When a new baby arrives, a second naming question follows quickly: what will the grandparents be called The right title can become part of a family story, spoken with love for decades. If you are hunting for names for grandma grandpa, this guide lists 30 matching pairs, so 60 names in total. Each pair comes with its origin or meaning where there is a clear one. You will find classic English pairs, playful nicknames, traditional titles from Europe, and names from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Browse each section, share your favorites with the grandparents, and use the tips at the end to settle on the right fit.
How Grandparent Titles Work
Many families use one simple title for each grandparent, but in many languages the title also tells you which side of the family the person belongs to. Swedish, Cantonese, Hindi and Urdu all separate maternal and paternal grandparents with different words. In English there are no fixed rules. Grandparents often pick a title they like, or the baby invents one, and a toddler’s first attempt has a way of sticking for life. One warning is worth knowing early: the same word can mean different things in different languages. Nana is a common English title for a grandmother, but in Hindi and Urdu it means a maternal grandfather.
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Classic English Pairs
These pairs are familiar to almost everyone. They are simple, easy for babies to say and instantly understood by relatives and friends.
- Grandma / Grandpa (English): The most familiar pair of all. Warm, easy to pronounce and understood everywhere.
- Granny / Grandad (English): Popular in the UK, Ireland and Australia. Cozy and affectionate, with a friendly, down-to-earth sound.
- Nana / Papa (English): A soft, easy pair that toddlers often manage early. Widely used in many English-speaking countries.
- Nanny / Poppy (English): Common in Australia and the UK. Cheerful and relaxed, with Pop as an easy short form.
- Grammy / Pop-Pop (English): A sweet pairing widely used in the United States, with a bouncy rhythm that children love.
- Gran / Gramps (English): Short and lively. Gran feels warm and modern, while Gramps adds a touch of humor.
Cute and Playful Pairs
Some grandparents want a title that feels fresh, fun or a little less traditional. These pairs are light, affectionate and easy for little ones to repeat.
- Gigi / Pappy (English): Gigi feels stylish and youthful, while Pappy has a gentle, old-fashioned charm.
- Mimi / Poppa (English): Mimi is light and pretty, and Poppa is friendly and strong. Both are simple for toddlers to say.
- Nonnie / Pops (English): A relaxed pair with a modern feel. Nonnie is affectionate, and Pops is casual and cool.
- Lolli / Boppy (English): Fun, sweet and a little silly. Lolli suits a cheerful grandmother, and Boppy makes children giggle.
- Meemaw / Pawpaw (Southern US English): A homey pair tied to the American South, full of warmth and tradition.
- Mamaw / Papaw (Appalachian English): Common in Appalachia and parts of the American South. Cozy, familiar and rooted in family.
Traditional Titles From Europe
European languages offer some of the most beloved grandparent titles in the world. Many families use them to honor their roots, and others simply love how they sound.
- Nonna / Nonno (Italian): The Italian words for grandmother and grandfather. Warm and familiar, they bring to mind big family meals.
- Abuela / Abuelo (Spanish): The Spanish words for grandmother and grandfather. Abuelita and Abuelito are tender, affectionate versions.
- Oma / Opa (German and Dutch): Short, cheerful and easy to pronounce. Popular with families across German- and Dutch-speaking regions.
- Yiayia / Pappou (Greek): Greek titles that sound lively and loving. Yiayia is said YAH-yah.
- Babcia / Dziadek (Polish): The Polish words for grandmother and grandfather. Babcia sounds like BAHB-cha, and Dziadek like JAH-dek.
- Babushka / Dedushka (Russian): Russian titles with a warm, old-world sound, also used across much of Eastern Europe.
- Mormor / Morfar (Swedish): Literally “mother’s mother” and “mother’s father.” Farmor and Farfar are the paternal versions.
- Mamie / Papy (French): Affectionate French titles that sound light and sweet. Mémé and Pépé are similar options.
