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!
6/4/20253 min read


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
Think about what sounds your child can say early.
Consider honoring family heritage or traditions.
Match the name to your personality — classy, playful, cool, or cozy.
Choose something unique but easy to pronounce.
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
The Naming Nanny
Discover the joy of naming with me, where a lifelong passion for baby names and genealogy meets creativity and exploration.
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