Grandmothers hold a special place in our hearts, often bringing love, wisdom, and comfort. Across the world, different cultures have unique names for this cherished family member. From sweet and simple to elegant and playful, these names reflect the bond between grandparents and grandkids. Whether you want to honor your heritage or find a cute nickname for your grandma, there are plenty of options.
Today, we will look at various names that mean grandma in different languages and cultures. You might find the perfect name that resonates with you and captures the spirit of your grandma. Let’s get started!
Names That Mean Grandma
1. Abuela
Abuela is a Spanish term that means grandmother. This endearing and heartfelt name is commonly used in Spanish-speaking families and reflects the warmth and love that grandmothers provide.
2. Nona
Nona is an Italian term for grandma, symbolizing a strong familial bond. The word is often used affectionately and represents the nurturing side of grandparenthood.
3. Oma
Oma is a German word for grandmother. This name conveys comfort and familiarity, making it a popular choice among German-speaking families.
4. Bubbe
Bubbe is Yiddish for grandmother and is often used in Jewish families. This name carries a hint of affection, showcasing the importance of grandmothers in cultural traditions.
5. Doutor
Doutor means grandmother in Portuguese, reflecting a warm and loving term of endearment used within families for those grandmothers who impart wisdom and care.
6. Gigi
Gigi is a playful and modern take on the name grandma, popular in various cultures. This name embodies the fun and energetic spirit that many grandmothers possess.
7. Mémé
Mémé is the French word for grandmother. This sweet and simple name evokes a sense of love, nurturing, and family connection through generations.
8. Nana
Nana is a widely recognized name for grandma in many English-speaking countries. It’s a warm and affectionate way to refer to your beloved grandmother.
9. Yaya
Yaya is a Greek term for grandmother. This name embodies the tradition of respect and love for elders treasured in Greek culture.
10. Yiayia
Yiayia is another Greek term for grandmother and is often used in various regions of Greece. It signifies a connection to family roots and heritage.
11. Nanny
Nanny is an informal and affectionate way to call a grandmother, often used in English-speaking families. This heartwarming name signifies closeness and love.
12. Tutu
Tutu is a Hawaiian term for grandmother. This name embodies a spirit of love and community that grandmothers often bring to their families.
13. Abuelita
Abuelita is another sweet Spanish term that means little grandmother. It reflects the unique bond and affection within families.
14. Teta
Teta is a term for grandmother in Arabic, symbolizing the respect and love accorded to grandmothers in the Arab culture.
15. Mormor
Mormor means maternal grandmother in Swedish. This name connects to family heritage while fostering a sense of warmth and comfort.
16. Siti
Siti is an affectionate Malay term for grandmother, showcasing the respect paid to elder family members in Malaysian culture.
17. Nini
Nini is a South African name for grandmother that resonates with tenderness and love, often used in various indigenous languages.
18. Mamaw
Mamaw is a sweet and regional name for grandmother predominantly used in the southern United States. This name highlights familial ties and warmth.
19. Grandmere
Grandmere is the formal French term for grandmother, expressing a sense of regal affection towards beloved grandmothers.
20. Nanny-Ann
Nanny-Ann is a playful and charming variant of the traditional grandmother name, perfect for a grandma who enjoys a whimsical approach.
21. Awa
Awa means grandmother in Japanese, highlighting the importance of family values within Japanese culture.
22. Nonna
Nonna is a beloved term for grandmother in Italian, resonating with the culture’s deep familial ties and traditions.
23. Maman
Maman is a term that also means mother in French and is often affectionately used to refer to grandmothers, showcasing their nurturing role.
24. Savta
Savta is a Hebrew term for grandmother. It represents love, respect, and the vital role grandparents play in Jewish families.
25. Tutti
Tutti is a fun and endearing name for grandma in some Italian families, symbolizing connection and warmth.
26. Nona Mia
Nona Mia means my grandmother in Italian. This name reflects a close and cherished relationship with one’s grandmother.
27. Nana Boo
Nana Boo is a playful spin on the traditional Nana, adding a fun twist to the name for grandmothers who have a sense of humor.
28. Gma
Gma is a modern abbreviation for grandmother used in casual contexts, embodying the love and connectedness of family.
29. Gama
Gama is a variation of grandma that is easy to say and has a warm quality, making it suitable for families looking for a gentle label.
30. Bubbie
Bubbie is a cute Yiddish variant for grandmother that captures the warmth and love found in Jewish matriarchs.
31. Lolly
Lolly is an adorable and catchy nickname for grandma, adding a vibrant personal touch that many families adore.
32. Gogo
Gogo is a term used in several African cultures to denote grandmother, representing deep respect and compassion.
33. LaLa
LaLa is a trendy name for grandma often chosen by modern families that brings a youthful vibe to the classic title.
34. Mamasita
Mamasita means little mama in Spanish and serves as a playful term for grandmothers, suggesting nurturing and love.
35. Mawmaw
Mawmaw is a lovable dialect term for grandmother popular in the southern United States, evoking warmth and affection.
36. Yaya Koulou
Yaya Koulou means grandmother in Greek, emphasizing familial love and respect among elders.
37. Äiti
Äiti is a Finnish term for mother and is often used metaphorically for grandmothers, highlighting their nurturing essence.
38. Mette
Mette is a Scandinavian name meaning “to be with,” which captures the essence of being a supportive grandmother.
39. Mama-Lou
Mama-Lou is a trendy and modern nickname for grandma, appealing to those with a creative touch.
40. Bubba
Bubba, although often used for male names, can also serve as an affectionate term for grandmother in family circles.
41. Paka
Paka is an affectionate term for grandmothers in several Slavic languages, reflecting the strong family ties in Eastern Europe.
42. Nay-Nay
Nay-Nay is a fun, casual way for grandchildren to refer to their grandmas, conveying a sense of joy and playfulness.
43. Mormorina
Mormorina is a charming way to refer to a grandmother in some Scandinavian languages, enhancing the warmth of the traditional name.
44. Amaya
Amaya means night rain in Japanese and has been adopted as a sweet name for grandmothers in some Japanese families.
45. Nonni
Nonni is a gentle, affectionate term for grandmother in Italian, emphasizing the familial bond shared within a household.
46. Dadi
Dadi means grandmother in Urdu and is often used in South Asian families, representing respect for elders.
47. Siru
Siru is a cute term for grandmother in some Indian languages, reflecting cultural diversity and love in family ties.
48. Gingi
Gingi adds a contemporary and quirky vibe to the traditional grandma name, fitting for modern families.
49. Liu-Liu
Liu-Liu is a sweet, endearing name used in some cultures to signify affection for grandmothers.
50. Noni
Noni means grandmother in Hawaiian culture and carries a sense of pride and connection to heritage.
51. Yeya
Yeya means grandma in some African cultures, highlighting the role of grandmothers in nurturing younger generations.
52. Okaasan
Okaasan is Japanese for mother but can also be used for grandmothers, showcasing an extended family connection.
53. Wawa
Wawa is an affectionate name for grandmother in Indigenous cultures, symbolizing love and respect for elders.
54. Mema
Mema is a common affectionate term for grandmother in many English-speaking households, conveying warmth and familiarity.
55. Ora
Ora means “light” in Hebrew and is a name that can also signify a beloved grandmother, reflecting guidance and wisdom.
56. Gran-Gran
Gran-Gran is a double affectionate term that emphasizes the special relationship between grandchildren and their grandmothers.
57. Chaya
Chaya translates to “life” in Hebrew and can be used to honor the grandmother who brings joy and vitality to family life.
58. Emmeline
Emmeline is an elegant name that can mean “little industrious one” and is used affectionately for grandmothers in some families.
59. Amma
Amma means “mother” in many South Asian languages but can also denote grandmothers, showcasing multi-generational love.
60. Tita
Tita is a Spanish term meaning aunt but is often used for grandmothers in Latin American families, reflecting closeness and familiarity.
61. Mavina
Mavina is a charming term for grandma used in some indigenous languages, showing the love for grandma in a unique way.
62. Néni
Néni means grandmother in Hungarian, symbolizing the deep love and respect for elderly family members.
63. Lola
Lola is a popular nickname for grandmas in Spanish-speaking countries, emphasizing affection and familial bonds.
64. Grandy
Grandy is an informal, loving name for grandmother that brings a modern twist to the traditional title.
65. Bango
Bango is a term sometimes used by grandchildren in African cultures to affectionately refer to their grandmothers.
66. Mamá Grande
Mamá Grande means big mama in Spanish, a term that reflects the big personality many grandmothers possess.
67. Mamita
Mamita is a sweet, affectionate term in Spanish for grandmother, conveying warmth and affection in family dynamics.
68. Ddong-muni
Ddong-muni is a Korean term for grandmother that reflects deep-seated familial respect and love in the culture.
69. Koko
Koko can be used in some cultures as a term for grandmother, capturing endearment and familial closeness.
70. Bi-Bi
Bi-Bi is a playful term for grandmothers in some families, demonstrating the joy and lightheartedness they bring into lives.
71. Chicha
Chicha is a term for grandmother in parts of Central America, reflecting affection and a strong family connection.
72. Tito
Tito is used informally in families to refer to grandmothers in Spanish-speaking cultures, emphasizing a familial bond.
73. Zazi
Zazi makes a playful name for grandmothers, symbolizing creativity in redefining traditional roles within families.
74. Abuelón
Abuelón is a fun and affectionate term in Spanish for big grandma, often used humorously among families.
75. Tata
Tata is a friendly term used for grandmothers in various cultures, representing a comforting presence in the family.
76. Meemaw
Meemaw is a charming nickname popular in certain communities, showing the cute nature of close relationships with grandmothers.
77. Nona-Tina
Nona-Tina is a modern twist to the traditional grandparent name, incorporating creativity into familiar titles.
78. Jiji
Jiji is a unique and affectionate name for grandmothers derived from African cultures, emphasizing love and respect.
79. Nene
Nene serves as a sweet term of endearment for grandmother in some Spanish-speaking cultures, showcasing family values.
80. May-May
May-May is a lighthearted term for grandmothers often used by younger grandchildren, radiating joy and connection.
81. Dede
Dede is often used for grandmothers in Turkish-speaking families, showcasing familial affection within the culture.
82. Nonna Gigi
Nonna Gigi combines the love of the term Nonna with a playful nickname, creating a special relationship name for grandmothers.
83. Vavi
Vavi means grandmother in some Slavic languages, highlighting close family ties and mutual respect.
84. Abue
Abue is a frequently used and simplified term for grandmother in Spanish, signifying an easy connection and familiarity.
85. Sita
Sita can mean grandmother in various cultures, providing a simple yet endearing term for the family matriarch.
86. MaMaw
MaMaw is a nostalgic and affectionate title for grandmothers that resonates deeply in southern families.
87. Kaki
Kaki is a sweet term for grandmother used in some Asian cultures, showing warmth and love in family relationships.
88. Oky
Oky is an abbreviated, endearing form of grandmother used in certain regions, adding playfulness to the name.
89. Nanai
Nanai is a loving name for grandmothers in some African cultures, emphasizing care, respect, and familial love.
90. Yayoi
Yayoi is a charming Japanese term referring to grandmothers, often signifying spring and renewal.
91. Ami
Ami can serve as a nickname for grandmothers in some cultures, highlighting friendship and family bonds.
92. Mama Joy
Mother Joy is a sweet, fun way to refer to grandmothers that highlight their nurturing nature.
93. Wawa Kaa
Wawa Kaa is an affectionate African term for grandmothers, signifying love and respect for matriarchs.
94. Renée
Renée means rebirth in French and adds a lovely touch to the name for grandmothers, conveying continuity in families.
95. Titi
Titi is often used for grandmothers in parts of Central and South America, representing familial warmth.
96. Gaji
Gaji means grandmother in some Asian cultures, showcasing the theme of deep respect for elders.
97. Yaya Kiki
Yaya Kiki combines the traditional Yaya with a playful nickname, creating an appealing title for grandmothers.
98. Daba
Daba means grandmother in certain African languages, expressing love for elders in cultural contexts.
99. Kiki
Kiki can refer to grandmothers in a trendy, affectionate way that resonates with many modern families.
100. Momo
Momo is a sweet name for grandmothers in some cultures, revealing playful affection among grandchildren.
101. Buwa
Buwa is a term used in some Indian languages to denote a grandmother, a name representing respect and love.
102. Abba
Abba means father in Hebrew, but it can also be affectionately used for grandfathers and grandmothers.
103. Romi
Romi symbolizes a strong and lovely connection to grandmothers and can be used as a term of endearment.
104. Yaya Boum-Boum
Yaya Boum-Boum offers a light-hearted and fun twist on a traditional grandma name, creating a joyful family atmosphere.
105. Nonni Pier
Nonni Pier combines a beloved term for grandmother with an affectionate name, showcasing the unique family bond.
106. Nainai
Nainai is a charming term used for grandmothers in Chinese cultures, symbolizing love and respect for family.
107. O-Grandma
O-Grandma adds a trendy and modern flair to the traditional grandmother term, making it relatable for younger generations.
108. Grami
Grami is a cute reformation of grandma, fitting for young families wanting something fresh yet familiar.
109. Sisi
Sisi is an affectionate term for grandmothers in some African cultures, reflecting close family ties and love.
110. Jaka
Jaka is a cultural term for grandmother in some Southeast Asian languages, showcasing love and connection to heritage.
111. Nyanya
Nyanya is a Swahili term for grandmother, representing family ties and traditional values in East Africa.
112. Tate
Tate signifies a warm maternal presence, making it a fitting name for grandmothers looking for something unique.
113. Mimsie
Mimsie is a cute twist on the typical grandma name, enhancing family stories with a sprinkle of creativity.
114. Bibi
Bibi is widely used as a term of respect for grandmothers in many cultures, reflecting deep familial love.
115. Poppy
Poppy is a whimsical name often chosen for grandmothers, suggesting a lively and vibrant personality.
116. Lela
Lela carries a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it a charming name for grandmothers in various families.
117. Kiki Mama
Kiki Mama brings a fun, casual vibe to the traditional name for grandmothers, embodying playfulness.
118. Bubella
Bubella combines the familiar Bubbe with a modern flair, offering an affectionate title for grandmothers.
119. Aria
Aria means song in Italian, providing a melodic touch to a name referring to a grandma who loves music.
120. Fafa
Fafa is used in some cultures as a term for grandmothers, symbolizing tenderness and affection.
121. Gigi Joy
Gigi Joy adds a joyful touch to a traditional grandma name, reflecting a grandmother’s vibrant personality.
122. Mavi
Mavi means “blue” in Turkish and can be interpreted symbolically for grandmothers blessed with tranquility and wisdom.
123. G-Mom
G-Mom is a modern and trendy name for grandmothers, appealing to younger families looking for something unique.
124. Nana Belle
Nana Belle incorporates a traditional name with an uplifting twist, making it a sweet choice for grandmothers.
125. Orma
Orma can be an affectionate name used for grandmothers in some cultures, enhancing familial connections.
126. Momo-chan
Momo-chan is a cute Japanese twist on grandmas that conveys love and fondness within families.
127. Mimmikins
Mimmikins combines a playful touch with the traditional grandma title, showcasing creativity in family nicknames.
128. Dadi Momo
Dadi Momo blends the conventional grandmother name with a modern touch, making it relatable for younger generations.
129. Jiji Joy
Jiji Joy combines a warm familial name with a positive vibe, perfect for grandmothers who spread happiness.
130. Mamma Mia
Mamma Mia is a fun Italian expression used affectionately towards grandmothers, reflecting the joy of family connections.
131. Mimi
Mimi is a soft and affectionate way to call a grandmother that resonates well with grandchildren looking for closeness.
132. Guran
Guran is a term for grandmother in some cultures, showcasing the importance of family and familial responsibilities.
133. Wawa Nona
Wawa Nona infuses playfulness into the traditional grandparent name, symbolizing fun family interactions.
134. Ahma
Ahma is a thoughtful term for grandmothers in some Asian cultures, emphasizing respect and admiration.
135. Grandy-Bear
Grandy-Bear represents a cuddly take on the grandmother title, appealing to families who cherish the warmth of grandparents.
136. Ma-Chan
Ma-Chan brings a whimsical Japanese flair to the grandparent name, emphasizing love and closeness.
137. Ninny
Ninny is a lighthearted and playful name for grandmothers that captures the joy of having them around.
138. Oyeh
Oyeh is an affectionate name for grandmothers in Native American languages, showcasing respect for elders.
139. Chuchi
Chuchi is a sweet name for grandmothers, reflecting warmth and love in family circles.
140. Madri
Madri means mother in some cultures and extends to mean grandmother, highlighting nurturing qualities.
141. LoLo
LoLo is a catchy and memorable name for grandmothers, appealing to younger generations.
142. Gramsy
Gramsy is a modern twist on the grandmother name, embodying family love and connection.
143. Bubbela
Bubbela is an engaging take on Bubbe, offering a unique way to celebrate grandmothers in families.
144. Gpap
Gpap is a common abbreviation for grandmother in families, emphasizing the close bond shared.
145. Lolly Pop
Lolly Pop is a whimsical term for grandmothers that conveys playfulness and sweetness in their personalities.
146. Mairi
Mairi means “sea of bitterness” in Hebrew and can be affectionately used within families to refer to grandmothers.
147. Babbs
Babbs is a catchy name that combines affection with simplicity, creating a strong family connection.
148. Grandy-Pants
Grandy-Pants adds humor to the traditional grandma name, making it appealing for families with a playful bond.
149. TaTa
TaTa is a light-hearted term for grandmothers used in some cultures that emphasizes love and familial closeness.
150. Gigi Marie
Gigi Marie adds a touch of elegance to the name for grandmothers, combining affection with grace.
Final Thoughts
Grandmothers are cherished family members, and the names we choose for them can reflect their love and the bonds we share. From traditional names like Abuela and Nona to modern variations like Gigi and Mamaw, each name carries its unique warmth and meaning. Whether using regional dialects or creating playful nicknames, the love for grandmothers transcends cultures, showcasing the connection that family members have with one another.
Finding a beautiful name for your grandmother can be a way to honor her legacy and create lasting memories. Exploring names that mean grandma allows you to connect with your heritage and celebrate the wisdom and nurturing qualities of grandmothers around the world.
If you enjoyed exploring names that mean grandma, be sure to check out more unique names such as those that represent guardian spirits here or even names that signify endings here. You might discover even more beautiful names and meanings along the way!