Choosing Names for Grandparents and Grandchildren

New grandparents face an important decision: choosing their grandparent names. Thanks to the diversity of our world, grandparents are no longer limited to the traditional names like Grannie and Grandpa. Of course, the topic of names for grandparents also sparks occasional conflicts, but these can be settled with a little flexibility.

When a grandchild is born, a different name game comes into play. Grandparents seldom get to choose names for their grandchildren, but they are hardly neutral parties. Generally, they will find that whatever name is chosen for their grandchild will end up being music to their ears.

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Most-Asked Questions About Grandparent Names

Modern grandmothers have a wide choice of grandmother names. — Peter Augustin / Getty

Choosing a grandparent name is a more complicated task than it might seem. Learn the answers to questions such as whether parents get to choose the grandparents' names and whether grandparents can change their minds about their chosen names. Also find out whether two grandparents can choose the same name and whether step-grandparents are entitled to their own grandparent names.

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Choosing Your Grandmother Name

grandmother and grandbaby — LM Photo / Stone / Getty Images

Grandmothers will be the first to tell you: Most of them agonized over choosing a grandmother name. The good news is that there are more choices now than ever. Grandmothers-to-be can select a traditional name, a cool, modern name or a name reflecting a culture or ethnicity. If you have just received the joyful news and need a grandmother name, here's your starting point.

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Choosing Your Grandfather Name

Grandfathers tend to be a little less concerned about their grandparent names than most grandmothers are. Grandfathers often take the path of least resistance and choose a traditional name. But since they will have the name for a very long time, and since it will be used frequently by little creatures very precious to them, even grandfathers should consider all the possibilities. Here's a good starting place.

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What to Do About Conflicts Over Grandparent Names

So you've found the perfect grandparent name, only to discover that another member of the family objects to your choice. What to do? What if you and the other grandmother are dead set on the same name? Find suggestions for solving these and other grandparent name conflicts, because you can't let a name interfere with your game.

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Grandparent Nicknames We Love

grandmother and granddaughter — Marc Denham | Getty Images

If you want a grandparent name that's uniquely your own, you may find inspiration in these stories gathered from readers and from other sources. Some of these unusual names were invented by grandparents, some were bestowed by grandchildren and some just sort of evolved. Don't miss learning about Bubba and Bama.

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Help! I Hate My Grandchild's Name

A newborn grandchild will soon grow into his or her name. — David Nevala / Getty Images

Grandparents who are eagerly awaiting a new grandchild may worry about the name that will be chosen for the precious bundle. If asked about their preference, they shouldn't lie but should phrase their answers carefully. Names, thank goodness, have a way of growing on us. And almost always a grandchild's name ends up being a very minor note in a symphony of love.

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Should Children Be Named After Grandparents?

Grandchildren may be named after grandparents. — Oliver Rossi / Stone / Getty Images

In many countries in the world, children are traditionally named after grandparents. Even in these cultures, however, the traditions may be altered a bit to give children unique names. In more modern families, children are often given the first or last name of a grandparent for a middle name. Grandparents should never take it personally if their name is not selected for a grandchild, as there may be many factors at play.

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A Book About Grandparent Names

grandparents guide to choosing a name — Courtesy of Amazon.com

Need more help in choosing your grandparent name? This book provides a wealth of ideas. It contains several hundred grandparent names, some with cute stories that go along with them. Read the descriptions to find the name that's right for you, or pick up a copy for a friend who is approaching grandparenthood.

An Important Decision That's Not That Important

Some say that names aren't that important, and that is true to a certain extent. What is important is the family dynamics that surround the naming process. When choosing your own grandparent name, you should allow other interested parties to have input and strive for flexibility. When a grandchild's name is being chosen, stay cool. I've never known any grandparents who hated a grandchild's name once they got to know the grandchild!