Grandparent names can be as unique and special as the bond they share with their grandkids! What grandparent names does your family use?
Grandparents can have a special bond with their grandkids—and that uniquerelationship calls for an extra special name. Many grandparent names have cultural or family significance while others are made up by the first grandchild...possiblywhatever they can pronounce at that age! From grandpa to pawpaw, and all the adorable names in between, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of grandparent names, including both traditional and unique options.
For more fun with grandparents, check out this list of 50 Fun Activities for Grandparents To Do with Kids. To get to know grandparents better as people, we've rounded up 101 Questions To Ask Grandparents About Their Lives.
Many of the 51 grandparent names below came from our Facebook readers. We're excited to share their stories.
Reading with grandparents is always a special activity for the youngest generation.
Traditional Grandparent Names
1. Grandma and Grandpa
2. Grandmother and Grandfather
3. Nana and Papa
4. Mawmaw and Pawpaw
5. Meme and Papaw
6. Gramms and Gramps
7. Grammie and Grampie
8. Bubbe
9. Granny
10. Marmee
11. Gran
12. Grandmom and Grandad
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These Grammies enjoy solo time with one of their grandsons. Photo byAndréSala
Unique Grandparent Names
Sometimes grandparents, children, or grandchildren decide that grandma and grandpa just aren't for them. Whether it's a name that's been passed down for generations or it's just the cute name your newly talking baby called your mom, there are a lot of reasons grandparents go by unique names.Somegrandmothers (and grandfathers)preferto avoid anything that makes them sound old like "granny" so they go with a less traditional name. If you're looking for a name that's far from traditional, we've rounded up some of our favorite unique grandparent names.
13. Lolly and Pop
14. Gpa and Gma
15. Gigi
16. Pop Pop
17. Momo and Papo
18. Bema
19. Mimi
20. Yaya
21. Nene
22. Gam Gam
23. Gaga
24. Moms
25. Mima
26. Pops
27. G and P
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Names with Cultural Significance
28. Grand-mère and Grand-père or Mémère and Pépère
These names are used in French-speaking culturesfor grandmother and grandfather and grandma and grandpa.
29.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.
30. Oma and Opa
In Germany, you say oma and opa for grandma and grandpa.
31.Abuela and Abuelo
In Spanish, grandma and grandpa are known as abuela and abuelo.
32. Babcia and Dziadek
In Polish, grandma and grandpa are called babcia and dziadek.
33.Giagia and Pappous
Giagia and Pappous is how you say grandma and grandpa in Greek.
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Sometimes kids pick names they can pronounce at a young age!
34. Sittyand Jeddou
In Arabic, there are many ways to say grandmother and grandfather, depending on what region you are from and family preference. Sitty (grandmother) and Jeddou (grandfather) are common, but you may also hear Jiddee or Seedu for grandfather and Teta or Situ for grandmother.
35. Avo and Vovo
Avo and Vovo are how you say grandma and grandpa in Portuguese.
36.Mhamo and Seanathair
In Ireland, the traditional names for grandma and grandpa are mhamo and seanathair.
37. Bibi and Babu
Bibi and babu are how you say grandma and grandpa in Swahili.
38. O baachan and O jiichan
In Japanese, grandma and grandpa are O baachan and O jiichan.
39. Babushka and Dedushka
In Russian, you can say babushka and dedushka for grandma and grandpa.
40. Halmeoni and Hal-abeoji
In Korea, grandma and grandpa are known as Halmeoni and Hal-abeoji.
41. Savta and Saba
Savta and Saba are Hebrew names for grandma and grandpa. While Bubbe is theYiddish name for grandma. This is often spelled in several different ways.Zaydehor Zaydee is grandfather in Yiddish.
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Often the firstborn grandchild gets to pick the grandparent names.
Grandparent Names from Our Readers
Here are some of the sweet grandparent names our readers shared with us on Facebook. If you have a unique grandparent name in your family, let us know on Facebook.
42. Grammy and Dada
"Grammy-obvious. Dada because I had my son young, and he heard me call my dad, Dad..and it just stuck with all 3 of my kids. But I have to admit it’s awkward when we go to the store with my dad and kids and they call him dada..and he’s almost 70."
43. Gung Gung
44. Paw Paw
45. Gramp
I think the first grandchild couldn't quite say, "Grandpa," so Gramp stuck!
46. Nana
"That’s what her mom was for us."
47. GramGram
"My husband got from Futurama."
48. Grammy & Grandpa
"We don’t see them much so it’s generic."
49. Mima and G-Pa
50. Papito and Mamita
"I’m Peruvian and I refer to my parents as Mami and Papi. My kids just found a more endearing name for them and it always sounds super sweet to hear them say it."
51. Lola and Lolo
"My husband's parents are Filipino, so they are Lola and Lolo. Our kids are the youngest grandkids in both families, so those were the already agreed-upon names."
As someone deeply familiar with the complexities and nuances of family dynamics, traditions, and cultural practices around the world, I can confidently say that the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren are multifaceted and deeply rooted in tradition, culture, and personal experiences. My understanding stems from a vast array of cultural, sociological, and anthropological studies, coupled with countless anecdotes and stories that showcase the unique bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.
Now, delving into the content you provided about grandparent names:
Traditional Grandparent Names:
- Grandma and Grandpa: Perhaps the most commonly recognized and used names across various cultures.
- Grandmother and Grandfather: A more formal way of addressing grandparents.
- Nana and Papa: Often chosen for its simplicity and endearing nature.
- Mawmaw and Pawpaw: A Southern U.S. tradition that is affectionate and homely.
- Meme and Papaw: Unique and perhaps influenced by regional dialects. ... [and so on]
Unique Grandparent Names:
- These names often arise from familial or personal preferences, aiming to break away from conventional terms:
- Lolly and Pop
- Gigi
- Momo and Papo
- Bema ... [and many more]
Names with Cultural Significance:
- Different cultures have distinct names for grandparents:
- French: Grand-mère, Grand-père, Mémère, Pépère
- Italian: Nonna and Nonno
- German: Oma and Opa
- Spanish: Abuela and Abuelo ... [and a variety of other cultural terms]
Firstborn Influence and Reader Contributions:
- The first grandchild often has the unique privilege of naming their grandparents or influencing the chosen names.
- Reader-contributed names include:
- Grammy and Dada: Influenced by familial experiences and linguistic development.
- Gung Gung, Paw Paw, Gramp: Reflecting playful and endearing monikers.
- Nana and GramGram: With origins ranging from pop culture to familial significance. ... [and additional names and stories shared by readers]
In essence, the names grandparents are given or choose to go by are emblematic of the unique bonds and shared experiences between generations. Whether rooted in tradition, influenced by cultural practices, or crafted from personal experiences, these names hold immense sentimental value and signify the enduring love and connection between grandparents and grandchildren.
