Selecting a name for a new grandparent is a surprisingly high-stakes moment in modern family life. It’s not just a nickname. It's a branding exercise that lasts decades. People get really intense about it. I’ve seen families nearly go to war because a new grandmother didn't want to be called "Granny" because it made her feel "too old," or a grandfather insisted on a name that the toddler simply couldn't pronounce, leading to a decade of being called "Gaga."
When you start digging into what are other names for grandma and grandpa, you realize we're moving far away from the standard 1950s tropes. The "Boomer" and "Gen X" grandparent cohorts are reinventing the role. They’re active. They’re working. They’re hiking. They don't necessarily see themselves in the lace-apron or rocking-chair archetypes. So, the names are changing to match.
The Classics That Won’t Die
Let's be honest, the classics are classics for a reason. They're easy for a 12-month-old to scream across a crowded living room. You’ve got your Nana, Grammy, and Gramps. These are the bedrock. According to a long-running survey by BabyCenter, "Nana" consistently ranks as one of the most popular alternatives in English-speaking countries, particularly in the UK and parts of the US East Coast.
Then there’s Mimi and Gigí. These have exploded in popularity over the last twenty years. Why? They sound chic. They sound youthful. A "Mimi" feels like she might take you shopping or teach you how to make a perfect martini, whereas a "Grandmother" feels like she might correct your posture during Sunday dinner.
For grandfathers, Pop, Poppy, and Grampa (without the 'd') remain the heavy hitters. There is something inherently sturdy about "Pop." It’s a single syllable of authority and warmth.
Cultural Roots and Global Flavors
Sometimes the best names aren't invented; they're inherited. If you have any thread of international heritage, that’s usually the first place people look. It adds a layer of "cool" and honors the family tree simultaneously.
Take Abuela and Abuelo. Even in families where Spanish isn't the primary language anymore, these titles stick. They carry weight. In Italian households, it’s Nonna and Nonno. I have a friend who has zero Italian heritage but used "Nonna" anyway because it just sounded "more like a kitchen full of food" than "Grandma" did.
📖 Related: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
In German, you have Oma and Opa. These are incredibly popular in the American Midwest and among families with even a distant connection to Germany or the Netherlands. They are punchy. They are phonetic. Kids pick them up instantly.
For those with Jewish roots, Bubbe and Zayde are the gold standard. There is a deep, soulful history in those Yiddish syllables. They imply a specific kind of nurturing—and maybe a little bit of guilt-tripping about not eating enough.
The Rise of the "Glamma" and the Modern Maverick
We have entered the era of the "un-grandparent" name. This is where things get weird and creative. Some people find the traditional labels suffocating. They want something that reflects their personality or a specific hobby.
Glamma (Glamorous Grandma) became a massive trend on social media around 2018 and has somehow persisted. It’s a bit divisive. Some people love the sass; others find it a bit cringey. But hey, if you’re 55, hitting the gym five days a week, and still wearing leather jackets, "Glamma" might fit better than "Meemaw."
Then there are the "tough guy" grandpa names. Ace, Duke, Captain, or even Coach. I knew a grandfather who insisted his grandkids call him G-Pa. It sounded like a 90s rap moniker, but it worked for him. He was a retired PE teacher who didn't want to be softened by the "Grandpa" label.
Why Pronunciation Dictates Everything
You can plan all you want. You can buy the embroidered "Gibi" pillows. But the toddler is the ultimate boss.
👉 See also: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
Language development is a funny thing. Labial sounds (like 'm' and 'p') are usually the first things kids can manage. That’s why Mama, Papa, Mimi, and Baba are so universal. If you pick a name like "Grand-père" and the kid can't roll their R's, you're going to end up being called "Gumpy" for the rest of your life.
I’ve seen a "Grandmother" become Mams because the first grandchild couldn't say the full word. I’ve seen a "Grandpa" become Bop because of a mispronounced "Pop." Most grandparents find these accidental names are actually the ones they cherish most. They are unique to that specific relationship.
Southern Charm and Regional Quirks
In the American South, the naming conventions are a whole different ballgame. You see a lot of Meemaw and Peepaw. These names have a deep-seated cultural resonance in states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. They feel like sweet tea and porch swings.
Interestingly, Mamaw and Papaw are the standard in the Appalachian regions. If you go to East Tennessee or Kentucky, these are the default. There’s a grit and a homeliness to them.
How to Choose (Without Creating Family Drama)
If you are currently looking into what are other names for grandma and grandpa, you’re probably either a parent-to-be or a grandparent-to-be. Here is the reality: the grandparent usually gets the first pick, but the parents have veto power.
You don't want a name that’s too close to what the kids call their parents. If the dad is "Papa," the grandfather probably shouldn't be "Pops." It gets confusing during chaotic family gatherings.
✨ Don't miss: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
A few tips for the decision-making process:
- Check the existing names. If one set of grandparents is already "Nana and Papa," the other set should probably go a different route to avoid "Nana in Florida" vs "Nana in Ohio" syndrome.
- Say it out loud. Repeatedly. In a grocery store. If you feel embarrassed yelling "Hey, Z-Dawg!" in public, don't pick it.
- Think about the "Teenager Test." A name like "Wuvvy" might be cute when they are two. It’s significantly less cute when they are sixteen and trying to be cool in front of their friends.
- Consider your heritage. Even if it’s five generations back, using a name like MorMor (Swedish for mother’s mother) can be a cool way to keep a lineage alive.
The Most Popular Alternatives Right Now
If you need a quick cheat sheet of what’s actually being used in 2026, here’s a look at the current landscape of names that are trending upward:
For Grandma:
Birdie – It’s vintage, sweet, and gaining a lot of traction in suburban areas.
Gigi – Simple, chic, and easy for babies to say.
Lolly – Often paired with a grandpa named "Pop" (Lolly and Pop... get it?).
Nanny – Very traditional in the UK and parts of the Southern US.
Mimi – The perennial favorite for those who want a "younger" feel.
Honey – Popularized by celebrities and Southern socialites.
For Grandpa:
Pappy – Old school, but making a massive comeback among hipster grandpas.
G-Pa – For the modern, slightly more casual grandfather.
Bops – A softer version of "Pops" that feels very affectionate.
Big Paw – Often used when there’s a size difference or a very commanding presence.
Grand-dude – Yes, really. It’s a thing now.
The Practical Way Forward
Ultimately, the name is just a vessel for the relationship. You can call a grandfather "Exalted Leader" or "Bippy," but what matters is the bond.
If you're stuck, sit down with a piece of paper and write out your family's heritage. Look at what your own grandparents were called. Do you want to honor that, or do you want a fresh start? Sometimes the best way to find the right name is to look at a list, find the one that makes you laugh, and then find the one that makes you feel "home."
Next Steps for New Grandparents:
- Draft a "Top Three" list. Don't commit to just one yet.
- Test the "Toddler Reach." See if the names are easy to phonetically shorten.
- Consult the parents. Make sure your choice doesn't step on any toes or trigger any weird childhood associations they might have.
- Wait for the baby. Sometimes you look at that kid and realize you aren't a "Gramps"—you're definitely a "Pops."
The name will evolve. It might start as "Grandfather" and end up as "G-Money" because of an inside joke three years from now. Lean into the chaos. That's half the fun of the role.