Yes, you read that right…I need your help to find my “Grandmother” name. My step-son Jimi and his fiancé Hannah said “it’s time” that I pick my official name for their two baby boys, James and Silas. Little James is 1 year 8 months old and baby Silas is now 3 months old. To be perfectly honest, since I’m the step-mother I didn’t even think about a “Grandmother” name that the boys would call me. So Jimi and Hannah asked me to come up with my own name I’d like to be called. Yes, I’m smiling ear to ear.
First up, what the Grandmothers are being called: Jimi’s mother is being called “Mom Mom” and Hannah’s mom is “Grammy”. Of course…we all know that children sometimes end up calling grandparents something completely different than what you’d like!

Saw these adorable car magnets while we were on vacation in Ocean City, NJ.
In this day and age the classic names have branched off with many alternate choices. So I’m looking to you all for some suggestions on what “Grandmother” name I’ll use. (I’ve excluded the names already in use by the two Grandmothers.)
Here are just a few Grandmother names:
- Grandmother, Grandma, Grams & Granny – I only had one grandmother growing up – Granny Bess. Because of her, I will always associate that nickname to someone with grey hair, a crocheted afghan on the back of her couch, and a pretty glass candy jar filled with jelly beans on her coffee table. Those are my special memories that I hold dear. So to me, any of those names are held in high regard for a Grandmother at her the PLATINUM level in life!
- Nanny / Nannie – This is too sentimental to me. Some very dear people in my life have and are called Nanny – and I just couldn’t use that name. My Mother in Law was Nanny.
- MeeMaw – I’m not from the South plus I’d always think of “The Big Bang Theory” and Sheldon’s MeeMaw.
- Geema – Abbreviated version of Grandma
- Gma – Abbreviated version of Grandma
- MiMi – Variation for “Mom Mom”
- GiGi – Variation for “Grandma”
- Glamma – I like this cute nickname, but honestly, I wouldn’t feel comfortable calling myself “Glamorous” anything!
Those are just a few of the names I know about off the top of my head – and I know there are A LOT more out there to be considered.
Would you please take a moment and let me know your suggestions and thoughts in the comments section below? I look forward to hearing your ideas!
💜 Jacque
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49 comments
A good friend of mine with step grand children call her Grandi.
JayJay would be cute! My first grand is only 2 months old and for now I’m Grammy but like you said it can change when they start talking. I also love Nanny, I had a Nanny 💗. These boys are very blessed to have so many special women in their lives!
I googled Irish & Hispanic nicknames for Grandmas and found the following:
What are some cute names for Grandma?
Like the fairy in Peter Pan, Tinks or Tinkerbell is the perfect cutesy nickname for a grandma who is small and cute. Other cute nicknames for grandma include: Abbie or Abba. Bambi. Ba-nana. Boomie. Bubbles – for a grandma with a bubbly personality! Bunny.
I like Bubbles as you do have a bubbly personality
Some have mentioned Bela short for Abuela as well as Tita (in Tagalog means Aunt).
I look forward to seeing what you decide.
My friend, Mary’s stepgrandchild calls her
G-Mary. You could be G-Jacque. It’s kind of cute and different!
Granns
My granddaughter is almost 17 months She doesn’t call me anything just yet. I think I am going to go by “CC” (my name is Cheryl). Sorry, but Grandma just makes me feel so old, lol.
NANA. OR NANI
My ancestry is Icelandic. Grandmother in Icelandic is Amma, pronounced Umma. The “um” is like the “um” in “yum”. I LOVE being called Amma! I love that Jimi & Hannah want you to be called Grandma, but with the version that you want. With so many names out there, I’m sure you will find something that fits you perfectly. You will be an awesome grandmother to the grandchildren!
Oma which is German for grandma or Omy a softer version. I also like GammyJ or GamJ for you kinda likeca spin off of you being a DJ back in the day.
I’m Mamaw
Jacque, what about JJ?
I was never a grandma, but my mother went by Nana, and my sister is Nonnie.
Lolli and grandfather can be Pop
I called my Grandma & Grandfather Granny & Grandad, they we’ve from Kentucky on my Dad’s side. There the ones I grew up with. My mom Mother passed away when my Mom was 18. My Mom’s Dad passed away when I was 6 months old.
I’m Mamaw but Jama is cute too.
I’ve always liked Granna which my cousin’s little grandkids call her. My grandmother was Mama Mazel shortened to MaMazel. Maybe MaJacque which little ones may hear as MyJacque!
Jama (Jacque and Grandma together).
Like it.
I liked Glamma until I read your comment. I didn’t want to be called grandpa, so I had to come up with a name. I’m PapaG ;-]) Maybe this will help you think up more alternatives.
GOD bless you, Jacque.
First of all congratulations! I vote for Nonny.
J-mom, Mama Jacque, JGmaw.
My kids call my mother in law Bela, short for abuela. Abuela is grandma in Spanish.
I really like Gigi or tita! Who knows maybe I’ll use one of those some day ! Lol🤗 actually I had a friend growing up that called her grandma Lita.
MiMi or Nana
I’m Nana to my step grandchildren, but I like CiCi or GiGi!
Hi Jacque My kids called their grandmothers (both of them ) Nana🤗
Geejay
For some reason that I do not know, I called my step-dad’s mother Winnie the Pooh 😁 How wonderful that your step-son and his fiancé want you to have a special name for their children to call you! Anything you pick will be great!
Tita or Gigi 😊
Gammer, Nana. Jammy, JJ
Here in Kentucky, we say “Mamaw” instead of “Meemaw”. My friend became a Grandma in her early 40’s and now has 5 grandbabies at 50. They call her “Mammy”. Good luck…💙
I liked Glamma until I read your comment. It’s not easy! I didn’t want to be called grandpa, so I had to pick my alternative name. I’m PapaG. ;-]) Maybe this will give you more ideas.
I’m Nana to my Grandchildren. It was what I called my wonderful Grandmother and I have kept that tradition.
Hi! My son couldn’t say grandma right away so he said “gra” and that’s what she’s been for the last 17 years ❤️
Nonnie was my mom’s name for my kids I always liked that but I’m Meme to my grands
My cousin is a young grandma and goes by Gabi. My grandson calls me grandma and his other grandma nana. He called my mom GGgram.
my first granddaughter named me Mimi so that was it for me
Geejay short for grandma Jacque. Lol
I always like Lovie. I am Grammie to my 4 grands and of course love that too. Lovie kind of says it all. Congratulations, miss seeing you.
My nephews called my mom Nanny and she loved it!!
Hi. My son used Nana for both grandmothers. I also like Mimi and Gigi.
MiMi for Mom Mom
Mimi
How about Gma Jacque!
Tutu is Hawaiian and Bibi is South American
My kids call my mom Grammy. My nieces call her Nona. You could by Grammy Jijij. 🙂
My boys call my mom Amma. They pronounce it like ‘awe-ma’. No idea where they came up with it, but it stuck 🙂
I have a good friend that has her two Granddaughters to call her “Neenie.” I am a Nana, but I think her choice is not your ordinary name, and that’s why I like it!
Nana Jacque