Grandma
- Granny (Grannie)
- Grammy (Grammie)
- Gammie
- Gran
- Gran-Gran
- Gan-Gan
- Grandmom
- Nana
- Nan
Southern Grandmother Names
The American South has a slew of special traditions and customs, so if you grew up in the South, the vast array of southern grandmother names may not surprise you. Take a peek below at some of the most common options and their variations.
- Meemaw (Memaw)
- Maw-Maw
- Mamaw
- Big Mama
- Grandmama
- Gramma
- Gramaw
- Gram
- Grams
- Mimi
- Mimsy
- Nene
Unique Grandmother Names
If you’re looking for a cool grandmother name that’s rarely been done before, you’re not alone. Even some celebrities have taken to the trend of adopting unique grandmother names. Kris Jenner goes by “Lovey,” Sharon Osbourne goes by “Shazza,” Martha Stewart goes by “Martha,” Goldie Hawn goes by “Glam-ma,” and Debbie Reynolds goes by “Aba Daba.” When thinking of these original names to call a grandmother, you may also want to consider how they’ll sound with your partner’s. (For example, if your partner plans to go by “Pop,” then “Lolly” might make for a very cute grandmother name.) Check out some distinctive options below.
- Birdy (Birdie)
- Bunny
- Kitty
- Honey
- Cookie
- Gigi
- Didi (Deedee)
- Fifi
- Bibi
- Baba
- Lolly
- Lovey (Lovie)
Grandmother Names in Other Languages
Every language has its own special word (or, in some cases, words), for grandmother. As in English, some languages boast several variations of the word, while in others the words are dependent on whether the grandmother is maternal or paternal. If you’re looking for cool grandmother names ideas in other languages, peruse the options below.
-Afrikaans: In Afrikaans, one of South Africa’s official languages, the word for grandmother is “Ouma.” In the Zulu dialect it’s “Ugogo” or “Gogo.”
-Arabic: There are many different dialects within Arabic, but a common Arabic name for grandmother is “Jadati.”
-Cantonese Chinese: In Cantonese, grandmother names are classified as paternal or maternal. The paternal grandmothers are called “Maa maa,” and maternal grandmothers are called “Po po.”
-Creole: The Haitian Creole name for grandmother used most commonly is “Grann.”
-Filipino: In Filipino, the name for grandmother is “Lola.”
-French: There are many French grandmother names, but the most common are “Grand-mère,” “Grand-maman” and “Mémé.”
-German: “Oma” is the German name for grandmother.
-Greek: The Greek name for a grandmother is “Yia-yia,” but this too has several variations, including “Yiayia,” “Yaya” and “Ya-ya.”
-Hawaiian: In Hawaii, the formal word for grandmother is “Kuku Wahine” or “Tutu Wahine,” but many shorten this to “Tutu.”
-Hebrew: The most common Jewish grandmother names in Hebrew are “Savta” and “Safta.”
-Indonesian: The Indonesian word for grandmother is “Nenek,” but another popular name is “Oma.”
-Irish: In Gaelic, grandmother translates to “Seanmháthair,” which means old mother. Some other popular Irish grandmother names are “Mhamó,” “Mamó,” “Maimeó” and “Móraí.”
-Italian: The word for grandmother is “Nonna,” but this is often turned into other Italian grandmother names, such as “Nonnina” and “Nonni” (which is also how to say grandparents in the plural).
-Japanese: In Japanese, grandmothers are called “Obaasan” or, more commonly, “Sobo.”
-Korean: The Korean word for grandmother is “Halmeoni,” but other variations include “Halmoni” and “Halmi.”
-Mandarin Chinese: In Mandarin, grandmother names are also classified as paternal or maternal. The formal name for paternal grandmothers is “Zu mu,” while “Nai nai” is also commonly used. The formal name for maternal grandmother is “Wai zu mu,” while “Lao lao” and “Wai puo” are also commonly used.
