Traditional Names for Grandma
There’s nothing wrong with the classics! If you want to go the traditional route, you can opt for one of the more popular and common grandmother names. You can also slightly tweak one of the classic names to personalize it a little or spell it differently if you prefer. For example: Grandmother Grandma Gran Granny (or Grannie) Gram Grammy (or Grammie) Nan Nana Nanny Gammie Gran-Gran Gan-Gan Grandmom
Names for Grandma in Other Languages
You don’t need to stick to English, especially if your family has roots in other cultures and associated languages. After all, each language has its own way of saying “grandmother,” so try exploring those options. For example: Abuela, Abeulita, or Abbi (Spanish) Amma (Icelandic) Avo (European Portuguese) and Vovo (Brazilian Portuguese) Baba (Ukrainian) Babcia (Polish) Babushka (Russian) Bibi (Swahili) Bomma (Flemmish) Bubbe, Bubbie, or Bubby (Yiddish) Farmor (paternal, Swedish) and Mormor (maternal, Swedish) Grand-mere (French) Grann (Creole) Halmeoni (Korean) Jadati (Arabic) Laolao (maternal, Mandarin) and Nainai (paternal, Mandarin) Lola (Filipino) Maa Maa (paternal, Cantonese) and Po Po (maternal, Cantonese) Mamie (Canadian French) Mamo (Irish) Nenek (Indonesian) Nonna (Italian) Oma (Dutch and German) Ouma (Afrikaans) and Ugogo (Zulu dialect) Savta (Hebrew) Tutu (Hawaiian) Yia-Yia or Ya-Ya (Greek)
Cute Names for Grandma
Are you looking for a nickname as sweet as your grandmother? If so, there are plenty of super-adorable names for a grandma to choose from. And, if you’re thinking about names for a grandpa, too, consider how the two nicknames will sound together. You could try coming up with names that match! Be-Be Bunny Cha-Cha Cherie Coco Cookie Daisy Ga-Ga Gimmy Gogo Golly Gramsie Gram-Gram Happy Kitty Lolly Lovie (or Lovey) May-May Marmee Minnie Mimsy Mom-Mom Moo-Maw Momsie Peaches Pippa
Sassy Names for Grandma
If your grandmother is a regular sass master (or you’re just looking for a nickname that’s a little more fun, youthful, and playful-sounding), try coming up with a “sassy” grandma name! Take a look at this list of bold grandma names with extra attitude: Abba Birdy Gabby Gam Gigi Glam Glamma G-ma G-mom Gram Cracker Grams Hopie Kiki Kitty Meems Mimzy Moo-Moo Nene Poppy Queenie Sassy Sweetie Tootsie Za-Za Zsa-Zsa
Creative Names for Grandma
Don’t be afraid to get creative and explore totally unique options (or names you might not usually think of calling a grandma). You won’t be the only one! Did you know Goldie Hawn’s grandkids call her “Glam-ma”? Or that Debbie Reynolds’ nickname was “Aba Daba”? Sharon Osbourne’s grandma name is “Shazza,” and Kris Jenner’s is “Lovey.” So, the world really is your oyster. Alba Ammy Babs Bamma (or Bama) Bella (or Belle) Birdy (or Birdie) Deedee (or Didi) Fifi Gaga Gangie Gramma-Bamma Granna Granana Lala Lally Lulu Mammy Mamey Mams Mia Minny Momo Mumsie Nanner Neema Ona (or Onna) Sugar Uma Vava Vanna Yama Yumma
Southern Names for Grandma
If you’re from the American South (or grew up there), you might want to use a grandmother name that’s traditionally southern—such as one of the following popular options: Gram Gramma Gramaw Grandmamma Mamaw Maw-Maw Meemaw Mimi Nene
Gender-Neutral Names for a Grandparent
Whether you’re just looking for a more general name to use or you have a nonbinary grandparent, it can be pretty cool (and inclusive) to use gender-neutral nicknames in the family. So, consider the following: Baba Heart Honey Hugs Gramby Grandcestor Grandy Grandwa Nini Panda Punky Sunny Sunshine Zippy
How to Choose a Grandma Name
Consider factors like personality, heritage, and family traditions. If you’re a new grandmother choosing a nickname for your grandkids to call you, narrow down the list of possibilities by personalizing the options. Are there names related to your family’s background and heritage? Is there a name traditionally used for grandparents in the family? Alternatively, pick a name that you just feel is a good fit for your personality! If you’re choosing a name on behalf of your grandmother, you can still consider the same factors. For example, if a special nickname for grandmothers runs in the family, you could use that—or put a unique spin on it.
Suggest a nickname you like to the family if you’re a new grandma. It’s pretty common for the grandma herself to pick a nickname for the grandkids to use—so if you’re in that position, take time to explore the options! For example, if the classic “grandma” makes you feel older than your years, you could go with something more playful and sassy. Once you pick something you like, let everyone else know!
If you’re not the grandmother, take her wishes into account. It’s also fine for you to pick a name on behalf of the grandmother, especially if she’s open to suggestions! Get an idea of the type of name she likes (or doesn’t like) and go from there. And, if you’re figuring out names for multiple sets of grandparents (or step-grandparents), you can brainstorm pairs of names for each couple, too. For example, you might pick “Mammy” and “Poppy” for one pair of grandparents and “Granna” and “Gramps” for another.
Try to pick something a baby or young child can pronounce. After all, young kids will probably pronounce whatever nickname you choose a little differently, at least for the first few years of life. That’s why simple is better—but it’s ultimately not that big a deal. After all, kids can learn to pronounce any name in time! So, pick something you genuinely want to be called (or something grandma actually likes).
Comments
0 comment