At the age of 44, actress Rosario Dawson is getting a new title.
Ten years ago, Rosario became a mom for the first time when she adopted her daughter, Isabella, who was 11 at the time.
Now 21, Isabella Dawson is expecting her first child, making Rosario a grandmother at the age of 44. The actress confirmed the news while talking with Page Six reporters.
“It’s very exciting,” Rosario admitted. Though the due date of her grandbaby is not known, they are expecting the bundle of joy in 2024.
Rosario has also already chosen the name she hopes her grandchild will call her “glamma.”
30 Other Names for Grandma
Grandmas are the glue that holds a family together. You might be looking for other names for grandma that your kids can use instead of just the old, standard “grandma.” After all, she’s the person who offers up so much love and care for the grandkids. Not to mention, grandmothers often spoil their grandchildren so give them an opportunity to spoil her back with a sweet nickname that’s special and meaningful for your family.
Other grandma names come from different languages than English, as there are many ways to say “grandma” around the world. We’ll also look at invented names that have been in use for decades or are newly discovered today. We will also share with you cute ideas for your own unique name that will match grandma’s personality. Celebrate grandma with these endearing names!
Check Out These Other Names for Grandma!
Memaw
Memaw and mamaw are popular in the southern states of the US. You might want to adopt that tradition in your own family.
Mémé
In France, grandmothers are properly referred to as grand-mère. Pet forms of it abound among French speakers. We are particularly fond of mémé as it has a warm quality like memaw but with a bit more playful sound.
Bubbe
The Yiddish term for grandma is Bubbe. In fact, the late Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s grandchildren called her Bubbe. The B-sound is especially fun for young children to say which will definitely appeal to their fun-loving sensibilities.
Gram
We’ve always been fond of the nickname Gram. It’s one of the other names for grandma that don’t stray too far from the original. This name sounds easy, casual, and very sweet.
Nonna
Other names for grandma from around the world are fascinating. In Italy, you will encounter Nonna. Many Italian-Americans grew up calling their grandma Nonna and we think that wonderful tradition should continue.
Gran
A somewhat old-fashioned-sounding nickname, Granny, gets an updated sound that goes the way of Gram. Gran is an express vehicle for your kids to say their preferred nickname for grandma.
Oma
German speakers prefer to use Oma for grandma. There’s no denying that this name is easy for kids to say. Isn’t it cute?
Queen
Let’s get real, no other names for grandma come close to expressing just how important she is to the family than Queen. Queen would make for a very fun option that will likely to bring a smile to Grandma’s face.
Bibi
Bibi isn’t just a cute name! In Swahili, Bibi is the word for “grandmother.” We love the youthful sound of this fabulous name that would make for a great way to honor your heritage.
Cha-Cha
No other names for grandma on this list are more perfect for an active grandma who might love to dance. Cha-Cha sounds so cute and full of life.
Abuela
Abuela and Abuelita are other names for grandma in Spanish. These absolutely charming names are already perfect but the shortened forms of them: buela or lita are almost too good for this world!
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Glamma
Is grandma a glamorous queen? Try to encourage your kids to say Glamma. It’s a mashup of glamour and grandma, of course, and we feel any grandma would appreciate the compliment.
Ya-Ya
Greek speakers call their grandmas Yιαγιά which is simply pronounced, YA-YA. It feels so energetic and full of life.
Lovey
Is grandma a bit insecure about being called a “granny”? You can do as the Kardashian kids do and use Lovey as a nickname for Kris Kardashian. Even if you’re not a fan, you can’t argue with love.
Lola
Not just the name of a showgirl, Lola is the Filipino term for grandma. Lola sounds so romantic and you get bonus points if grandma’s name starts with an L.
Nan
Despite sharing a common language, kids in the UK tend to favor the term Nan for grandma. It’s nanny-adjacent which may or may not appeal to your family. But, we like how effortless it sounds.
Tutu
The Hawaiian name for grandma is tutu wahine. Although, you won’t hear many kids using it in full. Instead, Tutu is the preferred choice. Tell us other names for grandma that are sweeter than Tutu, we dare you!
Bella
We love the idea of grandchildren calling their grandma “beautiful.” Bella is an Italian name that means just that and works especially well when applied to a grandma. This modern spin is sure to pick up even more steam in the coming years.
GiGi
Other names for grandma in the same category as Bella would be GiGi or Gi. GiGi has a certain sweet, French quality to it. If you think your kids can handle this chic grandma alternative, we encourage it!
Lala
Does grandma serenade the grandkids at any given opportunity. The name Lala might appeal to you as it feels melodic and musical.
Manani
If you’ve got a Persian grandma, you can honor tradition and use Manani. There aren’t many mother names for grandma with three-syllable which makes Manani really stand out!
Sassy
If you’re looking for other names for grandma that feel cheeky, look no further than Sassy. Sassy is for the type of grandma who gives it to you straight every time.
Babushka
In Russia, Babushka is the term for grandma. How fun is Babushka to say!? Also used in Russian, you will find Babka or babusya. Babka has a nice right to it!
Big Mom or Big Momma
The matriarch of any family looms large which makes Big Mom or Big Momma useful monikers for the grandma who’s in charge.
Lolly
The endearing nickname Lolly works very well for grandma because it’s as sweet as a lollipop. Lolly is considered a pet form of Laura but we think it will work for just about any grandma.
Avó
For Portuguese speakers, Avó is the term for grandma. Vovó or vo are cute diminutive forms that are very common for it. We really think kids would have a blast with Vovó.
Gram Cracker
If Gram wasn’t doing enough for you, consider teaching your kids the nickname Gram Cracker. Any cookie-related names will automatically make this list as you will see with the other names for grandma on it.
Cookie
As promised, here’s another baked-good-adjacent name that we think most grandmas will love. We think this one will work especially well if grandma loves to bake.
Tootsie
Does grandma love sweets and likes to share with the grandkids. Tootsie has the vintage appeal and kids will love how funny it sounds.
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Teenie
Do you have a petite grandma? Teenie could make for a great nickname, as long as grandma has a good sense of humor about it!
There you go! We hope you enjoyed these other names for grandma. Ultimately, kids are going to land on what will work best for them at the moment which means that grandma’s nickname might evolve over time. We also encourage you to ask grandma what she’s always wanted to be called by grandkids. Either way, the nickname that sticks will warm the hearts of those in your family for life!
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