Tom Hanks' Grandpa Name Will Make You Love Him Even More

tom hanks and rita wilson on the red carpet laughing together
100 Cool Grandpa Names Your Grandkids Can UseGareth Cattermole - Getty Images

For many, nothing is as special or as gratifying as becoming a grandparent. It can be viewed as the greatest reward for raising your child into a responsible human being. The best part? You don’t have to do much but shower your grandchild with love and affection (and the occasional cute gifts).

In most instances, implementing rules and restrictions are left to the parents. Your biggest job and responsibility? To have fun and support your adult child. Oh, and of course, figure out what they’re going to call you once the cooing and babbling turns into talking.

Becoming a grandfather is a welcomed honor, but the task of landing on a suitable moniker for your new title may not be as easy. Some men are not sold on being called papa, grandpa, grandfather, gramps, or other ordinary names reserved for senior family patriarchs. Of course, many still like being referred to by these traditional names, but some are gravitating toward more unique ones befitting their personalities and changing parenting (and grandparenting) styles.

Stumped on what you want your grandkids to call you? Well, we’re here to help. From G-Pa to Boppa, we’ve rounded up some of the best unique grandpa names for 2024. Some have a cultural heritage meaning while others are more playful and fun. No matter where you land, this list is sure to have something that you’ll like and feel comfortable with being called for years to come.

Grandmothers, don’t worry. We’ve also got you covered with a list of the best grandma names.


Unique Spins on Grandpa

Let's say that you want something in the same vein as Grandpa, but you want to make it your own. These more traditional grandfather nicknames may be just what you're looking for.

  • Gramp

  • Grampa

  • Gramps

  • Grampy

  • Granddad

  • Grandaddy

  • Grandfather

  • Grandpappy

  • Grandpop

  • Pa

  • Pappy

  • Pop

  • Pop-Op

  • Pops

  • Poppy


Grandpa Names That Sound More Like Titles

"Grandpa" is the best honorific out there, but you might want to try out something that sounds more official.

  • Ace

  • Boomer

  • Boss

  • Captain

  • Chief

  • Coach

  • Doc

  • Duke

  • King

  • Major

  • Professor

  • Saint

  • Senior

  • Sir

  • Skipper


Celebrity Grandpa Names

What kind of grandfather do you see yourself being? Are you more of a laid-back, Tom Hanks type — or are you Alice Cooper? Here are some ideas from some celebrity Pop Pops.

  • Bubba (Michael Douglas)

  • G-Pa (Lionel Richie)

  • Gogi (Kurt Russell)

  • Grandaddy (Flavor Flav)

  • Grandpapa (Damon Wayans)

  • Jefe (President George W. Bush)

  • Nono (Robert Wagner)

  • Papa (Ozzy Osbourne)

  • Papou (Tom Hanks)

  • Peach (Martin Sheen)

  • Popci (Cedric the Entertainer)

  • Pop Pop (Alice Cooper)


Names for Grandpa in Different Languages

Every language has its own word for Grandpa — these don't even begin to cover it since many of the languages listed below also use different terms depending on formality or whether it's a maternal/paternal relationship. But these below might provide some inspiration from around the globe, or remind you of a nickname from your family's culture and heritage.

  • Abuelo (Spanish)

  • Avô (Portuguese)

  • Babu (Swahili)

  • Daada/Nana (Hindi)

  • Dedushka (Russian)

  • Dziadek (Polish)

  • Grand-père/Pépère (French)

  • Halabeoji (Korean)

  • Jaddi (Arabic)

  • Kakek (Indonesian)

  • Lolo (Tagalog)

  • Nonno (Italian)

  • Ojiisan (Japanese)

  • Ong Noi (Vietnamese)

  • Opa (German)

  • Oupa (Afrikaans)

  • Thakurda/Dadu (Bengali)

  • Tutu Kane (Hawaiian)

  • Yéyé (Mandarin)

  • Zeyde (Yiddish)

grandfather playing with her granddaughter at home
FG Trade - Getty Images

Cool Grandpa Names

If you want something with a little bit more pizzazz to it, these modern-sounding names are ready for the big time.

  • Big Daddy

  • Bop

  • Buck

  • Buzzy

  • G/Gee

  • G-Da

  • G-Dad

  • G-Dog

  • G-Pop

  • Geepa

  • Gopa

  • Granddude

  • Gus

  • Papi

  • Papu

  • Pip

  • Popdaddy

  • Poppi

  • Popz


Sweet and Cute Grandpa Names

These feel more like a term of endearment than a name. They're so easy to love!

  • Baba

  • Baboo

  • Boppa

  • Boppy

  • Bubs

  • Buddy

  • Grady

  • Grand Bear

  • Grandbop

  • Grandy

  • Grumpy

  • Grumpus

  • Gumpa

  • Grandsie

  • Pap Pap

  • Paw-Paw

  • Peepaw

  • Pepe

  • Popo

Whatever name you end up with, you'll love it because it's what your grandkids call you.

Did we miss your grandpa name? Let us know in the comments!


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