"Niche hobbies, slipped dollar bills from a handshake, silly jokes, building skills like no other: put these things together and what do we have? A grandpa. We don’t think it’s possible to ever understand how much love and tenderness the grandfathers in our lives feel for us, and there’s no better way to regard them as such than with special grandpa nicknames.
We asked our lovely Everymom readers what their kiddos call the grandpas in their lives—and boy, did they deliver. From sharing names from different cultural backgrounds to silly slips of the tongue, we couldn’t help but take in and appreciate all the different names for the family patriarch. Plus, we did a little research on sweet grandpa nicknames ideas from around the world for even more inspiration. Read on for 30 nicknames we love for the grandfathers in your life.
1. Gramps
It’s classic for a reason! Gramps is cute to define a stellar grandfather and sounds cute coming out of a grandchild’s mouth.
2. Lolo
The Filipino word for grandfather, Lolo in Tagalog pairs perfectly with Lola for grandmother.
3. Lito
When abuelito is too much of a mouthful, readers shared that their LO’s shortened the Spanish word for grandfather to Lito or Ito.
4. Welo
Another take on the Spanish word abuelo, Welo rolls off the tongue easily (and sounds adorable coming from the grandkids).
5. Opa
Readers with German heritage shared that Opa is widely used and popular in their families.
6. Wi-Tsi-Ko
One reader shared that Wi-Tsi-Ko means grandfather in the Osage language, originating from the Osage people of Oklahoma.
7. Pop-Pop
Popularized in the Southern United States, Pop-Pop is a fun repetitive way to refer to a granddad.
8. Grandude
For the totally cool grandpas out there, Grandude is ideal for just about any and every grandpa.
9. Pake
Meaning grandpa in the Frisian languages, a Dutch dialect, pake is pronounced as “pa-keh.”
10. Tata
Most used in Latin American cultures, Tata is a different—yet still widely used—take on grandpa as opposed to abuelo or abuelito.
11. Papa
Popular not only nationwide but also globally, many readers opt for Papa when it comes to referring to a super-special grandpa.
12. Zaydie
Yiddish for grandfather, readers with a Jewish heritage shared that they refer to their grandfathers as Zaydie, which could also be spelled a variety of ways.
13. Nonno
Readers shared that Nonno is how Italian families refer to their grandfathers, paired with Nonna for grandmother.
14. Poppy
Who wouldn’t want their grandpa to share a name with a bold and beautiful flower? Sure, we know it’s a play on papa or grandpa, but the double meaning is as cute as the name itself.
15. Grumps
Multiple readers shared that the grandpas in their LO’s life like to go by Grumps or Grumpy. Whether it was a mispronunciation or he lives up to the name, that’s for you to decide.
16. Dziadek
Pronounced “jah-deck,” readers shared this Polish name for grandfather, which could also be spelled as Dziadzia.
17. Jiddo
Our readers with an Arabic background shared that they use the word Jiddo to refer to their grandfathers, which is commonly used by those with Middle Eastern backgrounds.
18. Père
The French nickname for grandfather, Père is short for grandpère, which is the traditional word for grandpa. Little ones who love Daniel Tiger are likely already familiar with Daniel’s beloved grandfather, Grandpère, who is often wearing a beret.
19. Bumpa
Popular among readers, Bumpa is commonly used and based off of mispronunciations while the LO’s are learning to talk.
20. Captain
One reader shared that their child refers to their grandpa as Captain, after his lifelong role as a fire captain.
21. Grandpop
When grandpa just won’t cut it, multiple readers prefer the alternative Grandpop instead.
22. Pop
Similar to other options, we especially love Pop when shared with the sweet grandma nickname of Lollie.
23. G
Short and sweet, G is perfect for the ultra-cool grandpa.
24. Ace
For the grandpa that excels at everything he does, Ace may be the perfect nickname for an overachiever.
25. Bubba
Because he’s sure to be your little one’s best bud, consider giving him this title that will roll of a little tongue so sweetly.
26. PawPaw
If you’ve got a mamaw in the house, you’re going to need a pawpaw to keep her company.
27. Pa
Keep things simple by using the ultra abridged version of grandpa.
28. Pappoo
Our Greek friends recognize this as the word for “grandpa.” We can’t think of anything cuter than a little one using this title for their sweet old man.
29. Yeye
In standard Mandarin, Yeye is the term for the paternal grandfather. No matter what side he’s on, he’s sure to be proud to hold this fun title.
30. Babu
So sweet and easy for little ones to say, Babu means “grandfather” in Swahili.
Bella Gil, Associate Commerce Editor
As the Editorial Fashion Assistant for The Everygirl, Bella helps behind the scenes with all things commerce. She assists with pitching, updating stories, and writing about what’s going on in the fashion realm. She especially loves covering trends and advising on how to style that fresh new piece you just added to your wardrobe.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!