Finding the Perfect Grandmother Name

Fact checked by Karen Cilli

Becoming a grandmother is a special moment. As a grandparent, you can offer unlimited hugs and cuddles—and provide some occasional free babysitting too. However, some grandmothers may find that traditional grandmother names such as 'granny' are stale, if you're one of them, you might prefer a moniker that is more unique or modern.

If you're searching for a special grandma name for your grandchildren to call you, here are 75 grandma nicknames that your kids are sure to love.

<p>Brianna Gilmartin</p>

Brianna Gilmartin

Grandmother Name Options

The grandmothers of today have more choices than ever when it comes to picking a name. Here are some traditional grandma names, cultural names, modern names, and grandma names in other languages.

Traditional Grandma Names

Many families use the same traditional grandmother name over and over. Or they switch off between generations, using the name they called their own grandma. Here are some traditional grandma names you might recognize:

  • Grandmother

  • Grandma or Grandmaw

  • Grannie or Granny

  • Gammy or Gamma or Gams

  • Gram or Grams

  • Gramma

  • Grammy or Grammie

  • Grandmama

  • Grandmom

  • Gran or Gran-Gran

  • Marmee or Marmi

  • Mammy

  • Mema or MeMa or Mima

Cultural Grandma Names

Of course, traditional grandma names aren't the only option. You can also choose a name that's associated with a particular ethnicity, nationality, or culture. For example, the American South is known for its unique names for grandmothers, including Ma, Maw, or Meemaw.

  • Big Mom or Big Momma

  • Honey

  • Lovey

  • Lolly

  • Ma or Maw

  • MaMaw or Mawmaw

  • Memaw or MeeMaw or Mimaw

  • Mom-Mom

  • Queenie

  • Sassy

  • Sugar

  • Sweetie

  • Two-Mama (like a second mama)

Modern Grandma Names

Some people feel that they don't fit the mold of the typical grandmother, and they seek a more modern or creative grandmother name that emphasizes how close they are to their grandchildren. These grandmas might be younger than average, or they simply want a name that captures their unique personality. Some ideas for modern grandma names are:

  • Abba

  • Amma

  • Babe

  • Bamba or Bama

  • BeBe

  • Bella or Belle

  • Birdy or Birdie

  • Bunny

  • CeeCee or Cici

  • Coco

  • Gabby or Gabbi

  • Gadgy or Gadgi

  • GiGi

  • GoGo or Gogi

  • G-Ma or G-Mom (also spelled Geema or Geemom)

  • Glamma or Glammy

  • Grancy or Grancie

  • Kitty

  • LaLa

  • MayMay

  • Mia

  • Mimi

  • Nina

  • Pippy or Pippa

  • Teenie or Teeny

Grandma Names in Other Languages

Some grandmothers choose names favored by different nationalities or cultures, either because the name reflects their own heritage or because they simply like the sound. You don't have to be Italian to be a Nonna! Here are some examples:

  • Afrikaans: Ouma

  • Albanian: Gjyshja

  • Chinese: Nainai

  • Danish: Bedstemor

  • Filipino: Lola

  • Flemish: Bomma

  • French: Grandmère

  • French Canadian: Mémé

  • German: Oma

  • Greek: Yiayia

  • Hawaiian: Tutu

  • Hebrew: Savta

  • Indonesian: Nenek

  • Italian: Nonna

  • Japanese: Oba-chan

  • Korean: Halmeoni

  • Lithuanian: Senel?

  • Maori: Kuia or Te Kuia

  • Polish: Babcia

  • Portuguese: Vovó

  • Russian: Babushka

  • Somali: Ayeeyo

  • Spanish: Abuela

  • Yiddish: Bubbe



How Do You Choose Grandparent Nicknames?

Parents wanted to know how readers decide what to call the grandparents. Here are the results of an Instagram survey:

  • 45% let the grandparents choose their nickname

  • 36% went with what the kids said

  • 11% picked a cultural or regional name

  • 7% made the choice themselves (as the child's parents)



When Children Have Multiple Grandparents

Many children today have more than one grandmother. Indeed, through stepfamily relationships, some have half a dozen.

In this case, some families choose to add the given name or the last name to the grandparent name, arriving at combinations such as Gramma Jean or Grandma Brown. The same can be done with any grandparent name, as in Nonna Sue or Nana Bette.

