There are many different names that kids use to refer to their grandmothers. The most common terms are “grandma” and “grandmother,” but there are also a variety of other nicknames and terms of endearment that children use. The names can vary based on family traditions, cultural backgrounds, and personal preferences. Understanding the different terms can help connect the generations and strengthen family bonds.
Common Names for Grandmother
Grandma
The most ubiquitous name for a grandmother is simply “Grandma.” This informal, universal term is commonly used by children in English-speaking families around the world. “Grandma” conveys a warm, casual relationship between the grandchild and grandmother. It may be used alone or paired with the grandmother’s first name, as in “Grandma Jane.”
Grandmother
A more formal version is “Grandmother.” This term implies a bit more distance than “Grandma” and is less frequently used by young children, though some families opt for the full name. In many cultures, the paternal grandmother is called “Grandmother” while the maternal grandmother goes by “Grandma.”
Nana
“Nana” is a sweet, rhyming alternative to “Grandma” popular in Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Short and easy to say, it lends itself to young children learning to speak. The name may be rooted in the Gaelic word for grandmother.
Nanny
Similar to “Nana,” “Nanny” is a common nickname for grandmother used in the UK and New England regions of the US. It may come from old English terms for grandparents. “Nanny” conveys warm feelings but can also imply the grandmother’s role helping care for the children.
Grammy or Gran
“Grammy” is a more recent trendy, cutesy name for grandmother used especially in the US. A shortened form is “Gran,” such as “Gran Mary.” These playful terms of endearment are often chosen by mothers for their own mothers to be called by the grandkids.
Granny
“Granny” is an old fashioned term with charming, folksy connotations. It may bring to mind storybook grandmothers or evoke nostalgia. “Granny” suggests a traditional, matriarchal elder that children can turn to for wisdom, baking, and love.
Gammy
A variation on “Granny,” “Gammy” is an affectionate nickname for grandmother used in New England and the Midwest. It may be a derivative of “gammer,” an obsolete word for an old lady. “Gammy” sounds pleasing to a child’s ear and can help them form the new family connection.
Baba or Bibi
In many Slavic, Arabic, and Asian languages, “baba” or forms like “bibi” mean grandmother. These terms are used within families of those cultural backgrounds but also adopted by some English-speakers. Similar sounding words like “nonna” and “abuela” mean grandmother in Italian and Spanish.
Oma or Omi
“Oma” is German for grandmother, while “omi” means grandma in Swiss German. In families with German heritage, kids may refer to their grandmother by these affectionate terms. “Oma” conveys warm feelings yet also respect for the grandmother’s age and role.
Cultural Variations
The names children use for grandmother reflect generational customs but also family origins. Many grandchildren address their grandmothers using cultural terms from their ethnic backgrounds or the grandmother’s native language. Here are some examples:
- Halmoni (Korean)
- Bà ngoại (Vietnamese)
- Obaachan (Japanese)
- Nonna (Italian)
- Nana (Greek)
- Avo (Hebrew)
- Mémé (French)
- Abuelita (Spanish)
Using these special names can help children connect with their cultural heritage through the grandmother. The names also convey respect and honor family origins.
Multiple Grandmothers
What happens when a child has more than one grandmother? Often two different names or qualifiers are used to distinguish between maternal and paternal grandmothers. For example:
- Grandma Judy and Nana Susan
- Grandma Smith and Grandma Miller
- Nanny Beth and Grammy Louise
- Grandmother and Lola (Tagalog for grandmother)
Another common technique is to use first names or possessive terms. For example, “Grandma Betty” or “Mommy’s mom.” This clarifies which grandmother is being referred to or discussed.
Creativity and Nicknames
Some kids get creative with homemade names for their grandmothers. By making up their own special moniker, children can express their affection and claim the relationship as their own. Examples include:
- Grams or Grambo
- Grumps
- G-Mom
- Gramcracker
- Grandmimi
- Gigi or Geege
- Glamma
These invented names often reflect the child’s personality and imagination. The unusual terms become unique family traditions that create memories to last a lifetime.
Sweet Names for Special People
No matter the particular term used, the names children call their grandmothers represent a loving, intergenerational bond. The special monikers convey the warmth, joy, guidance, and meaning these elders provide to their families. Grandparent-grandchild relationships deserve to be honored with names that express what they truly are: precious.
| Name | Origin/Meaning | Region/Culture |
|---|---|---|
| Grandma | Universal informal term | English-speaking |
| Grandmother | More formal version | International |
| Nana | Gaelic word, rhyming | Britain, Ireland, Australia |
| Nanny | From old English terms | UK, New England |
| Grammy | Trendy recent term | US |
| Granny | Old fashioned | International |
| Gammy | Variation of Granny | New England, Midwest US |
| Baba/Bibi | Grandmother in Slavic/Asian languages | Various cultures |
| Oma/Omi | Grandma in German | German heritage |
Conclusion
Grandparent names reflect family heritage, cultural background, and loving bonds between generations. The special names children use for their grandmothers allow them to claim the relationship as their own. While common names like “Grandma” are widely used, creative nicknames and terms from the grandmother’s native language can also convey respect and affection. Regardless of the particular name, the grandmother-grandchild relationship is one to cherish.