The Naming Nanny's Grandparent Nickname Guide

When a new baby joins the family, there’s more than one name to think about — and that includes what your child will call their grandparents! Whether you’re going for a beloved classic like Grandma, a trendy pick like Gigi, or something passed down from generations before, the options are endless — and often filled with love, laughter, and a little unpredictability.

In this guide, you’ll find over 75 nickname ideas, including:

• 💖 Classic favorites

• ✨ Modern & unexpected picks

• 🌍 Culturally-rooted gems

• 🌈 Silly-sweet names toddlers often invent

Plus, I’m sharing some personal family stories to remind you: even the best-laid name plans can be adorably derailed by a toddler tongue. 💬

Let’s find the perfect grandparent name — or let your little one surprise you. 💕

🐘 The Naming Nanny's Grandparent Nickname Guide

Because every grandparent deserves a name as special as their love 💕

Choosing what a grandparent will be called is one of those sweet, sentimental details that can hold so much meaning. Whether you want a timeless classic, something trendy and unique, or a name that honors your heritage, there’s no wrong answer — just love and laughter ahead. Here's your guide to help find that just right grandparent nickname.

💖 Tried-and-True Classics

Perfect for traditional hearts who cherish timeless connection.

• Grandma & Grandpa

• Nana & Papa

• Grammy & Grampy

• Grandmom & Grandad

• Gramma & Gramps

• Nanny & Pop-Pop

• Gran & Gramps

• Mamaw & Papaw

• Meemaw

• Nan & Pa

• Mammie

These names never go out of style — they’re filled with comfort and generations of love.

✨ Modern & Magical

Stylish, fun, and a little unexpected — for the glams and the cool grands.

• Gigi

• NeNe

• Mimi

• Noni (NO-knee)

• Lolly & Pop

• LiLi (Lee-lee)

• Glamma / Glammy

• Nonny (NAW-knee)

• Yaya

• Nini

• Big Mama

• Gaga

• Lulu

• Poppy

• Bebe (Bee-bee)

• G-Daddy & G-Ma

Modern grands are making their own rules — and we’re here for it!

🌍 Rooted in Heritage

A lovely way to honor your family’s story.

• Italian: Nonna & Nonno

• Hebrew: Savta & Saba

• German: Oma & Opa

• Spanish: Abuela & Abuelo

• Slovenian: Babica & Dedek

• Greek: Yia Yia & Papou

• Russian: Babushka & Dedushka

• Norwegian: Bestemor & Bestefar

• Yiddish: Bubba, Bubbie (from Bobe)

• Irish: Mhamó & Daideó

• French: Mémé & Pépé

• Filipino: Lola & Lolo

• Danish:

  • Mormor & Morfar (maternal)

  • Farmor & Farfar (paternal)

  • Bedstefar & Bedstemor (either side)

• Frisian: Beppe & Pake

• Polish: Babcia & Dziadek

• Finnish: Mummi & Vaari / Ukki

• Basque: Amona & Aitona

• Slovakian: Starká & Starký

Heritage names are a beautiful way to keep culture alive across generations.

🌈 Sweetly One-of-a-Kind

Inspired by little tongues, silly moments, and big love.

• Lovey

• Birdie

• Tutu (popular in Hawaii)

• Bumpa

• Coco

• Granddude

• Zaza

• MooMaw & PawPaw

• DeeDee

• Honey

• Grandalf (for the fantasy fans!)

These names usually have the cutest origins — often from the little ones themselves.

💡 Tips for Choosing a Grandparent Name

1. Think about what sounds your child can say early.

2. Consider honoring family heritage or traditions.

3. Match the name to your personality — classy, playful, cool, or cozy.

4. Choose something unique but easy to pronounce.

5. Let it evolve! Sometimes the best names come from toddler talk.

👶 Tips from The Naming Nanny

• 🍼 Go with what feels right — there are no rules here.

• 💬 Let the kids lead — some of the sweetest names are happy accidents.

• 🌱 Choose something that will grow with you.

• 🌍 Don’t forget to think about culture, heritage, and language.

📌 Bonus Idea: Make It a Moment 💌

Turn this decision into a memory! Have grandparents-to-be pick their names together at a family dinner, baby shower, or even as part of a gender reveal. It's a heartwarming way to get everyone involved and make them feel special from the start.

📝 A Note from My Family to Yours

In our family, the grandparent names didn’t always go as planned — and that’s half the fun. My grandfather became “Paka” simply because my cousin couldn’t say “Grandpa.” My son, the first grandchild on both sides, decided early that my dad would be “Timberloo” (a mix-up involving Grammy Lou and a bit of toddler creativity). One grandmother was supposed to be Na-Na, but after meeting her great-grandmother (our family’s “Nonny”), my son reassigned the name. Now she’s Nonny, and my grandmother became “Nonny Del.”

When I was growing up, my grandparents were Grandma Geri & Paka, and Grandma Del & Grandpa. Sometimes we added first names to tell them apart, but mostly we just knew.

At the end of the day, it's all about connection. However carefully you plan, little voices tend to have the final say — and honestly, that’s what makes it magical.

Whatever name you choose — or whatever name chooses you — it’s going to be perfect.
Because it’s not about the word itself.
It’s about the love behind it. 💕

With a sprinkle of love and name magic,

Shandy @ The Naming Nanny