Each grandmother can also choose their own unique name, so that a child may have a Grandma, Bubba, Yaya, and Tutu.

Changing Your Grandma Name

Grandmothers should not become too attached to their chosen names. Grandchildren will change your life, and they just might change your carefully selected grandmother name. They might accidentally call their grandma something else, everybody laughs, and then the child keeps saying it until it sticks. Most grandmothers, however, embrace with joy whatever name comes from the lips of their grandchildren.

Occasionally, grandmothers themselves decide to change their names. That's perfectly acceptable, but if you have been known by a certain appellation for a while, be prepared for others to have some trouble making the switch. But if you really don't like the name you're being called, feel free to come up with an alternative. It can be helpful to explain why the old name bothers you and what you like about the new one. Then, gently remind your child and grandchild about your choice until the new grandparent name sticks.

More Grandmother Nickname Ideas

Keep reading for more grandmother name inspiration.

Abba

Whether or not you're a fan of the Swedish pop group, which released 1970s hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Mama Mia," the cutesy "Abba" is a unique nickname for a grandmother.

Abuela

As any Spanish-speaking family knows, "abuela" or "abuelita" translates to "grandmother" in Spanish. You can also call grandma by a shorthand version, including "tita," "abbi," and "lita."

Baba

"Babusia," the formal name for grandmother in Ukrainian, may be tough for little ones to pronounce. But the nickname version, "Baba," is equally charming!

Bella

'Bella" means "beautiful" in Italian—perfect for a sweet, loving, and kind-hearted grandmother!

Bibi

Swahili is commonly spoken in East Africa, and "Bibi" translates to "grandmother" in the language.

Cookie

Does grandma's home always smell like freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies? Then name her after the crowd-pleasing dessert!

G-Ma

Pronounced "gee-ma," this nickname is simply a shorthand version of "grandma."

Gigi

This grandmother nickname doubles as a real-life moniker – think of American model Gigi Hadid. The two-syllable name, pronounced "gee-gee," is also fun for little kids to say.

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."

Gram

"Gram" and "Grams" are common nicknames for a grandmother. They're based off the traditional terms, but they're more casual and laid-back.

Grand-mère

Many French children call their grandmother by the elegant "Grand-mère," which can also be shortened to "Mémé."

Kitty

Not only does this nickname evoke thoughts of a grandmother's favorite animal, it's also modern and trendy to boot.

Lola

"Lola" is a popular grandmother nickname in the Philippines— but you don't have to come from the Southeast Asian country to use it.

Lolly

What's more adorable than a grandma who goes by "Lolly?" A grandfather who goes by "Pop!" Put the two named together for a play on a favorite childhood candy: the lollipop.

Lovie

Back in 2013, Kris Jenner reported that her grandchildren call her "Lovie," because she doesn't like the way "grandma" sounds.

MawMaw

With its French Cajun roots, "MawMaw" is widely used throughout Louisiana. Also consider the similar-sounding "MeeMaw" as a traditional Southern grandma nickname.

Minnie

Calling all Disney lovers! Give grandma the nickname "Minnie," which is especially cute if grandpa goes by "Mickey."

Momsie

If your grandmother acts very motherly, consider calling her "Momsie" (or "Mumsie" if you have origins in the United Kingdom).

Moo-Moo

"Grand-moo" is a lovable term for any grandma, especially one who loves animals. You can further shorten this nickname to "moo-moo." How cute!

Nanna

Not only is "nanna" sweet and affectionate, it's also easy for little kids to pronounce.

Nonna

If grandmother has Italian origins—or simply a talent for making mouthwatering pasta dishes—then call her by this endearing term. It means "grandma" in Italian.

Oma

The German word "gro?mutter" translates to "grandmother." But the short and sweet "Oma" is a common nickname for a grandmother.

Tootsie

This name first came to prominence from the 1982 film Tootsie—and also from the taffy-like Tootsie Roll candies.

TuTu

Does grandma dream of serene beaches, tropical palm trees, and fun-loving luaus? Then dub her "TuTu," which is the Hawaiian version of "grandma."

Yia Yia

Pronounced "Ya Ya" (and sometimes spelled that way too), this happy-sounding name means "grandmother" in Greek.

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