Modern Grandparent Names: Tradition, Trendlets, and Choosing the Perfect Title
The Art of Choosing a Grandparent Name: Tradition, Trends, and Fun
What do the grandchildren in your family call the grandparents? My kids call my parents Nona and Papa, while Justin’s parents stick to the classics—Grandma and Granddaddy. It’s always fun to hear how families decide on these sweet, personal names!
But grandparent naming isn’t always straightforward. From history to geography to kid-driven creativity, this seemingly simple decision is often more layered than it appears. Let’s dig into why choosing a grandparent name is such a delightful (and sometimes loaded) process.
A Shift Away from Tradition
Remember that scene in Downton Abbey where little Sibbie calls Lord Grantham “Donk” after playing pin the tail on the donkey? Funny, right? But it also marked a shift: the traditional “Grandmama” gave way to something more personal and playful.
This shift away from formal, traditional names is happening everywhere, especially in the U.S., thanks in large part to the Boomer generation.
The Influence of the Boomer Generation
Historically, grandparent names have reflected culture and geography:
- Tutu in Hawaiian
- Bubbe in Yiddish
- Nonna in Italian
- Meemaw in the rural American South
But as blended families become the norm and multiple grandparents share roles, Boomer grandparents are stepping up to differentiate themselves—and they’re ditching “Grandma” altogether.
Why?
- Many Boomers associate “Grandma” with aging stereotypes (orthopedic shoes, hair rollers, etc.).
- They want a name that feels hip, youthful, and uniquely theirs.
The Rise of “Trendlet” Grandparent Names
The New York Times calls this phenomenon a “trendlet.”
- Think “Glam-ma” (thank you, Goldie Hawn) or other playful, creative names.
- My own mom chose Nona, despite having no Italian heritage—she just liked it!
Grandparent names are deeply personal and often more intimate than legal names. Only a few beloved people use them, making them feel extra special.
Choosing a Grandparent Name: Tips to Keep in Mind
If you’re picking a grandparent name—or helping your kids choose one—consider these tips:
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Phonetics Matter
- Little ones struggle with complex sounds.
- Repetitive, simple names like Nana, Yaya, or PopPop tend to stick.
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Think Long-Term
- Names based on hobbies or trends may not have staying power.
- Choose something timeless that reflects an inherent part of the grandparent’s personality.
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Balance Tradition and Spontaneity
- Follow family naming traditions if they resonate—or embrace the unpredictability of a child’s first attempt to say “Grandpa.”
There’s No Right Way to Name a Grandparent
Whether it’s a carefully chosen moniker or something your toddler invents on the fly, the best grandparent names are the ones that feel authentic to your family.
Ready to dig deeper into the joys and challenges of grandparenting? Nurtured Nest’s Grandparent Class is designed to help grandparents navigate their new role with grace and fun.
Still looking for inspiration? Check out our blog: Exploring Unique Grandparent Names: Cute, Fun, and Alternative Options.
Nurtured Nest offers self-paced online learning for parents and grandparents alike. Learn more about our courses here.