Home Our Favorite Names for Southern Grandfathers By Rachel Ellis Rachel Ellis Production Director Rachel is the Production Director for Southern Living. Skilled at getting the job done online and for the magazine, she keeps everything organized and on schedule. She started her career as a fellow for Southern Living in 2013, honing her project management skills and editorial eye ever since.Rachel is a Savannah, Georgia native (Go Braves and Dawgs!) She spends her free time hanging with her dog, reading, and antiquing. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 28, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: Getty Images When it comes to grandfathers in the South, they're full of character. They support us at every little league game, dance recital, and spelling bee. Best of all, these mighty men will always put us first. Some Southern grandfathers are named for family traditions, while others come from left field. We've collected a few of our favorite Southern grandfather names here to help you decide what to call the ultimate man in your family. Whether you go with Pawpaw, Peepaw, or Gramps, your grandfather will always be one of a kind. 01 of 40 Baba It's a term of endearment for grandfathers and fathers around the world. 02 of 40 Skipper Southern Living Perfect for a Navy veteran or lover of all things fishing and seabound. 03 of 40 Bubba It's an uncomplicated first word to call your beloved grandfather. 04 of 40 Da-Da It's many babies' first "word," so what better name to call a grandfather. 05 of 40 Gamps A cute abbreviation for "grandpa," it's a charming moniker. 06 of 40 Papster Southern Living A unique spin on "papa," this name is one of a kind. 07 of 40 Gampy Like "gamps," this sweet moniker is a name your grandkids will be excited to call out during every visit. 08 of 40 G-Da Shorthand never sounded more like hugs and great memories. 09 of 40 Grady Southern Living Meaning "noble and illustrious" in Irish, this is the perfect name for a strong patriarch in your family. 10 of 40 Gramps It's a classic abbreviation but offers new cherished memories for every family. 11 of 40 Grampy An iteration of "gramps." 12 of 40 Granda Somehow removing one letter from "grandpa" makes this nickname sound more personal and full of character. 13 of 40 Na Southern Living Short and sweet is an excellent way to honor such an important figure in your family. 14 of 40 Grandad It's formal yet extremely individual and exemplifies the character of your family patriarch. 15 of 40 Grandaddy As "daddy" might be one of your grandkid's first words, adding "grand" to the front of this work will be a logical jump. 16 of 40 Pépé Southern Living A double name fits the French translation of the title "grandpa." 17 of 40 Grandiddy For a bit of spin on "grandaddy," try personalizing this nickname with a little letter change. 18 of 40 Grandpa It's a classic name for a classy man. 19 of 40 Big Paw Southern Living As "paw" and "paw-paw" are popular nicknames, for the grandest man in your family's life, "Big Paw" only makes sense. 20 of 40 Granpappy For a respectable version of "grandpa" and "pappy," try adding the two together. 21 of 40 Grandpop The nickname "pops" has a nostalgic and universal ring, so adding "grand" to the front end makes it a bit more specific. 22 of 40 Gumpy Don't mistake this name for grumpy. This nickname is just as endearing as "grampy" or any other shorthead designed specifically for grandfathers. 23 of 40 Big Daddy Southern Living It's similar to "big paw," but for the patriarchal influencer in your family, this name might suit. 24 of 40 Nono It's a take on "nonno," the Italian word for grandfather. 25 of 40 Poppa Southern Living You love "pops," so make it a proper Southern nickname by doubling it. 26 of 40 Opa A delightful way to use the German translation of "grandpa." 27 of 40 Poppy Southern Living The poppy flower symbolizes love and remembrance. 28 of 40 Pap Stick with tradition by shortening "grandpa" into a one-syllabus moniker. 29 of 40 Papa Something about repeating a quick, short nickname makes it automatically sweeter. 30 of 40 Papaw Just like "Meemaw or Maw-Maw" are used for Southern grandmothers, this is a popular nickname for Southern grandfathers. 31 of 40 Papou The most common Greek name for grandfather is "pappous," so this nickname is derived from that translation. 32 of 40 Pappy Is he happy? Of course, he's "Pappy." 33 of 40 Paps It's another common nickname, but the "paps" in your life is still one of a kind. 34 of 40 Paw A Southern classic. This short nickname holds a significant role in your family. 35 of 40 Granddad Southern Living It's an honorable name for a commanding presence. 36 of 40 Paw-Paw Love the nickname "paw"? Add more Southern charm to it by doubling it. 37 of 40 Peepaw Like "Meemaw," life is sweeter with "Peepaw." 38 of 40 Pop Sometimes used for father, "pop" is a universal term of endearment. 39 of 40 Pop-Pop Double names are a tradition in the South–even when discussing nicknames. 40 of 40 Pops It's a short, sweet, and perfect expression of a nickname for grandfathers. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit