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25 Grandmother Name Ideas We Love

25 Grandmother Name Ideas We Love

By Nicole Harris

May 20, 2019

TaniaKolinko/shutterstock.com

Do you think the the traditional titles “grandma” or “grandmother” sound stuffy? Then choose one of these alternative nicknames that kids will love.

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Abba

Whether or not you’re a fan of the Swedish pop group, which released 19070s hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Mama Mia,” the cutesy “Abba” is a unique nickname a grandmother.

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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.”

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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!

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Bella

‘Bella” means “beautiful” in Italian – perfect for a sweet, loving, and kind-hearted grandmother!

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Bibi

The Swahili language is commonly spoken in eastern and south-eastern Africa, and “Bibi” translates to “grandmother” in the language.

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Cookie

Does grandma’s home always smell like freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies? Then name her after the crowd-pleasing dessert!

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G-Ma

Pronounced “gee-ma,” this nickname is simply a shorthand version of “grandma.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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Grand-mère

Many French children call their grandmother by the elegant “Grand-mère,” which can also be shortened to “Mémé.”

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Kitty

Not only does this nickname evoke thoughts of a grandmother’s favorite animal, it’s also modern and trendy to boot.

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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.

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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.

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Lovie

Back in 2013, Kris Jenner reported that her grandchildren call her “Lovie,” because she doesn’t like the way “grandma” sounds.

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MawMaw

With its French Cajun roots, “MawMaw” is widely used throughout Louisiana. Also consider the similar-sounding “MeeMaw” as a traditional Southern grandma nickname.

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Minnie

Calling all Disney lovers! Give grandma the nickname “Minnie,” which is especially cute if grandpa goes by “Mickey.”

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Momsie

If your grandmother acts like very motherly, consider calling her “Momsie” (or “Mumsie” if you have origins in the United Kingdom).

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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!

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Nanna

Not only is “nana” sweet and affectionate, it’s also easy for little kids to pronounce.

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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.

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Oma

The German word “großmutter” translates to “grandmother.” But the short and sweet “Oma” is a common nickname for a female grandparent.

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Tootsie

This name first came to prominence from the 1982 film "Tootsie" – and also from the taffy-like Tootsie Roll candies.

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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.”

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Yia Yia

Pronounced “Ya Ya” (and sometimes spelled that way too), this happy-sounding name means “grandmother” in Greek.

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25 Grandmother Name Ideas We Love

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Abba

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Abuela

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Baba

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Bella

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Bibi

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Cookie

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G-Ma

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Gigi

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Glamma

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Gram

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Grand-mère

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Kitty

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Lola

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Lolly

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Lovie

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MawMaw

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Minnie

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Momsie

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Moo-Moo

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Nanna

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Nonna

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Oma

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Tootsie

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TuTu

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Yia Yia

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