Funny and Cute Alternatives Nicknames for Grandparents (that are not Grandpa and Grandma)

Are you about to become a grandparent and feel “too young” to be called Grandma or Grandpa? You are not alone. Plenty of grandparents still feel energetic and fun, and the classic names can bring to mind someone in a rocking chair with a cane. Or maybe you are the new parent, and you are wondering what your child should call Mom and Dad. Here are new and untraditional nicknames for grandparents, with the story behind each one.

Nicknames for Grandfathers

Several of these names are printed on our funny grandpa coffee mugs, so you will find a few of them below.

1) Papaw or Pawpaw

Most commonly used in the southwestern region of the USA.

View the Best Effin' Papaw Ever mug

2) Graddy

A combination of granddad and daddy even the littlest grandkids would love to say.

3) Baba

A traditional name for grandfather in Turkish, Hindi, and Persian. A few fun variations are Baboo, Babo, Beebaw, and Boppa.

4) Gramps or Grampy

A good fit for an irritable or bad-tempered Grandpa. And if he is the type who always has an answer, even when he has to invent one, the Grandpa Knows Everything mug will make him laugh.

And if he loves his beard as much as he loves you, call him Bearded Grampy.

View the Grandpa Knows Everything mug

5) Chief

Or Jefe in Spanish. Just a perfect nickname for a grandpa who is in charge of the family.

6) Funpa

Like Grandpa, just cooler.

View the Funpa Definition mug

7) Opa

Those with German or Dutch backgrounds use this word for their grandfather. Although it originated in Germany, it is also commonly used in parts of Asia to refer to an older man or brother.

8) Pops

Usually heard from teenagers. A modern and cool nickname, and Pop-Pop is its sweet, little-kid version.

View the Best Pop-Pop Ever mug

9) Pappy

Another term that originated in the southwestern US. Since it sounds like puppy, it is a cute way to call grandpa, and small children will definitely catch on quickly.

View the My Favorite People Call Me Pappy mug

Nicknames for Grandmothers

For the grandmas who picked their own name, our funny grandma coffee mugs are a fun way to make it official.

1) Glamma

A glamorous woman who believes she is too young and fabulous to be called a grandma.

View the Glam-Ma Too Young To Be Called Grandma mug

2) Mimi

Pretty and sweet. If this is her name, the Best Effin' Mimi Ever mug says it with a wink.

3) Yaya

A traditional Greek name for grandma. A variation is Yayay, and in Thai it is simply Ya or Yai.

4) Nonna

Originated in Italy, but there are lots of variations, including Nonnie, Noona, Nooni, or Nanoo.

5) Gigi

Less formal and “grand” to call your grandmother.

View the Best Effin' Gigi Ever mug

6) Mamaw or Mawmaw

Paired with Papaw, with its appeal in the American South.

7) Babcia

The traditional Polish name for grandmother.

View the World's Best Babcia mug

8) Granny

One of the most popular nicknames used in the US.

9) Nana

The word “nana” originally meant "children's nurse" (from 1795), probably a child’s short form of Nanny, meaning a “female adult other than mother”.

View the Best Effin' Nana Ever mug

Why Are Grandparent Names Changing?

The change in lifestyle in our society is one big factor in why we call our grandmothers and grandfathers different names today. The way children watch their favorite cartoons shapes how they say their first words. Blended families are also a factor, as people who are not related by blood become special in our lives. Nicknames for grandparents are like fashion, too: they can be trendy or classic.

If you are still searching for a more humorous grandma name, have fun taking this quiz: A Grandma Name Game.

Even if you teach your children to use the traditional Grandma and Grandpa, a little child will still call them the way they like, such as moo-maw and pee-paw, and everyone will think the names are so cute that they stick.

A few things worth knowing before you pick one:

• Talk to the baby's parents first. They are the ones who will say the name every day, so it helps if they like it too.
• Two sets of grandparents? Give each one a different name so the little ones always know who is who. A Grandma and a Yaya will never get mixed up.
• Short and easy wins. Toddlers do best with simple sounds like Mimi, Gigi, Papa, or Pop-Pop.
• Do not stress. Kids often twist the name into something new, and if the whole family laughs, it sticks.

Shop Grandpa and Grandma Mugs

Looking for a special gift for your Granny or Grampy? Browse our full grandpa coffee mugs collection for a gift that will bring laughter to the whole family. A few favorites:

• Poppy Knows Everything mug
• Best Pop-Pop Ever mug
• Promoted to Great Grandpa mug
• Great Dads Get Promoted to Grandpa mug

Shopping for her instead? See our funny grandma coffee mugs, including the Only The Best Moms Get Promoted to Grandma mug and the personalized Glamma Definition mug.

More Grandparent Reads

• 4 Things You Should Know Why Grandparents Are Important!
• How to Spoil your Grandchildren the Right Way?
• Top 5 Meaningful Gifts for Seniors: Personalized Ideas They'll Love

Photo credits:
Photo by Tristan Le from Pexels
Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels