What's in a name? When it comes to what we call our grandparents, each name holds a universe of love, stories, and family heritage. Whether it's Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, or Pop, these cherished titles are more than just names—they embody a unique relationship and lifelong memories.
To gain more insight into what grandparenting looks like from state to state, we took it upon ourselves to investigate what these special nicknames are across the U.S. Keep reading to see what we found.
The Most Popular Grandmother Name in Every State
Naming a child is a monumental task, but let's not forget the equally cherished names that echo through generations: those we reserve for grandmothers. Our nationwide survey reveals that 'Grandma' remains the uncontested champion across the U.S. However, there are some close competitors.
Nana sweeps the board, stealing hearts in 21 states. Nana is the go-to nickname in the Midwest, the Northeast, and the West. Granny, a southern belle, claims her throne in 11 states, predominantly in the South. Grammy is a modern favorite, securing its spot as the top pick in 8 states.
In two states, MeeMaw and MeeMom get all the love. Delaware uniquely prefers MomMom, emphasizing the doubling of motherly love that grandmothers often provide, and in Minnesota, the straightforward and charming Gram or Grams tops the list.
The Most Popular Grandfather Name in Every State
While 'Grandpa' is the nickname of choice for grandfathers across the country, they have also earned numerous affectionate nicknames that vary from state to state.
In a whopping 20 states, particularly in the Midwest and the South, 'Pa' or 'PaPa' reigns supreme. Over in the Northeast, the lively 'Pop' or 'PopPop' is the name of choice and adds a playful flair to the role of grandfather.
'Grandad' or 'Grandaddy' commands respect in nine states, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Meanwhile, 'Paw' or 'PawPaw' makes its mark in Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, and West Virginia.
Last but not least, 'Abuelo' or 'Abuelito' is the most famous nickname for grandfathers in a single state, Nevada.
The Most Popular Grandparent Names Overall
Every nickname is a badge of honor, reflecting love, wisdom, and the cherished bonds that span generations. But have you ever wondered how these affectionate nicknames come about? We went straight to the source and asked 700 current grandparents about their grand titles.
As it turns out, grandparents are often the authors of their own titles, with 38.41% choosing their grandparent name themselves.
Following closely behind are the grandchildren themselves. Nearly 30% (29.59%) of grandparents let the little ones decide for them, explaining why some grandmas and grandpas end up with unique or adorable names that only a child could think up.
Finally, parents designate about a quarter (23.33%) of these nicknames. It looks like being the bridge between generations gives them a say in what their kids call their grandparents.
Interestingly, 8.68% of grandparents have no idea how their grandparent name came to be. Perhaps the name just stuck one day, and nobody questioned it because it felt so fitting.
Closing Thoughts
The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is one of the most magical bonds that comes with life lessons, laughter, and unconditional love. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it isn’t always parents looking after children.
Grandparents often step in and love to spend time with the little ones, but they need the right products to keep grandchildren safe when traveling or spending quality time together.
That’s why Chicco is here to provide the gear you can trust. Chicco celebrates this incredible bond between grandparents and grandchildren, and we're proud to be a part of so many family journeys.
So, whether you're a Nana in Nevada or a PopPop in Pennsylvania, we have your family covered with reliable and quality products for all your grandparenting adventures.
Methodology
To determine the most popular grandparent names in every U.S. state, we surveyed over 2,500 Americans over a two-week period in 44 states and asked what they called their grandparents growing up. Responses from Americans who never knew their grandparents were removed from the population.
Common grandparent nicknames (like 'Grandma' and 'Grandpa') were removed from the study. In the event of ties, the most popular regional nickname was the winner for the state.
We also surveyed current grandparents to find out what their grandchildren call them and how their nickname was decided.
