Your grandchild can call you anything from traditional names like Grandma/Grandpa to unique nicknames like Honey, Mimi, Gaga, or even a word from another language, with the best choice often emerging naturally as the child grows, reflecting your personality or family tradition. Popular options include Nana, Papa, Grammy, Gramps, Nanna, Pops, or something custom like "Chief" or "G-Pa".
Traditional Grandparent Names
We have Gran, Grams, Grandma, Mimi, Gigi , Gaga, Mamaw, MomMom, and Nana in our extended family. When I became a grandmother, I chose to go by the name we called the grandmother I was closest to, as kind of a way to honor her as well.
Granny: Quintessentially grandmother-like, this is an old favorite; Granna is a nice slant. Lolli: For the whimsical grandma who is extra sweet, this contemporary grandmother name is just about the cutest. Memaw: Typically used by Southern US families, it's a charming and cozy grandma name to embrace.
Victoria: "Nanna" for grandmothers, "Granddad" for grandfathers. Western Australia: "Nanna" for grandmothers, "Granddad" for grandfathers. South Australia: "Granny" for grandmothers, "Granddad" for grandfathers. Northern Territory: "Nan" for grandmothers, "Pop" for grandfathers.
For cool grandma names, try modern options like Gigi, Glamma, Coco, or Mimi, cultural choices like Nonna (Italian), Lola (Filipino), or Oma (German), or unique nicknames such as G-Ma, Glamma, Lolly, or Meemaw, all offering a fresh, fun alternative to traditional titles. The best name often reflects the grandma's personality or family heritage and is easy for kids to say.
Nana sweeps the board, stealing hearts in 21 states. Nana is the go-to nickname in the Midwest, the Northeast, and the West. Granny, a southern belle, claims her throne in 11 states, predominantly in the South. Grammy is a modern favorite, securing its spot as the top pick in 8 states.
Best Grandma Names
A list of Hippie Grandma Names included Cookie, Mimzy, Gram Cracker and Tootsie.
Mimi. Mimi has gained popularity in the Southern United States as a modern and stylish grandmother name. It likely evolved from French influence, and its chic, youthful sound appeals to grandmothers who want a less traditional nickname. It's seen as fun and fashionable, often used by first-time grandmas.
More would include Judith , Susan, Pamela, Sharon, Jane, Diane, Linda, Mary, Joan, Paula, Lynn, Carol, Phyllis, and Beverly. Older names - like what I consider grandma names - include Maude, Myrtle, Wilma , Elvira, Pearl, Millicent, Harriett, Edna, Lucy, Ruth, Helen, Lois, Virginia, Margaret, Jean, Martha, Dora…
Most parents, however, feel it's up to the grandparents to choose—with the possibility of parental veto if it makes them uncomfortable. Parents have told stories about grandmothers who want to be called Momma, or who choose a name they feel is ridiculous and then get upset when they refuse to use it.
Most Common Grandma Nicknames
Nana is the most common nickname for a Grandma in thirty-two states. But if someone doesn't call their grandmother Nana, odds are they do call her Grammy or Gram, as these are relatively popular alternatives to Grandma, as well.
Sweet Nicknames
The top 10 grandma names
Grandma Quotes: Celebrating the Heart of the Family
“Grandmothers always have time to talk and make you feel special.” “A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend.” “Grandma's hugs are made of love and magic.” “A garden of love grows in a grandmother's heart.”
Cherlin and Furstenberg (1986) describe three styles of grandparents:
Here are a few to choose from:
10 ways to be a fabulous grandparent
The average age of grandparents in the U.S. was 67 years. Grandparenthood is more common among older adults (aged 65 and older) than those in midlife (aged 40-64).
Time to get those presents made for Mimi, Gigi, Nana, Granny, Nanny, Grandma, Pops, Papa, PopPop, Popo, Gramps, Grandpa! Here are some fun ideas they would LOVE!
Cute Grandpa Names
Spiritual Names for Grandma
If you frequently engage in meditative or Earth-honoring rituals, for instance, you might choose a name like Gaia or Luna. If you belong to a specific religion, you might choose a name like Savta (the Hebrew word for grandmother).