Finding the Perfect Grandmother Name
If you think the traditional titles "grandma" or "grandmother" sound stuffy, then choose one of these alternative nicknames that kids will love.
Fact checked by Karen Cilli
Grandparents can be an important part of your child's life. They offer unlimited hugs and cuddles—and sometimes there's free babysitting thrown in, too. If you're searching for a special grandma name for your child's grandmother, look no further than our list of 25 grandma nicknames that your kids are sure to love.
Brianna Gilmartin
How to Choose a Grandmother Name
Grandmothers today have more choices than ever when it comes to picking a name. Here are some ideas.
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
Grandma Names for Certain Groups
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. These grandmas might be younger than average, or they simply want a name that captures their unique personality. Some ideas:
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 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: Senelė
Maori: Kuia or Te Kuia
Polish: Babcia
Portuguese: Vovó
Russian: Babushka
Somali: Ayeeyo
Spanish: Abuela
Yiddish: Bubbe
It's smart to get the approval of the parents-to-be, of course, but the sky's the limit when it comes to choosing your grandma name.
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.
Related: These Are the Most Common Grandparent Nicknames in Each State
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 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 "großmutter" translates to "grandmother." But the short and sweet "Oma" is a common nickname for a female grandparent.
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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