-Polish: The Polish name for grandmother is most often “Babcia,” but can also be “Babunia.”
-Russian: The Russian word for grandmother is “Babushka.”
-Scottish: In Scottish Gaelic, the word for grandma is “Seanmhair,” which means good mother. But other commonly used Scottish grandmother names include “Nana,” “Nanna,” “Mhamó” and “Mamó.”
-Spanish: In Spanish, grandmothers are known as “Abuela” or “Abuelita.”
-Swahili: In Swahili, the word for grandmother is “Bibi.”
-Yiddish: In Yiddish, the word for grandmother is “Bubbeh,” but common spelling variations include “Bubbe” and “Bubbie.”
Choosing a grandmother name as you wait for baby’s arrival can be fun and fulfilling. Just remember, your grandchild may have their own special take on whatever grandmother name you end up selecting, further solidifying your sweet bond.
Plus, more from The Bump:
FAQs
Granny: A common but sweet way to address your grandmother. Mama [Last Name]: Simply add your family name for a cute way to call your maternal or paternal grandmother. Gam Gam: An adorable nickname which is easy for toddlers to pronounce. MaMaw: A fun way to call your grandmother as she wraps you in a hug!
What are some unique grandma names? ›
Grandma Names With a Twist
- Gammy.
- Gramma.
- Grams.
- Gran.
- Gran-Gran.
- Grannie.
- G-Ma.
- Marmee.
Granny: A common but sweet way to address your grandmother. Mama [Last Name]: Simply add your family name for a cute way to call your maternal or paternal grandmother. Gam Gam: An adorable nickname which is easy for toddlers to pronounce. MaMaw: A fun way to call your grandmother as she wraps you in a hug!
What are Southern grandmother names? ›
The most popular southern grandmother names are Mamaw, Mawmaw, Memaw, Nana, and Mimi. Curious about our national findings? While Nana took the top spot, Grammy, Granny, Nanny, Mamaw, Mawmaw, Mimi, Grandmother, Memaw, and Abuela/Abuelita rounded out the top ten list.
What do you call a glamorous grandma? ›
Glamma. Whenever people ask about this unusual nickname, tell them "Glamma" is short for "glamorous grandma." Along the same lines, grandma can also go by "Glammy."
How do I find my great grandmother's name? ›
Here are five easy ways to find out your grandparents' names which will help to begin your family history journey.
- Grandparent's obituary. ...
- Parent's marriage certificate. ...
- Parent's marriage announcement. ...
- Parent's death certificate. ...
- Social Security Application.
Southern Grandmother Names
- Meemaw (Memaw)
- Maw-Maw.
- Mamaw.
- Big Mama.
- Grandmama.
- Gramma.
- Gramaw.
- Gram.
A list of Hippie Grandma Names included Cookie, Mimzy, Gram Cracker and Tootsie. Nana showed up as the most popular grandma name in my state, though I don't know anyone who uses it.
What do the Irish call their grandmothers? ›
Ireland (Gaelic)
While maimeó anddaideó are the words used to address a grandmother or grandfather, there are a few different words for grandparents in Irish. For example, there are máthair chríona, which translates to “wise mother,” and athair críonna which translates to “wise father.”
What do hillbillies call their grandparents? ›
My most important tie to the culture and history of Appalachia was family, especially my grandparents, whom we called Mamaw and Papaw—normal hillbilly grandparent names, in case they are new to you.
And if you live in the south, there's a good chance you call your grandmother Mamaw or Mawmaw—the most popular nickname in 7 states mostly in the south and along the Appalachians. Texas is the lone holdout for Mimi while folks in the Northeast prefer Grammie or Nana.
What are coastal grandma style names? ›
Rising coastal granny names include Rosemary, Mae, Eloise, Mabel, Hazel, Ada, Alice and Adeline.
What is badass grandma? ›
Badass Grandma: A Coloring Book for Grandmothers Who Rock.
