Lifestyle
Nonna to Lola to Yiayia: the world’s most loved grandma names
Here are the world’s coolest grandma names in 2026 – all full of culture, humour and heart.
By Robyn Lopez
Choosing a grandma name is a bit like choosing the version of yourself your grandkids will know best, the one they’ll laugh with, cuddle into and remember for life. Some nicknames appear spontaneously like the first attempt a toddler makes, while other grandma names are carefully chosen and some simply stick.
But a grandmother’s impact goes beyond the name. Through stories, traditions and everyday moments, grandmas shape the family’s story and create a meaningful legacy that their family will treasure.
25 grandmother names from around the world
From the sweet to the unexpected, this guide takes you around the world to discover the best grandma names that are unique and unforgettable (as are you!).
Sweet grandma names from Europe
1. Grand-mère / Mamie (France)
(pronounced: grahn-mehr / mah-pee)
Grand-mère is the formal term for grandmother, while mamie is the darling, everyday version used by little ones.
Fun fact: French mamies often help with after-school care and have legally recognised visitation rights.
2. Nonna (Italy)
(pronounced: non-nah)
From the Latin nonna, meaning “nun” or “tutor”, nonna represents the heart of Italian family life. A nonna can communicate entire paragraphs with a single raised eyebrow and she’ll insist you eat more even when you’re busy trying to stuff in a second helping..
Fun fact: Many Italian families have long-standing recipes passed down through nonnas for generations.
3. Oma (Germany)
(pronounced: oh-mah)
Oma is the most common grandma name in Germany, derived from the word Großmutter.
Fun fact: German omas are known for teaching grandkids how to bake, knit and garden.
4. Abuela (Spain)
(pronounced: a-bue-la)
A symbol of respect and love, abuela reflects the strong role of grandmas in Spanish and Latin families. For added sweetness, try abuelita!
Fun fact: Abuelas often lead major festivals or family reunions, cook for crowds and pass down traditional songs and dances.
5. Yiayia (Greece)
(pronounced: yah-yah)
The most common Greek word for grandmother is yia-yia, sometimes also written as yia yia or yaya. A yiayia will feed you even when you swear you’re full, fuss over you even when you’re grown, and somehow know exactly what’s going on in the family without anyone telling her a thing.
Fun fact: It’s traditional in Greece for kids to carry the names of their grandparents.
6. Mamó (Ireland)
(pronounced: mam-oh)
In Ireland, children often have sweet, informal names for their grandmothers like Maimeó or Móraí, instead of the formal seanmháthair.
Fun fact: Grandmothers often play a special role as the family’s matriarch and kinkeeper of traditions, stories and keeping connections alive.
7. Babcia (Polish)
(pronounced: bahb-cha)
Stemming from Slavic roots, babcia conveys affection, wisdom and the importance of matriarchs in Polish families. They’re the matriarchs who hold families steady through every season, often with nothing more than a warm plate of pierogi, a knitted jumper and a few well-timed words of wisdom.
Fun fact: Grandmother’s Day is celebrated on 21 January in Poland, a national tradition.
8. Babushka (Russia)
(pronounced: bah-boosh-kah)
Babushka is the Russian word for grandmother, which can be softened into affectionate nicknames like Baba or Babulya. Russian babushkas are the bedrock of family life, equal parts warmth and no-nonsense wisdom. They’re known for their fierce protectiveness, their instinct to feed you the second you walk through the door and their uncanny ability to read a room in half a second.
Fun fact: In many families, the babushka’s word often carries more weight than the parents’.
9. Mormor / Farmor (Sweden)
(pronounced: mor-mor / far-mor)
In Sweden, grandmothers are called mormor (mother’s mother) and farmor (father’s mother). These names reflect the Swedish tradition of distinguishing maternal and paternal grandparents, highlighting the close bonds across both sides of the family.
Fun fact: Swedish mormors and farmors are legendary for their fika rituals. Many grandkids grow up knowing that a visit isn’t official until you’ve sat down for coffee, cake and a proper chat.
10. Nagymama (Hungary)
(pronounced: nah-dj-mama)
Grandmothers in Hungary go by nagymama, but for a cozier, playful vibe, kids often call her nagyi. And if you’re lucky enough to meet a great-grandmother, she’s known as dédanya (pronounced day-dah-nyah).
Fun fact: Hungarian nagymamas are famous for cooking by instinct rather than recipe, which is why so many family dishes can’t quite be replicated.
Cool grandma names from across Asia
11. Lola (Philippines)
(pronounced: lo-la)
Lola is used nationwide for grandmothers and symbolises deep affection. Variations like mamala (mama+lola) can add extra sweetness. The term was influenced by Spanish colonisation and mirrors abuela.
Fun fact: A lola will fuss over you, pray for you, feed you endlessly and still send you home with snacks “just in case”.
12. Obaasan (Japan)
(pronounced: lo-la)
Obaachan (おばあちゃん) is a warm, informal term when talking to your own grandmother, while sobo is a more formal, polite way to refer to someone else’s grandmother. For something cuter, many kids say obaachan or baa-chan.
Fun fact: Bowing to one’s grandmother is a sign of respect and gratitude.
13. Nǎinai / wàipó (China)
(pronounced: nigh-nigh / why-po)
In Mandarin, Nǎinai is your dad’s mum, while wàipó is your mum’s mum – both are loved just the same!
Fun fact: Grandmothers often teach calligraphy, traditional dance or regional cooking.
14. Nenek (Indonesia)
(pronounced: neh-nek)
Nenek is the go-to grandma name across Indonesia, though some regions mix it up with Nyai or Eyang Putri. In Indonesian folklore, they’re wise, mystical and always ready to protect their family (and maybe give a magical pep talk or two).
Fun fact: A nenek has a way of making you feel protected and understood, and she’ll slip you extra treats even while insisting she’s not spoiling you.
Cute grandma names in North and South America
15. Vovó (Brazil)
(pronounced: vo-voh)
Vovó is the sweet, affectionate term for grandma, while Avó is more formal and reserved. They’re famous for their generous hugs, their lively kitchens and their knack for turning any gathering into a mini celebration.
Fun fact: If you’re the kind who likes dancing and (or while) cooking, this is for you! Vovós are considered the queens of samba nights and can cook family feasts like no other, blending flavors that have been passed down for generations.
16. Mémère (French-Canadian)
(pronounced: may-mehr)
Used mostly in French-speaking Canada, Mémère is a warm, familiar and nostalgic term for grandma. A mémère’s kindness is steady, but she’s also known for a playful streak that makes her both the heart and the entertainment of any gathering.
Fun fact: Mémère can be a term of endearment or a term for an old gossip…
17. Mamita (Caribbean nations)
(pronounced: mah-mee-tah)
Mamita is a Spanish term of endearment (literally a sweetened form of mamá) that many families use for grandma across Latin America. This endearment term is especially common in Colombia, Peru, Central America, the Caribbean and Filipino families with Spanish influence.
Fun fact: Caribbean mamitas are all warmth and sunshine, known for their easy affection and the way they make every grandchild feel like the favourite.
Unique grandmother names from Africa
18. Gogo (South Africa)
(pronounced: goh-goh)
In South Africa, Gogo is a warm and respectful name for a grandmother, especially in Zulu-speaking families. You’ll also hear regional variations like Ouma in Afrikaans, reflecting the country’s rich mix of cultures and languages.
Fun fact: In many South African communities, “gogo” isn’t just for your biological grandmother. It’s also a respectful title for any older woman, which means a neighbourhood can have several gogos looking out for all the kids.
19. Bibi (Tanzania)
(pronounced: bee-bee)
Bibi is the most common Swahili word for grandma. It’s also widely used as a respectful title for any older woman, not just a family member.
Fun fact: Bibi originally comes from a word meaning “miss”, but in many East African cultures, it’s most commonly used to mean “grandmother”.
20. Nini (Sudan)
(pronounced: nee-nee)
In many African cultures, Ninis are cherished figures and keepers of tradition and wisdom. They care for grandchildren, pass down knowledge of traditional medicine and offer guidance to the whole family.
Fun fact: The term Nini is also used to show respect and affection for elder women in many African cultures.
Celebrity grandma names
Feeling fancy? Get creative with these celeb-inspired grandma nicknames:
- Gaga - Queen Camilla
- Bubbe - Kathie Lee Gifford
- Glam-ma - Goldie Hawn
- Lovey - Kris Jenner
- Oopi - Whoopi Goldberg
- Honey - Susan Sarandon
- Shazza - Sharon Osbourne (naturally!)
- Martha - Martha Stewart (ditto)
- Oma - Jane Seymour
- Grandma Stevie - Stevie Nicks
- Mormor - Tippi Hedren
- Mama T - Tina Knowles
Feature image: iStock/Yuliya Taba
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