These Are the Most Popular Nicknames for Grandparents in the US
As the costs of raising a child continue to climb, from diapers to daycare, grandparents are stepping into a more significant role than ever before. They’re not just distant relatives anymore; they’re becoming indispensable members of the household, lending a helping hand with childcare, running errands, and providing much-needed support.
Just as the traditional roles of “grandma” and “grandpa” undergo transformation, so too does the language surrounding their titles. Today, it’s all about the nicknames. A recent study conducted by the online language learning platform Preply delved into the most popular nicknames for grandparents across all 50 states in the US. To get a better look, the platform surveyed 1,500 Americans with grandparents across the country.
When the traditional “Grandma” and “Grandpa” are set aside, intriguing trends emerge across state lines. Nana emerges as the top choice, particularly in the New England area, claiming the preference of 12 states. Following closely behind in a three-way tie are Grammy, Granny, and Gran. In third place, we have the classic Grandmother alongside the southern favorite Mamaw. The Spanish term for Grandma, Abuela, secures fourth place.
On the grandfather’s side, Papa takes the lead, preferred by 13 states. Granddad follows suit, particularly popular in Southern states, while Pop-pop earns its stripes across seven northern states. Abuelo, the Spanish counterpart, rounds off the top four, especially popular in California, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Yet, these traditional monikers aren’t the sole contenders in this evolving landscape. With a new generation entering grandparenthood, new names are making their mark. Researchers turned to Google Trends to analyze the popularity of new-age grandparent names over the last five years.
Popular trendy nicknames for Grandmothers include:
- Gigi
- Nana
- Mimi
- Gran
- Bibi
- Momo
Popular trendy nicknames for grandfathers include:
- Poppy
- Pops
- Papi
- G-Pa
- Grandude
- Papa
No matter what nickname you choose, the important thing is that you make an effort to be there for your grandchildren. Studies show that babysitting the grandkids might even extend your life a few years. Long live the grands!
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