Coming up with the perfect names for grandparents doesn't have to be difficult. You can opt for traditional names like Grandma and Grandpa, or choose alternative names that are cultural or unique to your family. The parents, the grandparents, or your child (once they're old enough to talk) can choose the grandma names and grandpa names. Here's an inspiring list of grandparent names to consider.
When you're having a baby, there are lots of things to figure out – including grandparent names, if your baby is the first grandchild (otherwise, they'll likely already have their names set!). Of course, you can always go with traditional choices like Grandma and Grandpa, but there are plenty of alternatives to choose from.
There's also the question of who should settle on the names for grandparents – you, the grandparents themselves, or your child, once they're old enough to speak?
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To help you sort things out and make at least this one parenting decision a little bit easier, here's a long list of grandparental terms of endearment: traditional, cultural, and just plain cute.
Popular grandma names
- Grandma
- Gran
- Granny
- Gram
- Grammy
- Gigi
- Mamaw
- Mimi
- Nana
- Nanny
Popular grandpa names
- Grandpa
- Granddad
- Gramps
- Papa
- Pappy
- Papaw
- Pop
- Pop-Pop
- Poppy
Inspiration for grandparent names
If you don't want to stick with the popular names for grandparents, there's a slew of options out there that are unusual and creative. So if your mother-in-law and your mother both claim Nana, tell them there's no need to worry; there are plenty of options, so each grandparent is bound to find the moniker that works for them.
Cultural grandparent names
You can honor your baby's heritage by borrowing a grandparent name from your ancestors' language – for example, Nonna and Nonno (Italian), Lola and Lolo (Filipino), or Oma and Opa (German). Many cultural names translate well into English, and some are easy enough to spell and pronounce. Plus, choosing a grandparent name inspired by your elder relatives' backgrounds is a great way to honor them with the newest generation and make them feel special.
Cultural grandma names:
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- Abbi (Spanish, short for abuela)
- Amma (Icelandic)
- Avo (Portuguese)
- Baba (Ukrainian)
- Bubbe / Bubbie / Bubby (Yiddish)
- Mamie (French Canadian)
- Oma (German)
- Omi (Flemish)
- Savta (Hebrew)
- Tita (Spanish)
- Yia-Yia/Ya-Ya (Greek)
Cultural grandpa names:
- Abi (Spanish, short for abuelo)
- Avo (Portuguese)
- Baba (Persian)
- Lolo (Filipino)
- Pappous/Papou (Greek)
- Pepe (French)
- Opa (German)
- Tito (Mexican)
- Sabba (Hebrew)
- Zayde (Yiddish)
Unique grandparent names
If the traditional grandparent names aren't for you, here are some creative names we like, in alphabetical order, to get your ideas flowing:
Grandma names:
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- Babs
- Bella
- Big Mama
- Coco
- Cookie
- Deedee/Didi
- Fifi
- Gaga
- Gamma
- Gangie
- Glamma
- Gramma-Bamma
- Lala
- Lovie
- Lulu
- Mammy
- Mia
- Momo
- Nanner
- Uma
- Vava
- Yumma
Grandpa names:
- Ampa
- Bebop
- Big Dawg
- Bubba
- Bumpy
- Dido
- Fafa
- Gampy
- Graddy
- Grampy
- Jaja
- Jimbo
- Koko
- Nanu
- Opapa
- Pampoo
- Popper
- Popo
- Pow
Gender-neutral grandparent names
Consider these gender-neutral names for grandparents if you have a nonbinary grandparent or they're a member of the LGBTQ+ community – or if you're just looking to use more inclusive language in your family.
- Baba
- Bibi
- Gramby
- Grandy
- Heart
- Honey
- Hugs
- Nini
- Panda
- Punky
- Tootsie
- Zippy
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When grandparents choose their own names
Many parents turn the grandparent-naming responsibility over to the grandparents themselves, and this is probably the most traditional way to pick a name. Another good reason to do this: If the name Grandma makes your mother feel ancient, letting her pick her own hip nickname will make her happy.
One caveat: There's always the possibility that you won't like what the grandparents come up with. "I asked my mother-in-law what she wanted to be called and she chose Mommy. That is not happening!" says one BabyCenter mom.
Another says, "My father-in-law said he wants to be called Pap, but I hate that. Reminds me of a pap smear." You may want to reserve final veto power for yourself and your partner – just in case.
When you choose the grandparents' names
Perhaps your parents and in-laws aren't the best namers, or maybe you just prefer to name them yourself. No problem – take the reins!
"My mother-in-law didn't want to be called Grandma, so I made up the name LaLa for her," says one mom. "It's a combination of the last syllable of her name (Darla) and the last syllable of the Spanish word for Grandma (abuela). She loves it!"
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Doing the naming yourself can be particularly helpful when you're dealing with difficult emotions or relationships. "I'd like my stepmother to be called Gigi (for Grandma Ginny) instead of Grandma," one mom explains. "I think it will hurt my mom less."
Another mom says, "My kids call my husband's stepfather Murph, after his last name, Murphy. I think it's super cute and it eliminates any 'issues.'"
If your baby has multiple sets of grandparents and step-grandparents, you may want to use matching names for each couple, which have a certain ring to them and can certainly make things less confusing. Some examples: Gram and Gramps, Nanny and Pappy, Lolly and Pop.
Finally, being in charge of the grandparent names gives you an opportunity to carry on traditions from your own childhood. "My father is Gramf, since that's what we called my grandfather," says one mom.
When your child chooses the grandparents' names
Even if you or your child's grandparents have chosen the perfect name, there's no guarantee it'll stick. As your baby's babbling slowly morphs into discernible language, they may naturally become the grandparent name-giver.
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But that's not a bad thing. Being bestowed with a special pet name can warm a grandparent's heart. "My daughter decided to start calling her grandfather Pappy instead of Grandpap and he loves it!" one mom says.
Of course, if you want to go this route, you'll need something to call the grandparents while you wait for your toddler to start talking. Pick a base name and see how it comes out of your little one's mouth. There's a very good chance it won't sound the same when your baby says it than when you do, but that's the best part.
Your child might even surprise you with a nickname you love but would never have thought of yourself. For example, one child started calling her grandmother Grandi, a grandmotherly variation of her first name, Randi. "We thought it was so cute and clever," says her mom.
No matter what your child calls their grandparents, it's their relationship that's ultimately the most important.