What is gorgeous grandma? ›
National Gorgeous Grandma Day is celebrated annually on July 23. As the name of the holiday suggests, our dearest, cuddliest grandmothers are celebrated. Grandmothers endlessly love and treasure their families, and typically have an infectious love for life.
What is grandma chic? ›
What is Granny Chic? Granny chic is a home decor trend combining modern day interior design and the nostalgia of your Grandma's house. Secondhand finds, thrifted furniture, and vintage florals are the hallmarks of the granny chic trend.
What is the Scottish name for grandma? ›
What is the Scottish word for “grandma”? Grannie. Basically just a variation on Grandmother.
What are Italian grandma names? ›
Nonna and Nonno
In Italy, grandma and grandpa are known as nonna and nonno.
What is the Native American name for grandma? ›
gookomis your grandmother (2s-3s) ookomisan h/ grandmother.
Which Disney Princess has a grandma? ›
Grandmother Fa (Mulan)
But family comes first for Mulan's grandma, who is always concerned for their safety and who doesn't hesitate to remember her own ancestors and pray to them for her family's good fortune.
What is a Gogo grandmother? ›
Description. When parents die of AIDS, the orphans often go to live with a "gogo," the Zulu word for grandmother.
Another popular subset of unique names are those that are derived from the (most often) grandmother's first name. So Gabby McCree is Gigi. “It's an abbreviation for 'Grandma Gabby' and also my initials growing up,” she says.
What do other cultures call grandma? ›
As previously mentioned, in French the word is grandmère, but in Italian, it's nonna. In Spanish, the term is abuela, or if you want to be cozy and cute about it, you'd call her your abuelita, which means “l*ttle grandma.” In Portuguese, the word is avó. These last two most resemble the Latin word for grandmother, via.
What are celebrity grandmothers called? ›
Celebrity Names for Grandma
- Aba Daba (Debbie Reynolds)
- Glam Ma (Goldie Hawn/Nene Leakes)
- Granny (Whoopi Goldberg)
- Honey (Susan Sarandon)
- Lovey (Kris Jenner)
- Martha (Martha Stewart)
- Nana (Chaka Khan)
- Shazza (Sharon Osbourne)
Memere & Pepere
These are very popular French Cajun nicknames for grandma and grandpa !
Who is the youngest grandma? ›
25-year-old Rifca Stanesca became the youngest grandmother in the world 2 years ago, according to The Sun. When she was 12 years old she gave birth to her daughter, Maria after running off to marry her husband, Ionel Stanescu at the age of 11.
What is one word for grandma? ›
synonyms for grandma
On this page you'll find 7 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to grandma, such as: ancestor, granny, matriarch, dowager, gram, and maternal forebear.
What do Italians call their grandparents? ›
We already covered how to say “grandma” (nonna) in a previous article, so now it's time to talk about the other half of the grandparent team! The most common way to say grandpa or grandfather in Italian is nonno (plural: nonni which can mean either grandpas or grandparents).
What is the Hawaiian word for grandma? ›
"Grandmother" in Hawaiian can be translated to "Kupunawahine" (koo-poo-nah-wah-hee-neh) for a grandmother or "Tūtū wahine" (too-too wah-hee-neh) for a grandma.
What do French call their grandparents? ›
The most common translations in dictionaries for grandparents are the literal translations of 'grandmother' and 'grandfather'. In French, these terms are, respectively: grand-mère and grand-père, or grand-maman and grand-papa. These terms are also commonly used in speech and writing.
What is grandma in French Canadian? ›
Children in France may call their grandmothers Gra-mere, Mémé, and Mamé. Quebec: Mémé and Mamie are most often used by French Canadians.
Names for African-American Grandparents
Swahili: Bibi or Nyanya for grandmother and Babu for grandfather. Botswanan: Nkuku for grandmother, Ntatemogolo for grandfather. Shona: Ambuya for grandmother, Sekuru for grandfather.
What is a lolly grandma? ›
Granny: Quintessentially grandmother-like, this is an old favorite; Granna is a nice slant. Lolli: For the whimsical grandma who is extra sweet, this contemporary grandmother name is just about the cutest. Memaw: Typically used by Southern US families, it's a charming and cozy grandma name to embrace.
What do most kids call their grandparents? ›
The most common pairings are Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Papa, and their variations. A few alternatives for Grandma include Grammy, Gamma, G-Ma, Granny, and Nanna. Grandfather may be shortened to Grampa, Gramps, G-Pa, Poppy or Pops.
What do you call a grandmother in Africa? ›
Africa. The African continent also gives us some of the sweetest names for our grandparents. Afrikaans call their grandmothers Ouma and their grandfathers Oupa. Moroccan Arabic uses Jiddah and Jadd respectively.
What do Mexicans call their great grandmother? ›
The Spanish language also has words for great-grandmother — bisabuela — and great-great grandmother — tátara abuela.
What is fancy grandma trend? ›
What is 'Fancy Grandma' style? The antithesis of the Coastal Grandmother trend and its put-together penchant for neutrals, the Fancy Grandma is less 'Diane Keaton' in Something's Gotta Give and more 'Yetta' from The Nanny (with a good dose of The Golden Girls).
What is the Midwestern name for grandma? ›
Mimi. According to a dialect study from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Mimi is the preferred name for grandmothers largely along the East Coast, and in portions of the Midwest, South and Texas.
What is beach grandma? ›
What is Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic? Coastal grandmother aesthetic is based on the clean and classic style of middle-aged, wealthier women living in luxurious oceanfront properties, similar to that of Diane Keaton in the Nancy Meyers movie, Something's Gotta Give, set in the Hamptons.
What is a good grandma? ›
Being adaptable, teachable, respectful, and supportive can lay the groundwork for being the kind of grandparent your kids and grandkids can trust. Don't beat yourself up if you realize that you've made some grandparenting mistakes. Parents and grandparents aren't perfect, and everyone has room to grow.
Who is the happiest grandma in the world? ›
Jane Seymour Is 'the Happiest' Grandma in the World While in a Big Group Hug With Her Grandkids.
Grandparentcore is an aesthetic related to the common aesthetic depiction of grandparents as a whole.
Who is the famous fashion grandma? ›
Like Demilked on Facebook: Meet Baddie Winkle, an 88-year-old grandma, who also happens to be an international fashion icon with more than 2.1 million Instagram followers!
What do Texans call their grandmother? ›
And if you live in the south, there's a good chance you call your grandmother Mamaw or Mawmaw—the most popular nickname in 7 states mostly in the south and along the Appalachians. Texas is the lone holdout for Mimi while folks in the Northeast prefer Grammie or Nana.
What is the Cajun name for grandmother? ›
Memere & Pepere
These are very popular French Cajun nicknames for grandma and grandpa !
What is a great grandma? ›
a grandmother of one's father or mother.
What do Italian Americans call their grandmother? ›
Nonna and Nonno
In Italy, grandma and grandpa are known as nonna and nonno. Many Italian-Americans also use these names or the variation, nonni.
What do Mexicans call their grandparents? ›
For Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico and Cuba, grandmothers are Abuela and grandfathers Abuelo though as we all know, granny in Spanish is the beautiful Abuelita!
What is a Bubba grandma? ›
In Yiddish, the word Bobe [with a vowel similar to a shortened version of the vowel of caught + beh] means "grandmother" and as a form of address, is often rendered by English speakers as "Bubba" or "Bubbie".
What is an African grandma called? ›
Africa. The African continent also gives us some of the sweetest names for our grandparents. Afrikaans call their grandmothers Ouma and their grandfathers Oupa. Moroccan Arabic uses Jiddah and Jadd respectively.
