Grandparent Names
B-Pop’s title was conjured up when his grandchildren melded the first letter of his last name—“B”—with the sound of his failing knee-cap—“Pop.” Post surgery, B-Pop’s silent steel knee no longer lives up to the onomatopoeia, but the name stands just as he does: stronger than ever.
Picking the right grandparent name is, for some, every bit as daunting as naming a child. So what’s behind a grandparent’s title, and how does one decide on this noble name? Kansas City parents have a lot to say about this age-old subject.
TRADITIONAL NAMES
While traditional names are less unique, they are widely accepted and offer the cozy comforts of familiarity. If in doubt, it’s okay to stick with the status-quo.
“We're old school here: ‘Grandma’ and ‘Grandpa’ all the way. Working at Hallmark on Mother's Day cards, I was amazed at how many bizarre names for ‘Grandma’ we actually made cards for. I find other names for grandparents kind of annoying.” –Kim Holt, Overland Park
Traditional names: (f.) Grandma, Gram, Grammy, Grandmom; (m.) Grandpa, Gramps, Grandad
CULTURAL NAMES
In melting-pot America, a title with ethnic roots can hold special meaning. When a name symbolizes a family’s unique heritage, it embodies a shared sense of cultural identity between generations.
“Our son calls his grandmother ‘Mormor,’ Swedish for mother’s mother.” –Liz Indellicate, Shawnee
“My kids called their grandparents ‘Ah Ma’ and ‘Ah Kong’ and ‘Boboh’ and ‘Kung-Kung,’ the Chinese traditional callings. The difference lies in the region in China from which our families descended long ago.” –Marina Purnamo, Lenexa
Cultural names: French-Grand-mère/ Mémé (f.) and Grand-père/Pépère (m.); German-Oma (f.) and Opa (m.); Italian-Nonna (f.) and Nonno (m.); Russian-Babushka (f.) and Dedushka (m.); Spanish-Abuela/Tita (f.) or Abuelo/Tito (m.); Yiddish-Bubby (f.) and Zeydeh (m.)
NAMES WITH A STORY
Like the zebra’s stripes and the camel’s humps, a grandparent’s name is sometimes like a “Just So Story” begging to be told. These inside-story names are family classics, except that they’re never by-the-book and tend to pique the curiosity of others. Pick one of these, and you may have some explaining to do.
“My step-dad goes by ‘Jimmie’ for my kids. We have always found humor from Seinfeld in our life, and there was an episode where Jerry started referring to himself as ‘Jimmie.’ My step-dad had adopted this habit to loosen up tense days at his work. So when we were talking about what my kids should call him, he said, ‘What about Jimmie?’ and he told me the story. We agreed. I can't wait until they're old enough to ask where ‘Jimmie’ came from.” –April Tebbe, Gardner
I NOW MIS-PRONOUNCE YOU…
Often, grandparent names evolve with their grandchildren’s speech and get stuck somewhere short of their proper pronunciations. These neologisms become lasting and endearing names echoing the babbles of grand-babies and -tots.
“Ethan calls one of his grandmas ‘Grandma Owie.’ Her name is Novella, and everyone calls her Novie. He couldn't say it when he was little, and it came out Owie.” -Tina Perrin, Overland Park
“Drew couldn't say ‘Grandma’ and ‘Grandpa’ at first, so it’s ‘Ma’ and ‘Pa.’ The names have stuck.” – Maureen Howell, Overland Park
Neologism names: (f.) Mama, Nana, Gigi, Mimi, Lala; (m.) Poppo, Pop-Pop, Papa, DaPa, Bobo
DON’T CALL ME GRAMPS
For grandparents who’d rather defy their age, a trendy name is best.
“My husband’s mom goes by ‘Toots’ (she named herself).” – Maureen Howell
Age-defying names: (f.) Glam-Ma, Glammy, GaGa; (m.) Grandude, G-Diddy, Peppy
WHO HAS THE FINAL SAY?
“My kids call them ‘Grandma’ and ‘Pa-Paw’ and ‘Grandma’ and ‘Pappy.’ It was the grandfathers that came up with those names, and that is how the girls distinguish which grandma it is: ‘Pappy's’ or ‘Pa-Paw's?’” -Jennifer Goode, Olathe
“They call my parents ‘Grandma’ and ‘Papa.’ It's just what came out of their mouths. They call my husband’s parents ‘Grammie’ and ‘Pap Pap.’ Those were decided by his parents. My husband called his grandma ‘Grammie’ and his grandpa ‘Pap Pap,’ so I guess his parents like it.” –Leah Heinauer, Overland Park
Parents, you’ve already christened your sweet child. Leave the christening of grandparents up to the oldest and youngest generations themselves. ‘G-Diddy’ will thank you for it.
Wendy Connelly, Overland Park, would like to dedicate this article to her children’s Grandma & Grandpa Connelly, Grammy & B-Pop, Papa John and Grammy-Great.