For Grandparents Finding the Perfect Grandmother Name Traditional, Modern, Chic or Ethnic By Susan Adcox Susan Adcox is a writer covering grandparenting and author of Stories From My Grandparent: An Heirloom Journal for Your Grandchild. Learn about our editorial process Susan Adcox Fact checked by Fact checked by Cara Lustik on April 29, 2020 linkedin Cara Lustik is a fact checker and copywriter. Learn about our editorial process Cara Lustik Updated on April 29, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Traditional Names Peculiar Names Modern Names Other Languages Multiple Grandparents Changing Your Name More Resources Learning that one is to become a grandmother is one of those watershed moments in a woman’s life. Usually, the grandmother-to-be begins to wonder almost immediately: What should I choose as my grandmother name? 1:34 6 Things to Consider When Picking a Grandma Name Grandmothers today have more choices than ever when it comes to picking a name. They can stick with the traditional. They can choose a name that is associated with a particular ethnicity, nationality or other groups. They can choose a more hip grandmother name. They can even make up their own name. It's good to get the approval of the parents-to-be, of course. And a grandchild can prove to be a dissenting voice, choosing a name that's quite different from the selected one. That's almost always all right with the grandmother! Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Traditional Grandmother Names Many families use the same traditional grandmother name over and over. Others introduce small variations. Such variations are useful, for example, to differentiate between a grandmother and a great-grandmother. For example, a family may modify Grannie to Gran-Gran or Grannie B to distinguish between the generations. Most of these names have been around seemingly forever. Gammy or Gamma or GamsGram or GramsGrammaGrammy or GrammieGrandma or GrandmawGrandmamaGrandmomGrandmotherGrannie or GrannyGran or Gran-GranMarmee or MarmiMammyMema or MeMa or Mima Names That Are Mostly Peculiar to Certain Groups Some grandmother names are especially prevalent in a particular geographical region or ethnic group. For example, the American South is known for its unique names for grandmothers and others. Here are some names that are limited to certain groups or parts of the country. Big Mom or Big MommaHoneyLoveyLollyMa or MawMawMaw or MawmawMemaw or MeeMaw or MimawMom-MomQueenieSassySugarSweetieTwo-Mama (like a second mama) Modern Grandmother Names Some grandmothers feel that they don't fit the mold of the typical grandmother and seek more modern grandmother names. Sometimes these grandmothers are younger than average, sometimes they are hip grandmothers, but more often they simply want grandmother names that capture their personalities. Some try just going by their given name, but someone — a grandchild or other family member — usually ends up bestowing a nickname. The adoption of a cool grandmother name is something of a trend among baby boomer grandparents. The following are just a few of the names they have adopted. 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 Grandmother in Other Languages Some grandmothers choose names favored by different nationalities or cultures, either because the names reflect their heritage or simply because they like the way they sound. You don't have to be Italian to be a Nonna! In most countries, there are several different terms for grandmother. Some are formal, and some are informal. Some are used to refer to a grandmother, and some are used in terms of direct address. It can be very difficult to figure out which words are actually used by children as names for their grandmothers. In addition, many of these names appear in several variations and spellings, especially if they come from a language that uses a different alphabet. Consider this list as a starting point for doing more research. Afrikaans: OumaAlbanian: GjysheChinese: NaiNaiDanish: BedstemoderFilipino: LolaFlemish: BommaFrench: GrandmereFrench Canadian: MéméGerman: OmaGreek: YiayiaHawaiian: TutuHebrew: SavtaIndonesian: NenekItalian: NonnaJapanese: Oba-chanKorean: HalmoniLithuanian: SenelėMaori: Kuia or Te KuiaPolish: BabciaPortuguese: VoVoRussian: BabushkaSomali: AyeeyoSpanish: AbuelaYiddish: Bubbe When Children Have Multiple Grandparents Many children today have more than one grandmother. Indeed, through stepfamily relationships, some have half a dozen. For grandchildren who have more one grandmother, 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. Grandparent names can spark family conflict, so it is worth spending some time thinking about your choice. Changing Your Grandmother 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. Most grandmothers, however, embrace with joy whatever name comes from the lips of their grandchildren. Occasionally grandmothers themselves decide to change their names. That is 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. More Resources If you are still undecided about what grandmother name suits you, there's nothing wrong with waiting until after the baby is born and you actually are a grandmother. You'll learn more about your grandparenting style and perhaps find just the perfect name. The child's grandfather may also consider what name he wants to be called. Of course, if you wait long enough, your grandchild may pick out your nickname. Consulting books about grandparent names is another strategy to consider. "You Can Call Me Hoppa" is a great one to take a look at. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit