Having Fun with Grandma Names in Different Languages

If you’re a grandmother, what do your grandchildren call you? “Grandma?” “Nana?” “Mammy?” Some women over 60 feel strange being called “Grandma” or other titles because it reminds them of their own grandmothers, who were much “older” women than we are now.

Being called “Grandma” also brings up interesting feelings that remind us of our shifting roles, our changing identity, and time passing. Just like so many other aspects of life for women over 60, the concept of being a grandmother is changing. Maybe the word “Grandma” is changing as well.

Adopt an Ethnic Name

Maybe you have a connection to some of these names through your own family history (even if you no longer speak those languages), or maybe you have a favorite country that you love to travel to – or if you’re learning a foreign language, using that language’s grandmother name could be a fun way to share the language with your grandchildren.

Even if some families are not highly cultural or religious, they may choose names that honor their culture or heritage. Or they choose them just to be different from the more common names. Some cultures see their specific names for grandparents as a mark of respect, and to call them anything else is disrespectful.

Whatever name you go by, being a grandmother is one of the great joys of life for many women over 60. I hope that you’ll find this to be true in your life as well!

Read more: What Sort of Grandmother Are You? Does it Matter?

“Grandma” in Different Languages and Cultures

Across the world, grandmothers hold a special place in families – but what we call them can vary widely depending on language, culture, and even family traditions. Whether you’re naming a character, a doll, or deciding what your grandchildren should call you, here are some of the most beloved ways to say “grandma” around the world.

Grandma in Spanish

In Spanish, the most common word for grandmother is “Abuela.” It’s used in most Spanish-speaking countries, from Mexico to Spain to Argentina. Families often use affectionate versions like “Abuelita” (little grandma), which feels warm and personal. Some children shorten it to “Lita” or “Abue.”

In more traditional or rural areas, it’s still common to show deep respect for elders, so you might hear “Mi Abuela” even from adult grandchildren.

Grandma in Italian

In Italian, the word for grandmother is “Nonna.” It’s simple, sweet, and widely recognized even outside Italy. Many Italian families also add regional or affectionate twists, like “Nonnina” (little Nonna) or even “Nonni” when referring to both grandparents together.

In Southern Italy, dialects may influence variations like “Nannina” or “Nonnuzza.” Italian grandmothers are often associated with cooking, storytelling, and fierce family loyalty.

Grandma in Korean

In Korean, there are two primary words for grandma: “Halmoni” (할머니) for a paternal grandmother and “Halmeoni” as a softer variation. The maternal grandmother may sometimes be called “Oemma Halmoni” (엄마 할머니), which literally means “Mom’s mom.”

Some families use affectionate, shortened forms like “Halmi” or regional variations, but “Halmoni” is the most standard term. Respect for elders is deeply embedded in Korean culture, so the term often carries formal and emotional weight.

Grandma in Polish

In Poland, grandma is typically called “Babcia” (pronounced BAHB-cha). This affectionate term is used by children and adults alike. Some may also say “Babunia” for a softer, more endearing version, especially in rural or older generations.

You’ll also hear playful nicknames like “Babka,” although in some contexts that word also refers to a type of cake! Polish grandmothers are often central figures in family life, closely tied to heritage and tradition.

Irish Names for Grandma

There’s no single universal Irish word for grandma, but many families use “Granny” or “Nana.” In Irish Gaelic, a more traditional term is “Seanmháthair” (pronounced shan-wah-her), which literally means “old mother.” It’s rarely used in conversation but may appear in writing or formal settings.

In practice, Irish families often lean into affectionate or English-influenced terms like “Gran,” “Granny,” or even “Mamo” (from the word for mother). Family names for grandma in Ireland tend to be cozy and rooted in close family bonds.

German Name for Grandma

In Germany, the most common term is “Oma.” It’s universally used and loved for its simplicity and warmth. The formal version is “Großmutter,” but it’s rarely used in daily conversation.

Some families use “Omi” as a cuter or more tender version, especially when small children are speaking. German grandmothers are often known for their homey, comforting presence and strong traditions, especially around food and holidays.

Jewish Grandma Names

Jewish grandmothers might be called “Bubbe” (or “Bubbie”), which comes from Yiddish. It’s an affectionate, warm term used across generations, especially in Ashkenazi Jewish families.

Some Sephardic Jewish families may use “Nonna,” particularly those with roots in the Mediterranean. Others use culturally blended terms depending on where the family lives, like “Savta” in modern Hebrew-speaking Israeli homes.

French Name for Grandma

In French, “Grand-mère” is the literal translation of grandmother. However, more commonly used in families are softer versions like “Mamie” (pronounced MAH-mee). You might also hear “Mémé” or “Mémère,” depending on the region or family background.

“Mamie” carries a charming, loving tone and is the go-to term in modern French households. French grandmothers often represent elegance, resilience, and timeless advice.

Greek Name for Grandma

The Greek word for grandmother is “YiaYia” (also spelled “Yiayia” or “GiaGia”), and it’s pronounced yah-YAH. It’s a term filled with love and familiarity.

Greek grandmothers often play a key role in raising grandchildren and passing down cultural traditions – especially around food and religion. In some families, the term is used with a name for clarity (like “YiaYia Maria”).

Swedish Names for Grandma

In Sweden, “Mormor” means maternal grandmother (literally “mother’s mother”), while “Farmor” means paternal grandmother (“father’s mother”). These distinctions are common in Scandinavian languages.

Children often stick with these names, but some families create nicknames like “MorMor” or “FarFar” (used for grandfathers). Swedish families tend to be close-knit, and grandparents are actively involved in everyday life.

African Names for Grandma

Across Africa, there are many languages and cultures, so grandma names vary widely. In Swahili, a common term is “Bibi.” In Zulu, it’s “Gogo,” and in Xhosa, it’s “Ugogo.”

In Yoruba (spoken in Nigeria), you might hear “Iya Agba” (elder mother). These names often carry deep respect and highlight a grandmother’s role as a matriarch and spiritual guide. Many African families use both traditional and anglicized names depending on the household.

Indian Names for Grandma

India’s diversity means grandma names vary by language and region. In Hindi, you’ll often hear “Dadi” for paternal grandmother and “Nani” for maternal grandmother. In Tamil, it’s “Paati,” and in Punjabi, “Daadi” and “Naanee” are common.

Indian grandmothers play vital roles in caregiving and cultural teaching. Some families use English names like “Granny” or combine them, like “Nani-ji” as a respectful version.

These names carry more than just linguistic differences; they reflect the culture, values, and personal connections unique to each family. Whether you’re choosing a name for yourself as a new grandma or just curious about how other cultures express this special bond, it’s clear that “grandma” is a role filled with heart, humor, and generations of care.

Read more: Honoring Our Mothers and Grandmothers with a Letter.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What do you think? Would you like to be called “Grandma” or does it sound too “old” for you? Are there any other traditional or ethnic grandma names that appeal to you? Please let us know in the comments.