In recent years, societal expectations of older generations have shifted, and while certain age brackets may have once been considered “elderly,” we now view people in their sixties, seventies, and eighties as much more modern, and energetic than we did before.
This has led to many people from older generations feeling a sense of disconnect with the term “Granny,” or “Grandpa,” as they may have images of their grandparents as having gray hair, and a walking stick, and that doesn’t quite match up with the grandparents of 2024.
In today’s society, older generations can appear much younger, thanks to better healthcare, awareness of diet, nutrition, and healthy living, Granny, and Grandpas have been looking much younger than their years.
Furthermore, this combined with a tendency to engage more in grooming, fashion, and beauty treatments means that grandparents are more likely to be walking around with freshly dyed hair, in a new stylish outfit, than a dowdy shawl, with grays.
This new type of grandparent has called for an update to the terms of reference for the parent of your parent, with many Grannies, and Granda’s now opting to be called something a little less traditional.
Here are 18 names that kids are now calling their grandparents:
Lovey
This term has been made famous by the reality TV show, The Kardashians, as the show’s matriarch, and now Grandmother to 11, or more children, has opted to be called “Lovey,” instead of the somewhat aging title of “Granny”.
To fans of the show, you will know that we are referring to Kris Jenner, and if we are honest, with her sleek L. A sense of style, we tend to agree that Kris doesn’t look like any Granny that we’ve ever seen before.
Bibi and Babu
Bibi and Babu are how you say Granny, and Grandpa in Swahili, and some grandparents in the US prefer the sound of this much better than hearing Granny or Grandpa being yelled across a shopping mall, and we can’t say that we blame them.
Nana
The term Nana still has quite a traditional ring to it, and most people will immediately know that this is a reference for a Grandmother, however, some older matriarchs feel that the word Nana is somewhat softer and less aging than “Granny”.
GoGo
This is what Goldie Hawn’s grandchildren call her, and we quite like it. Let’s face it Goldie Hawn was never going to look like a stereotypical Granny, so why let herself be labeled as one, we say yes to this more modern term for Grandma, go, GoGo.
Mimi
This is a very cute way for grandchildren to address their Grandmas, and we love it. It’s gentle, affectionate sounding, and doesn’t have the outdated ring of Granny at all.
Mémé
This is an anglicized version of the French word, Grandmère, not only is this a more modern take on the word Grandmother, but it has a chic tone to it also.
Gigi
Gigi can be used for either Grandmas or Grandpas, and we think it probably comes from a young child’s first attempts at such big words as Grandma, and Grandpa.
Momo
Momo is a Japanese word, that also means peach trees. It has a cute ring to it, and it’s easy for young children to pronounce, plus, many grandparents prefer it as it’s a little more youthful sounding.
Glam-Ma
Glam-Ma is a fun way of referring to a Grandmother who is just too stylish, and fashionable to be called Grandma. A combination of the word glam, and ma, it resembles Grandma, with a little modern twist.
Opa
This is what Arnold Schwarzenegger chose for his grandchildren’s name for him. Opa is the German term for grandfather, and as a nod to his Germanic heritage, this was Arnold’s preference. Let’s be honest, who can imagine The Terminator as a Grandpa? Not us.
Papa
Some Grandfathers are getting in on the act of choosing a lesser traditional moniker for their newfound roles as a grandparent, and Papa strikes the perfect balance between, old, and new.
Nanny
Lots of children refer to their Grandmothers as nannies, and it has been quite a common term of reference for some years. With a nanny also being known as a caretaker of children, some grandmothers like the term much better than Granny.
Pops
Pops has a bit more of a playful tone about it than Granada, and some Grandfathers much prefer to be called pops, as it helps them feel less old.
Lalo
This is what Gwyneth Paltrow’s children call their Grandmother, who was also a Hollywood actress at one time. Blyth Danner, Gyneth’s Mother, much prefers to be called Lalo, than Granny, which understandably, makes her feel a little bit old.
Poppy
Poppy is a fun take on pops and is an abbreviation of Grandpa that lots of grandfathers enjoy being called.
Grand-Dude
This is close to the male equivalent of Glam-ma, and is a playful way of calling your Grandpa a cool dude at the same time, which we are sure, makes both Grand-dude and his grandchildren smile at the same time.
Papi
A much lighter, fun way of saying Grandad, which is also much easier for small children to say. Calling Grandpa, papi, is bound to make him happier, than Grandpa anyway.
Boom Boom
This is the name that Caitlyn Jenner’s grandchildren use, and after transitioning, the entire family felt that this was a fun, uncomplicated way for them to greet their grandparent.
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