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The A to Z of Grandparent Names: From Abba to Zumu
Learn the cultural significance behind the traditional and unique names for grandparents all over the world with The A to Z of Grandparent Names. Grandma and grandpa, babushka and dedushka, oma and opa, bibi and babu—these names are near and dear to our hearts. Uncover the origins of these names in various languages and cultures around the world. This book celebrates the special bond between grandparent and grandchild. You may recognize what you called your own grandparents in these pages. With fun and unique names alongside those that carry cultural value, this book is perfect for first-time grandparents deciding what they want to be called. Inside you’ll Whether you want to honor your ancestors or capture the relationship you have with your grandchild, find a name as special to you as they are with The A to Z of Grandparent Names.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published June 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 5, 2023
Learning from our Grandparents that spelling isn't always a matter of right and wrong
“How are we going to spell your grandmother’s name?” I asked author Howard Brown as we were editing his inspiring memoir Shining Brightly. We were discussing “this tough little woman who was born in an impoverished Eastern European shtetl yet managed to reach the safety and opportunities of America where she could build a better life for her descendants.”
I needed Howard’s help, I told him: “Our editing style on spelling shtetl is clear cut, but how do we spell your grandma’s name—the name you used as kids? How are you most comfortable spelling that?”
“Well, how about Bubby—with a ‘y’? She was always Bubby Bertha to us,” he said. “I think of that word with a ‘y.'”
“The Yiddish often is rendered Bubbe—with an ‘e’,” I said. “But this is a classic case in editing of how spelling isn’t always a matter of right and wrong. In publishing, the name also can be spelled Bubby or Bubbie. And, mainly, we want readers not to stumble over the word. We want them to feel comfortable with it, including how you all pronounced it in your family.”
So, the first sentence in Shining Brightly—is: “Living to 101, Bubby Bertha linked me to my family’s deepest roots.”
I was reminded of this important point about spelling by this delightful new book by journalist Katie Hankinson. Her explanation of all the variations of “Bubby” appears early in her alphabetically arranged book.
As grandparents of preschoolers, my wife and I have been exploring the rich diversity of names for us that the youngest children are able to pronounce. To my grandkids, I’ve become “Pop Pop,” which Hankinson informs us is a regionally popular variant of “Papa.” She writes:
"Papa is the most common nickname for grandfathers in 36 states. Those in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware tend to go for Pop or Pop Pop. Southerners are more likely to use Papaw or Pawpaw. Papaw is the most common name for grandpa in Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Pawpaw is is most popular in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. No matter your roots, this name could be a great option for you!"
Because I’ve been a journalist covering religious and cultural diversity for 50 years, I was aware of a lot of the regional variants in this book—from Abuela and Abuelo to Zayde. But I also discovered some new ones!
I did not know that Farmor and Farfar are popular in Sweden and in Swedish communities around the world, originating from northern Sami culture. And, Greek culture presents another spelling challenge like Bubby, Bubbie and Bubbe. The affectionate Greek word for grandma, pronounced Ya-ya, can be spelled Gia Gia, Yaya or even YiaYia, depending on your family’s preference.
I also had not realized the extent to which celebrities have tried to promote new names for their status as grandparents. Hankinson reports that Goldie Hawn has been on a mission over the past decade or so to promote “Glam-ma” as a way, Hawn has said, to have some fun with the name and promote the ongoing “brilliance” of grandparenting. Among celebrities, I also did not know, until I read this book, that former President George W. Bush’s grandkids call him “Jefe,” or “boss” in Spanish.
Beyond recommending this book, I'm also writing this review to advise other editors and writers: There’s nearly always a fascinating back story to the way families refer to their elders. Those stories may seem to violate the rules in our favorite editing-and-writing style books—but nearly every contemporary style guide makes room for cultural diversity. Grandparents’ names clearly are a doorway into our families’ heritage and should be celebrated and explored.
Thanks to Kate Hankinson for illustrating this point so vividly in her new book!
“How are we going to spell your grandmother’s name?” I asked author Howard Brown as we were editing his inspiring memoir Shining Brightly. We were discussing “this tough little woman who was born in an impoverished Eastern European shtetl yet managed to reach the safety and opportunities of America where she could build a better life for her descendants.”
I needed Howard’s help, I told him: “Our editing style on spelling shtetl is clear cut, but how do we spell your grandma’s name—the name you used as kids? How are you most comfortable spelling that?”
“Well, how about Bubby—with a ‘y’? She was always Bubby Bertha to us,” he said. “I think of that word with a ‘y.'”
“The Yiddish often is rendered Bubbe—with an ‘e’,” I said. “But this is a classic case in editing of how spelling isn’t always a matter of right and wrong. In publishing, the name also can be spelled Bubby or Bubbie. And, mainly, we want readers not to stumble over the word. We want them to feel comfortable with it, including how you all pronounced it in your family.”
So, the first sentence in Shining Brightly—is: “Living to 101, Bubby Bertha linked me to my family’s deepest roots.”
I was reminded of this important point about spelling by this delightful new book by journalist Katie Hankinson. Her explanation of all the variations of “Bubby” appears early in her alphabetically arranged book.
As grandparents of preschoolers, my wife and I have been exploring the rich diversity of names for us that the youngest children are able to pronounce. To my grandkids, I’ve become “Pop Pop,” which Hankinson informs us is a regionally popular variant of “Papa.” She writes:
"Papa is the most common nickname for grandfathers in 36 states. Those in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware tend to go for Pop or Pop Pop. Southerners are more likely to use Papaw or Pawpaw. Papaw is the most common name for grandpa in Alabama, West Virginia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Pawpaw is is most popular in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. No matter your roots, this name could be a great option for you!"
Because I’ve been a journalist covering religious and cultural diversity for 50 years, I was aware of a lot of the regional variants in this book—from Abuela and Abuelo to Zayde. But I also discovered some new ones!
I did not know that Farmor and Farfar are popular in Sweden and in Swedish communities around the world, originating from northern Sami culture. And, Greek culture presents another spelling challenge like Bubby, Bubbie and Bubbe. The affectionate Greek word for grandma, pronounced Ya-ya, can be spelled Gia Gia, Yaya or even YiaYia, depending on your family’s preference.
I also had not realized the extent to which celebrities have tried to promote new names for their status as grandparents. Hankinson reports that Goldie Hawn has been on a mission over the past decade or so to promote “Glam-ma” as a way, Hawn has said, to have some fun with the name and promote the ongoing “brilliance” of grandparenting. Among celebrities, I also did not know, until I read this book, that former President George W. Bush’s grandkids call him “Jefe,” or “boss” in Spanish.
Beyond recommending this book, I'm also writing this review to advise other editors and writers: There’s nearly always a fascinating back story to the way families refer to their elders. Those stories may seem to violate the rules in our favorite editing-and-writing style books—but nearly every contemporary style guide makes room for cultural diversity. Grandparents’ names clearly are a doorway into our families’ heritage and should be celebrated and explored.
Thanks to Kate Hankinson for illustrating this point so vividly in her new book!
May 14, 2024
I wrote this, so safe to say I've read it and recommend it. ;) This book is a great idea for expecting parents who need an announcement gift for their parents, grandparents in need of name ideas, and any families interested in a variety of cultures, including pop culture and outside of the usual majority focus. This was a great project to work on thanks to my supervising editor, Lindy Pokorny, and I hope you enjoy it should you find this fun little book by chance.
February 26, 2025
These are hilarious
November 24, 2025
Super cute and quick read reviewing family stories about how grandparents got their unique family names as well as names for grandparents from other cultures.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews