Ray Romano Picks 'Papa Ray' as Grandparent Name

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Actor Ray Romano, best known for his role in the sitcom 'Everybody Loves Raymond', has revealed that he wants his first grandchild to call him 'Papa Ray'. The 68-year-old actor said he chose the name as a tribute to his own father, who went by 'Papa Al'. Romano's daughter Ally is expecting a baby boy soon, and the actor is looking forward to becoming a grandfather, saying he thinks it will be 'the best thing in the world'.

Why it matters

Ray Romano's choice of 'Papa Ray' as his grandparent name reflects the importance of family traditions and the passing down of generational nicknames. As a beloved TV sitcom star, Romano's decision to embrace the role of grandfather will likely resonate with many of his fans who have grown up watching him on 'Everybody Loves Raymond'.

The details

Romano told the 'Today' show that he chose the name 'Papa Ray' because he liked how it sounded, but he also joked that the baby might end up calling him something else. The actor said he's heard being a grandparent is 'the best thing in the world' because he can play with the baby and then hand them back to the parents when it's time to rest. Romano's daughter Ally, who works in publicity, first announced her pregnancy in November with a post on Instagram during a family vacation.

• Ally Romano's baby boy is due soon.
• Ally first announced her pregnancy in November 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Ally Romano's baby boy is expected to arrive soon, at which point Ray Romano will officially become a grandfather and begin using the 'Papa Ray' nickname.