Choosing (or Being Given) the Perfect Grandma Name
When I first found out I was going to be a grandmother, I couldn’t stop smiling. I told family, friends, and pretty much anyone who would listen. Almost immediately, the first question I kept getting was:
“So… what do you want to be called?”
I hadn’t even thought about it! There are so many options—Mimi, Gigi, Tutu, Nana, Glamma—the list goes on. For many families, the grandmother name becomes just as special as the role itself.
And here’s the sweetest twist of all: sometimes, you don’t even get to choose.
My grandbaby Penelope decided for me. Out of nowhere, in her tiny little voice, she started calling me Memaw. It stuck. And let me tell you, hearing her say “Memaw” is the most heart-melting sound in the world.
Grandma Names in Our Family
In our family, grandmother names are already a mix of tradition and personality.
My kids grew up with a Tutu—Tutu Nani orginally from Kauai. Another close friend, Kimberlee in Kauai, also proudly calls herself Tutu when she talks about her grandchildren.
My own mother has always been Grandma Dori to my kids.
So when Penelope first called me Memaw, it felt like we were adding another sweet layer to our family’s story—a blend of generations, cultures, and a whole lot of love.
Why So Many Different Grandmother Names?
Grandmother names often reflect heritage, language, and regional charm—but they can also show personality or humor. Here are a few reasons names differ so widely:
- Cultural Roots: Words like Nonna (Italian) or Abuela (Spanish) honor family heritage.
- Regional Traditions: In the American South, Memaw and MawMaw are common.
- Modern Twists: Today’s grandmas love chic updates like Glam-ma or Mimi.
- Baby-Inspired Nicknames: Sometimes, a toddler’s first attempt to say your name becomes the family favorite forever.
Grandmother Names Around the World
| Name | Language / Culture | Meaning / Notes |
| Tūtū | Hawaiian | Affectionate word for grandmother |
| Nonna | Italian | Traditional grandma name |
| Abuela / Abuelita | Spanish | “Grandmother” / “Little grandmother” |
| Oma | German / Dutch | Endearing term for grandmother |
| Babcia | Polish | Formal word for grandmother |
| Yaya | Greek | Very common in Greek families |
| Obaasan | Japanese | Formal word for grandmother |
| Halmoni | Korean | Respectful grandma name |
| Memaw | Southern U.S. | Popular in Texas and the South |
| Grammy | American | Soft, affectionate version of Grandma |
| Nana | English / Irish | Traditional, widely used across English-speaking families |
The Sweet Meaning Behind Every Grandma Name
Whether you’re a Memaw, Mimi, or Nonna, the name becomes a badge of love.
It’s less about tradition and more about connection.
As for me, I didn’t pick mine—Penelope did.
And I have two more grandchildren on the way. I wonder if it will change or if I will have different names?
Share Your Family’s Tradition
What do your kids (or grandkids) call their grandparents?
Do you have a unique family tradition or special name?
Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear all the sweet, funny, and cultural variations out there!
Did you know there’s a special wishing star that only grandmas see? Every time a new grandchild is expected, their grandma has special hopes and dreams for her new little love. A perfect gift for a grandparent, shower, or a wonderful keepsake for a grandma to give her grandchild or favorite new mom. A grandmother’s wishes are revealed through an
