Raising Kids Family Dynamics Grandparents 25 Grandmother Name Ideas We Love If you think the traditional titles "grandma" or "grandmother" sound stuffy, then choose one of these alternative nicknames that kids will love. By Nicole Harris Nicole Harris Instagram Nicole Harris is the Editor at Parents. She joined the team in 2018 as a Staff Writer and was promoted to SEO Editor in 2021. She now covers everything from children's health to parenting trends. Nicole's writing has appeared in Martha Stewart Weddings, Good Housekeeping, The Knot, BobVila.com, and other publications. A graduate of Syracuse University, Nicole currently lives in New Jersey with her husband. our editorial guidelines Updated on August 31, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: TaniaKolinko/shutterstock.com 01 of 26 25 Ideas for Grandma Names AbbaAbuelaBabaBellaBibiCookieG-MaGigiGlammaGramGrand-mèreKittyLolaLollyLovieMawMawMinniMomsieMoo-MooNannaNonnaOmaTootsieTuTuYia Yia 02 of 26 Abba Grandparents can be an important part of your child's life. They offer unlimited hugs and cuddles—and sometimes there's free babysitting thrown in, too. Whether or not you're a fan of the Swedish pop group, which released 1970s hits like "Dancing Queen" and "Mama Mia," the cutesy "Abba" is a unique nickname for a grandmother. 03 of 26 Abuela As any Spanish-speaking family knows, "abuela" or "abuelita" translates to "grandmother" in Spanish. You can also call grandma by a shorthand version, including "tita," "abbi," and "lita." 04 of 26 Baba "Babusia," the formal name for grandmother in Ukrainian, may be tough for little ones to pronounce. But the nickname version, "Baba," is equally charming! 05 of 26 Bella 'Bella" means "beautiful" in Italian—perfect for a sweet, loving, and kind-hearted grandmother! 06 of 26 Bibi Swahili is commonly spoken in East Africa, and "Bibi" translates to "grandmother" in the language. 07 of 26 Cookie Does grandma's home always smell like freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies? Then name her after the crowd-pleasing dessert! 08 of 26 G-Ma Pronounced "gee-ma," this nickname is simply a shorthand version of "grandma." 09 of 26 Gigi This grandmother nickname doubles as a real-life moniker – think of American model Gigi Hadid. The two-syllable name, pronounced "gee-gee," is also fun for little kids to say. 10 of 26 Glamma Whenever people ask about this unusual nickname, tell them "Glamma" is short for "glamorous grandma." Along the same lines, grandma can also go by "Glammy." 11 of 26 Gram "Gram" and "Grams" are common nicknames for a grandmother. They're based off the traditional terms, but they're more casual and laid-back. 12 of 26 Grand-mère Many French children call their grandmother by the elegant "Grand-mère," which can also be shortened to "Mémé." Study Shows Grandmothers May Be More Connected to Their Grandchildren than Own Children 13 of 26 Kitty Not only does this nickname evoke thoughts of a grandmother's favorite animal, it's also modern and trendy to boot. 14 of 26 Lola "Lola" is a popular grandmother nickname in the Philippines— but you don't have to come from the Southeast Asian country to use it. 15 of 26 Lolly What's more adorable than a grandma who goes by "Lolly?" A grandfather who goes by "Pop!" Put the two named together for a play on a favorite childhood candy: the lollipop. 16 of 26 Lovie Back in 2013, Kris Jenner reported that her grandchildren call her "Lovie," because she doesn't like the way "grandma" sounds. 17 of 26 MawMaw With its French Cajun roots, "MawMaw" is widely used throughout Louisiana. Also consider the similar-sounding "MeeMaw" as a traditional Southern grandma nickname. 18 of 26 Minnie Calling all Disney lovers! Give grandma the nickname "Minnie," which is especially cute if grandpa goes by "Mickey." 19 of 26 Momsie If your grandmother acts very motherly, consider calling her "Momsie" (or "Mumsie" if you have origins in the United Kingdom). 20 of 26 Moo-Moo "Grand-moo" is an lovable term for any grandma, especially one who loves animals. You can further shorten this nickname to "moo-moo." How cute! 21 of 26 Nanna Not only is "nana" sweet and affectionate, it's also easy for little kids to pronounce. 22 of 26 Nonna If grandmother has Italian origins—or simply a talent for making mouthwatering pasta dishes—then her call by this endearing term. It means "grandma" in Italian. 23 of 26 Oma The German word "großmutter" translates to "grandmother." But the short and sweet "Oma" is a common nickname for a female grandparent. 24 of 26 Tootsie This name first came to prominence from the 1982 film "Tootsie"—and also from the taffy-like Tootsie Roll candies. 25 of 26 TuTu Does grandma dream of serene beaches, tropical palm trees, and fun-loving luaus? Then dub her "TuTu," which is the Hawaiian version of "grandma." 26 of 26 Yia Yia Pronounced "Ya Ya" (and sometimes spelled that way too), this happy-sounding name means "grandmother" in Greek. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit