Grandparent Names: Traditional, Trendy and Matching Pairs

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Written by Elizabeth Weiss McGolerick

While you’re busy choosing a name for your baby, there are some other important people who are in line to get a new name as well… or, rather, a nickname. The grandparents. And this name is just as meaningful as the name of your child. If you are searching for something behind "grandma" and "grandpa," check out our list of ideas for grandparents names that are traditional, trendy, exotic and even matching pairs.

While grandparents are sometimes granted a brand new name once their grandchild starts talking, it doesn’t hurt to settle on a nickname before baby is born. In fact, in today’s world of blended, divorced and remarried families, one child could have more than just four grandparents… and they all have to have their own nickname. What finer way to pay tribute to the matriarchs and patriarchs of families than encouraging them to choose an individual nickname derived from family heritage, the grands’ own personalities and beyond?

Beyond Grandma and Grandpa

The grandparents are embarking on a special adventure with the arrival of this newest generation. Gone are the days when derivations of Grandma, Grandpa, Grandmother and Grandfather were the only expected nicknames. Let grandparents set the tone for their relationship with their grandchild by settling on a name that they think best describes them.

To get you thinking, this article features unique, traditional and trendy names for grandparents, taking inspiration from an adorable little collection of 700+ monikers in The New Grandparents Name Book. Authors Lin Wellford and Skye Pifer have pulled together a lighthearted guide to help everyone find just the right name for the grandest of people in a newborn’s life. The only rule to remember: There are no rules. Choose the name that suits you best because it’s going to be yours for a while!

Traditional Grandparents Names

Some people have long been looking forward to the privilege of being a grandparent – and they want a good, old-fashioned nickname that clearly states their relationship to their grandchild. For those who want to stay true to the role, here are some traditional grandparent nicknames.

For grandmothers: Gammi, Gram, Gramma, Grandma, Grandmom, Mamaw, Marmi, MeMaw, MomMom, Nana

For grandfathers: Bappy, Ganpa, Grampa, Gramps, Grandad, Grandpap, Pap, Papa, Pappy, PopPop

Trendy Grandparents Names

You’re only as old as you feel, and some grandparents prefer to stick to a trendy moniker rather than be saddled with a name that “ages” them. They want a cutting-edge name that will make them as cool as their grandkid.

For grandmothers: Ammy, Bella, Birdie, BonBon, , Foxy, G-Mom, Kitty, LaLa, Momette, Mona, Neema, Onie, Pebbles, Soosa, Sugar

For grandfathers: Ace, Bud, Chief, Derby, Dodie, G-Man, Grady, Granite, Mellowman, Papster, Poppo, Rocky, Skipper, Slick, Wompa

Playing with Names

For the grandparent who’s interested in being fun, playful and representing their personality or hobbies with their nickname, one of the following options may be suitable. They may also be good choices for the step-grandparent who wants to foster a connection with their grandchild without stepping on any toes.

For grandmothers: Banana, Bubbles, Bunny, Chatty, Cookie, Dizzy, Happy, Honey, Lolly, Lovey, LuLu, Muffy, Nanster, Pumpkin, Sunny, Sweetums, Tinkerbell, Twinkie

For grandfathers: Baboo, Bebop, Bo, Champ, Checkers, Derby, Domino, Flash, Flip, Hitch, Hoppa, Indy, Paddles, Podge, Sarge, Sharky, Webster

Grand Pairs

Some grandmother and grandfather pairs like their nicknames to play off of each other, to be the ideal set. Consider the following options – traditional and unexpected – for those long-lasting relationships.

-Amma and Adda
-Baba and Papa
-Mummers and Poppers
-Omi and Opa
-Jazzy and Pops
-Grammy and Gramps
-Mamaw and Pampaw
-Salsa and Peppers
-Lolly and Pop
-Dilly and Dally

Other Grandparent Nickname Suggestions

-Consider the grandparents’ first names to determine if a nickname be found in their given name – Bobber for Robert or Izzy for Isabelle.

-Create a custom nickname that merges a first name and a grandparent nickname – Candy Gram or Poppy Paul.

-Explore the family tree and adopt a grandparent nickname that honors your heritage and/or nationality – Fafa (Danish), Gido (Arabic), Obaba (Japanese), etc.

-Some grandparents may want to pay tribute to their own grand ancestors who have passed on by adopting their grandparent’s nickname as their own. It’s a wonderful way to create a family tradition and carry it on from generation to generation.

Tell us: Share your favorite grandparent nicknames below!