- Bubbe / Zayde (Yiddish): Yiddish titles used by many Jewish families around the world, loved for their warmth and humor.
Names From Asia, the Middle East and Africa
Many cultures name grandparents by which side of the family they come from. These pairs are rich in meaning and connect children to their heritage.
- Dadi / Dada (Hindi and Urdu): Paternal grandmother and paternal grandfather. Short, sweet and easy for babies to say.
- Nani / Nana (Hindi and Urdu): Maternal grandmother and maternal grandfather. Remember that Nana also means grandmother in English, so families mixing languages should choose carefully.
- Nai Nai / Ye Ye (Mandarin): Paternal grandmother and grandfather. The repeated syllables are easy and playful for young children.
- Po Po / Gung Gung (Cantonese): Maternal grandmother and grandfather. Rhythmic and gentle, and popular in Chinese families worldwide.
- Halmoni / Harabeoji (Korean): Grandmother and grandfather in Korean. Halmoni is a common casual spelling of halmeoni.
- Obaachan / Ojiichan (Japanese): Affectionate Japanese titles. Obaasan and Ojiisan are slightly more formal versions.
- Lola / Lolo (Filipino): The Filipino words for grandmother and grandfather. Short, sweet and easy for anyone to say.
- Teta / Jiddo (Arabic): Common Levantine Arabic titles for grandmother and grandfather, used in places like Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.
- Bibi / Babu (Swahili): The Swahili words for grandmother and grandfather, used across East Africa and loved for their musical sound.
How to Pick Names for Grandma Grandpa
A title that looks perfect on a list still has to feel right in daily life. These steps will make the decision easier.
Ask the grandparents first. Some have strong opinions. A few love tradition, while others feel that “Grandma” makes them sound older than they feel. A quick chat avoids hurt feelings later.
Think about how easy it is to say. Babies begin with simple sounds like “ma,” “na” and “pa.” Short titles with repeated syllables, such as Nana or Po Po, are usually the easiest for a toddler.
Tell the two sides apart. If both grandmothers want to be called Nana, children and relatives will get confused. Give each side a different title, such as Nana and Gran, or Nani and Dadi.
Honor your heritage. A title from your family’s language can connect your child to their roots. Check the spelling and pronunciation with a native speaker or an older relative, since romanization can vary.
Plan for great-grandparents. If a great-grandparent is in the picture, add “Great” or “Big” to the title, or pick a different one so the generations do not overlap.
Say the titles in a sentence. Try “Go and give Oma a hug” or “Let’s call Papa.” If it sounds natural out loud, it will feel natural in everyday use.
Check the meaning. As with Nana, a title can carry a different meaning in another language. A quick search saves confusion at family gatherings.
Stay flexible. The baby may invent a name of their own, and it may end up being the one everybody uses. Many well-loved grandparent titles began that way.
FAQs
What are the best names for grandma grandpa?
Classic pairs like Nana and Papa, Grandma and Grandpa, or Oma and Opa are the most popular.
Can grandparents choose their own title?
Yes, most families let the grandparents pick a favorite, and babies often add their own twist.
How do I tell maternal and paternal grandparents apart?
Give each side a different title, such as Nani and Dadi, or Mormor and Farmor.
Can I use a title from another culture?
Yes, especially if it reflects your family’s heritage or the grandparents’ own background.
What if my baby invents a name for their grandparent?
Embrace it, since many of the most loved titles began as a toddler’s first attempt.
Conclusion
A grandparent title is one of the first gifts a family can give, and it will be said thousands of times over the years. Whether you love the classic comfort of Grandma and Grandpa, the playful bounce of Gigi and Pappy or the heritage of Nonna and Nonno, there is a pair here for every family. Shortlist a few favorites, talk them through with the grandparents and give the baby a chance to weigh in. When you have found the right one among these names for grandma grandpa, it will feel like it was always meant to be.
