Raising Kids 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. By Nicole Harris Updated on March 5, 2024 Fact checked by Karen Cilli Trending Videos Close this video player 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: GrandmotherGrandma or GrandmawGrannie or GrannyGammy or Gamma or GamsGram or GramsGrammaGrammy or GrammieGrandmamaGrandmomGran or Gran-GranMarmee or MarmiMammyMema 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 MommaHoneyLoveyLollyMa or MawMaMaw or MawmawMemaw or MeeMaw or MimawMom-MomQueenieSassySugarSweetieTwo-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: AbbaAmmaBabeBamba or BamaBeBeBella or BelleBirdy or BirdieBunnyCeeCee or CiciCocoGabby or GabbiGadgy or GadgiGiGiGoGo or GogiG-Ma or G-Mom (also spelled Geema or Geemom)Glamma or GlammyGrancy or GrancieKittyLaLaMayMayMiaMimiNinaPippy or PippaTeenie 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: OumaAlbanian: GjyshjaChinese: NainaiDanish: BedstemorFilipino: LolaFlemish: BommaFrench: GrandmèreFrench Canadian: MéméGerman: OmaGreek: YiayiaHawaiian: TutuHebrew: SavtaIndonesian: NenekItalian: NonnaJapanese: Oba-chanKorean: HalmeoniLithuanian: SenelėMaori: Kuia or Te KuiaPolish: BabciaPortuguese: VovóRussian: BabushkaSomali: AyeeyoSpanish: AbuelaYiddish: 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. 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. 01 of 25 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. 02 of 25 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." 03 of 25 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! 04 of 25 Bella 'Bella" means "beautiful" in Italian—perfect for a sweet, loving, and kind-hearted grandmother! 05 of 25 Bibi Swahili is commonly spoken in East Africa, and "Bibi" translates to "grandmother" in the language. 06 of 25 Cookie Does grandma's home always smell like freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies? Then name her after the crowd-pleasing dessert! 07 of 25 G-Ma Pronounced "gee-ma," this nickname is simply a shorthand version of "grandma." 08 of 25 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. 09 of 25 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." 10 of 25 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. 11 of 25 Grand-mère Many French children call their grandmother by the elegant "Grand-mère," which can also be shortened to "Mémé." Study Shows Grandmothers May Be More Connected to Their Grandchildren than Own Children 12 of 25 Kitty Not only does this nickname evoke thoughts of a grandmother's favorite animal, it's also modern and trendy to boot. 13 of 25 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. 14 of 25 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. 15 of 25 Lovie Back in 2013, Kris Jenner reported that her grandchildren call her "Lovie," because she doesn't like the way "grandma" sounds. 16 of 25 MawMaw With its French Cajun roots, "MawMaw" is widely used throughout Louisiana. Also consider the similar-sounding "MeeMaw" as a traditional Southern grandma nickname. 17 of 25 Minnie Calling all Disney lovers! Give grandma the nickname "Minnie," which is especially cute if grandpa goes by "Mickey." 18 of 25 Momsie If your grandmother acts very motherly, consider calling her "Momsie" (or "Mumsie" if you have origins in the United Kingdom). 19 of 25 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! 20 of 25 Nanna Not only is "nanna" sweet and affectionate, it's also easy for little kids to pronounce. 21 of 25 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. 22 of 25 Oma The German word "großmutter" translates to "grandmother." But the short and sweet "Oma" is a common nickname for a female grandparent. 23 of 25 Tootsie This name first came to prominence from the 1982 film Tootsie—and also from the taffy-like Tootsie Roll candies. 24 of 25 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." 25 of 25 Yia Yia Pronounced "Ya Ya" (and sometimes spelled that way too), this happy-sounding name means "grandmother" in Greek. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit