55 Classic and Cool Grandpa Names to Choose From

Just found out you’re about to become a grandfather? Congratulations! You’re probably already looking forward to cuddles, kisses and hearing them say your name for the first time. But before that special moment happens, you’ve got a big decision to make—what grandfather name will you go by? While “Grandpa” is always an option, many “promoted dads” are picking more unique grandfather names for their newest role in life. Need help brainstorming some ideas? Keep reading for some pretty cool grandpa names that totally fit the bill.

Why Are Other Names for Grandpa Trending?

In recent years, many grandparents have opted to go by something other than the traditional grandma and grandpa names. Why though? One of the biggest reasons is that the traditional “Grandma” and “Grandpa” simply feel too old, per the The New York Times. Instead, many within the Boomer generation prefer names that feel more youthful and individualized. It makes sense, as research has found that society in general is shifting how it views people over the age of 65, as senior citizens have become more active in recent decades.

Another big reason? Modern-day grandparents are playing much bigger roles in their grandkids’ lives. According to PBS, the amount of grandparents helping to raise their grandchildren went up by 7 percent between 2009 and 2016. Another survey from the Family Travel Association found that in 2023, 54 percent of grandparents initiated a multi-generation trip with their children and grandchildren. It’s a move that’s likely good for both parties too, as studies have found that grandparents who spend more time with their grandkids may live longer.

Adding to the equation is the simple fact that baby names are more unique now than ever. It makes sense that expectant grandparents are excited about putting their own, authentic spin on their new nickname too.

What to Consider When Choosing a Grandfather Name

There are a few things to take into account before settling on a grandpa name. What moniker best fits the soon-to-be grandpa’s personality? Is there a family name you’d like to stick with? Maybe you want a grandfather name from a different language to celebrate your family’s cultural heritage? Is there a grandfather nickname that would mesh particularly well with your partner’s name of choice? With so many considerations at your fingertips, remember: The best names for grandfather are often ones that hold a special meaning for you and your loved ones.

Another factor to take into account is baby’s pronunciation! What’s a name for a grandfather that will be easy to say? Young children are well-known for putting their own adorable spin on common words, and it’s to be expected they’ll do the same with your grandfather name. They may even transform it into a different name entirely. The bottom line? Don’t stress too much about it, and just go for it!

Traditional Grandfather Names

Some of the best names for grandfather can be tried-and-true classics. But even common names for grandpas that have been around for decades can easily be tweaked to align with your taste. For example, if you love “Grandpa” but are looking for ways to make it your own, you might change it to “Grampa” or even “Gramps.” Below, some traditional grandfather names worth considering.

• Grandfather
• Granddad
• Grandpa
• Grampa
• Gramps
• Pop
• Pops
• Pop Pop

Southern Grandfather Names

The American South is known for having its own distinctive traditions—and that extends to grandparent names. Just as “Meemaw” is the most common grandmother name in the South, there are several popular options for southern grandpa names. Check out some of the most common ones and their variations below.

• Pawpaw (Papaw)
• Paw
• Papa
• Grandpapa
• Grandpaw
• Granddaddy
• Grandpappy
• Pappy
• Paps

Cute Grandpa Names

Any nicknames for “grandpa” are bound to be cute regardless of what they are, as they represent the loving and caring men in baby’s life. But there are some options for grandfather names that are extra-cute. You’ll also want to consider whether there’s an opportunity for matching Grandpa and Grandma nicknames (like Lily and Poppy).

• Gamps
• Grampy
• Grampie
• Poppy
• Poppa
• Popsi (Popci)
• Nanu
• FaFa
• Baba

Cool Grandpa Names

The great thing about grandfather names is that many can be effortlessly chic. Perhaps you have a nickname you’ve gone by your whole life, like Mac, Skip or Duke that you also want to adopt for your grandpa nickname. Or perhaps there’s an opportunity to create a new nickname for grandpa that plays on your first name. If you’re looking for some cool grandpa names, peruse the choices below.

• G
• Mac
• Skip
• Da
• Grandy
• Big Daddy
• Grandpop
• Geepa (G-Pa)

Unique Grandfather Names

There’s something to be said for originality—and that extends to names for grandpa. The trend is especially popular among celebrities: Lionel Richie goes by “G-Pa,” Martin Sheen goes by “Peach,” former president George W. Bush goes by “Jefe” and Cedric the Entertainer goes by “Popci.” When it comes to getting creative, the sky is truly the limit.

• Gumpy
• Pepe
• Buddy
• Buzz
• Bubba
• Kip
• Dodo
• GoGo

Grandfather Names in Other Languages

While searching for inspiration, you may look to other cultures. Each language has its own unique grandfather name, and sometimes even multiple based on whether the title refers to a maternal or paternal grandparent. Looking to honor your heritage or simply curious about cool grandfather names in other languages? Take a peek at the ones below.

• Afrikkans: In Afrikaans, one of South Africa’s official languages, the word for grandfather is “Oupa.”
• Arabic: Though Arabic has many different dialects, a common Arabic name for grandfather is “Jaddi.” In Palestine, grandfather is known as “Seedo.”
• Cantonese Chinese: In Cantonese, grandpa names are classified as paternal or maternal. The paternal grandfather is known as “Je Je” or “Ye Ye,” while the maternal grandfather is called “Gung Gung.”
• Creole: The Haitian Creole name for grandfather is “Gran-papa.”
• Filipino: In Filipino, the name for grandfather is “Lolo.”
• French: French grandfather names include “Grand-père,” “Grand-papa” and “Pépère.”
• German: The formal German grandfather name is “Grossvater” (or “Großvater”), but the informal version is “Opa.”
• Greek: In Greek, grandfathers are called “Pappous,” also spelled as “Papou.”
• Hawaiian: In Hawaiian, grandfathers are formally known as “Kupuna Kane,” but many Hawaiians use the informal “Tutu Kane.”
• Hebrew: The most common Jewish grandpa name in Hebrew is “Saba.”
• Hindi: In Hindi, the paternal grandfather is called “Dada” or “Baba” and the maternal grandfather is called “Nana.”
• Indonesian: The Indonesian word for grandfather is “Kakek.”
• Irish: In Gaelic, grandfather is “Seanathair,” which means “old father,” but other popular Irish grandfather names are “Daideó” and “Athair Críonna.” Most English-speaking children call their grandfathers “Grandad” or “Granda.”
• Italian: When it comes to Italian grandpa names, the most common is “Nonno.”
• Japanese: In Japanese, “Ojiisan,” is the name for grandfather, but it’s often shortened to “Jiji.” Informally, grandfathers can also be called “Sofu.”
• Korean: In Korean, grandfather is “Haraboji” or “Halabeoji.”
• Māori: Te reo Māori is the language spoken by the indigenous Eastern Polynesian people of New Zealand. The Māori name for grandfather is “Tupuna,” which means “grandparent” or “ancestor.” However, “Tipuna,” “Koroua” and “Koro” are also used.
• Mandarin Chinese: In Mandarin, the formal name for paternal grandfathers is “Zu fu,” while “Ye Ye” is also commonly used. The formal name for maternal grandfather is “Wai zu fu,” while “Lao ye” is also used in Northern China and “Wai gong” is used in Southern China.
• Polish: The Polish grandfather name is “Dziadek,” but variations include “Dziadzio” and “Dziadzia.” Other variations common in Polish-American culture are “Jaja” or “Jaji.”
• Russian: In Russian, grandfathers are known as “Dedushka.”
• Scottish: In Scottish Gaelic, the word for grandfather is “Seanair,” but other commonly used Scottish grandpa names include “Grandad” and “Grandpa.”
• Spanish: In Spanish, grandfathers are most commonly called “Abuelo” but can also be called “Abuelito” or “Tito.”
• Swahili: In Swahili, which is the official language of Tanzania and Kenya but widely spoken in other parts of Africa, the grandpa name is “Babu.”
• Yiddish: In Yiddish, grandfathers are known as “Zaide.” Common spelling variations include “Zayde” “Zaydeh” and “Zaydee.”