The Scottish have their own unique names and terms for family members that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the country. One such example is the special names they have for their grandmothers. Let’s take a look at what Scots call their beloved grannies!
Common Scottish Names for Grandmother
Here are some of the most popular Scottish names for grandmother:
- Grannie – The most common and generic name for grandmother in Scotland. It’s an informal and affectionate name.
- Gran – Short for grannie, this is another very common name. It’s less formal than grannie.
- Nana – An informal name for grandmother, similar to grannie.
- Grandma – The more formal English name for grandmother, not traditionally Scottish but still used.
- Nan – Very common Scottish name for grandmother, comes from Ann/Anne.
- Granny – Another variation of grannie. Not as common as grannie/gran in Scotland.
- Grandmother – Very formal way to address grandmother, not used too often.
Scottish Regional Variations
There are also some regional Scottish variations for grandmother’s names:
- In northeast Scotland – Minnie
- In southeast Scotland – Maw
- In southwest Scotland – Mammy
- In northwest Scotland – Mam or Grandmam
- In central Scotland – Granny or Grannie
Cute Scottish Nicknames
Scots often use cute nicknames for their grandmothers too:
- Wee Grannie – Using wee (small) as an affectionate term
- Braw Grannie – Braw means fine or good in Scots
- Grannie Dearest – An endearing play on words
- Sweetie Granny – Using sweetie as a loving nickname
- Grumps – A playful nickname that pokes fun
- Gran Wee – Mixing gran and wee together
Names From Scottish Gaelic
Some Scottish families, especially in the Highlands and islands, also use Gaelic names:
- Màthair-Shìth – Gaelic for grandmother
- Seanmhair – Common Gaelic name for grandmother
- A bhail – Grandmother or old woman in Gaelic
Cute Ways Grandkids Address Their Grannies
Scottish grandkids have some really cute ways of addressing their grandmothers too:
- Grannie Sugar – Using sugar as a loving term
- Grannygra – Combining granny and grandma
- Gran Gran – Doubling up gran as a fun nickname
- Grannykins – Adding kins as a cute suffix
- Grandma Lulu – Using rhyming nicknames
Common Endearments Used Alongside Names
Scots often use lovely endearments alongside grandmother’s names:
- Grannie Dear – Dear is a common affectionate term
- Grannie Pet – Pet is another endearment, like dear
- Bonnie Gran – Bonnie means pretty or lovely in Scots
- Sweet Granny – Using the classic endearment sweet
- Lovely Nana – Lovely being used to show affection
Conclusion
In summary, the Scots have a wonderful variety of traditional, regional, and colorful names and nicknames for their grandmothers. From common names like Grannie and Gran, to regional terms like Minnie and Maw, to cute nicknames like Grannie Sugar and Gran Wee, Scots certainly have a rich vocabulary when it comes to naming their grannies. The loving names and endearments reflect the special bond between Scottish grandchildren and their grandmothers.