When we have children, we often look forward to hearing their first word. Often it’s “mama” or even more commonly “dada.” Over time, as babies become toddlers who can pronounce words better, children sometimes transition to calling their parents Mommy, Mom, Daddy or Dad. There are a few other options out there, but there typically isn’t a lot of variety when it comes to names for parents.
Grandparents get to be more creative. Sure, many grandparents choose to be called Grandma and Grandpa, but some grandparents want a cuter, more unusual name. If you’re about to become a grandparent, or if you know someone who is, you might just find your new favorite nickname on this list.
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Nana and Papa
These names are easy for even toddlers to pronounce, and they’re common enough that you can find cards and stationary with these names on them.
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Grannie and Granddad
These are simple variations of Grandma and Grandpa, but they’re unique enough to have their own flair.
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Mémé & Pépé
These are common nicknames for French grandparents.
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Mawmaw and Pawpaw
They sound a little Southern because they are, but we think they’re sweet names in any part of the country.
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Gramms and Gramps
Once again, these are similar to Grandma and Grandpa, yet they’re shorter and easier to pronounce. We think they sound a little hipper and cooler too.
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Grandmother [first name] and Grandfather [first name]
It sounds quite formal, but that works for some relationships. Adding a first name personalizes it a bit and helps differentiate when children have other grandparents who want to be called by the same name.
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Mimi and PopPop
These sound like super fun and spunky grandparent names to us, the kind that really spoil their grandchildren.
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Gigi and Poppy
These grandparent nicknames are easy to say and sound like fun grandparents that grandkids can’t wait to visit.
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Glamma and Chief
These are pretty descriptive names for a grandmother who has done the opposite of let herself go and a grandfather who knows how to take charge.
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Mammy and Gampy
Very cute names that are easy to pronounce. To us, they sound like the type of grandparents who give great hugs…and maybe candy.
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Nonna and Nonno
These are traditionally Italian names for grandparents, but they sound equally cute and endearing for any nationality.
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Gran and Pa
Sometimes less is more, and these shortened versions of Grandma and Grandpa are super sweet.
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Nan and Pop
These super cute grandparent names sound perfect for grandparents who still feel young and lively.
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G-Ma and G-Pa
These names sound pretty modern, perhaps for tech-savvy grandparents.
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Gramma and Grampa
It’s almost like a slurred version of the original, but definitely cute.
