Does Gemma mean grandma?
10. Gemma. An Italian name meaning gemstone or jewel, Gemma is to perfect way to describe exactly what a grandmother is …
- Glamma.
- Queenie.
- Mimzy.
- G or Big G.
- Lolly.
- Tootsie.
- Toots.
- Coco.
Many southerners in seven states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and West Virginia, opt to call their grandmothers familiar names that you might expect. The most popular southern grandmother names are Mamaw, Mawmaw, Memaw, Nana, and Mimi.
-Irish: In Gaelic, grandmother translates to “Seanmháthair,” which means old mother. Some other popular Irish grandmother names are “Mhamó,” “Mamó,” “Maimeó” and “Móraí.”
"Gram" and "Grams" are common nicknames for a grandmother. They're based off the traditional terms, but they're more casual and laid-back.
And if you live in the south, there's a good chance you call your grandmother Mamaw or Mawmaw—the most popular nickname in 7 states mostly in the south and along the Appalachians. Texas is the lone holdout for Mimi while folks in the Northeast prefer Grammie or Nana. But let's not forget the grandpas!
Nana sweeps the board, stealing hearts in 21 states. Nana is the go-to nickname in the Midwest, the Northeast, and the West. Granny, a southern belle, claims her throne in 11 states, predominantly in the South. Grammy is a modern favorite, securing its spot as the top pick in 8 states.
My most important tie to the culture and history of Appalachia was family, especially my grandparents, whom we called Mamaw and Papaw—normal hillbilly grandparent names, in case they are new to you. Don't wince when I use the term “hillbilly,” since Mamaw and Papaw described themselves that way.
Another popular subset of unique names are those that are derived from the (most often) grandmother's first name. So Gabby McCree is Gigi. “It's an abbreviation for 'Grandma Gabby' and also my initials growing up,” she says.
For British grandmothers the top five names in order of popularity at a national level are Nan (33%), Grandma (32%), Nana (24%), Nanny (22%) and Granny (14%). Only one-in-ten use the term Gran. The name Nan is by far the most popular for a grandmother in the English seaside cities of Liverpool (65%) and Brighton (51%).
What is French slang for grandma?
Children in France may call their grandmothers Gra-mere, Mémé, and Mamé. Quebec: Mémé and Mamie are most often used by French Canadians. Germany: Oma is one of the most popular international names for grandmothers and is often used to address grandmothers with no German heritage.
"Grandmother" in Hawaiian can be translated to "Kupunawahine" (koo-poo-nah-wah-hee-neh) for a grandmother or "Tūtū wahine" (too-too wah-hee-neh) for a grandma.

Papaw. Just like "Meemaw or Maw-Maw" are used for Southern grandmothers, this is a popular nickname for Southern grandfathers.
Grandmother Names
Gaga: Often stemming from a very young child trying to sound out “Grandma,” it's got the hard 'G' opener but a lighter and more carefree feeling than the proper name. Gigi: Like Gaga, this cute grandma nickname is fun and easy to pronounce for the littles.
From Kiki to Baba, here's a list of grandma nicknames to help find the perfect fit. Grandmothers make every and any occasion special and deserve the best nickname around.
- Aba Daba (Debbie Reynolds)
- Boom Boom (Caitlyn Jenner)
- Bunny (Terri Irwin)
- Glam Ma (Goldie Hawn/Nene Leakes)
- Granny (Whoopi Goldberg)
- Honey (Susan Sarandon)
- Lalo (Blythe Danner)
- Lovey (Kris Jenner)
“Unci” (unh-chee) and “Gaka” (gah-gah) are Lakota terms for grandmother and grandfa- ther respectively. These terms are generally used as terms of affection in the traditional Lakota families, while those Lakota families who are more acculturated use the more common terms, “grandma and grandpa”.
Grammies are likely to live in places like Vermont and Maine; Pop-Pops seem to live in states like Maryland and New Jersey; Grannies take the day in Alabama; Pawpaws reside in the likes of Louisiana and West Virginia.
Probably an affectionate alteration of mama or reduplication of maw (“mother”).
The 10 most common names for grandma in the United States are: Nana. Grammy/Grammie. Granny/Grannie.
What should my grandchild call me?
Traditional choices such as Grandma & Grandpa or Nana & Papa are commonplace, as are names that reflect the family's heritage. In families with strong connections to their ethnic background, grandparents may choose names originating in another language, or shortened versions of those names.
The average age of grandparents in the U.S. was 67 years. Grandparenthood is more common among older adults (aged 65 and older) than those in midlife (aged 40-64).
Like other Southerners, Texans of all ages refer to their parents as “mother” and “daddy.” It's somewhat strange to hear a grown man talk about his “daddy's” influence, but it's charming, nevertheless.
Memaw is a respelling of mémère (may-MARE), Cajun French for granny or grandma. ... The formal French word is grand-mère. Mémère is commonly heard in the French of Quebec and Acadia. The exiled Acadians (Cajuns) brought it with them to Louisiana, and from there it spread to the rest of the American South.
The term Lola is used as an affectionate or honorific term for an elderly woman (a grandmother) in the Philippines. (Synonyms include; lola, impo, lelang, mamang).
In European Countries
Here's what people in some European countries call their grandmother: Romania (Romanian): Bunica. Italy (Italian): Nonna. Greece (Greek): Yaya. Belgium (Flemish): Bomma.
Oma is the informal German name for grandmother or grandma. Grossmutter is the more formal term.
In the Swedish language, the maternal grandparents are “mormor” for grandmother and “morfar” for grandfather. Paternal grandparents are “farmor” for grandmother, and “farfar,” for grandfather.
In Ohio, the most popular nickname for grandparents are “Mamaw” and “Papaw.” When it comes to affectionate terms for grandmothers, “Nana” was the most popular in 12 states, followed by a three-way tie for second by “Grammy, “Granny” and Gran.
Memere & Pepere
These are very popular French Cajun nicknames for grandma and grandpa !
What does Mimi mean?
Origin:French. Meaning:sea of bitterness; wonderful; loveliness. Mimi is a feminine name of French, Hebrew, and English origins that is rich with meaning. Typically used as a nickname, it has grown into a standalone name in its own right.
Yaya. Yaya is the word for grandmother in Greek.
what does Yaya mean in Greek? In ancient Greek, "Yaya" meant literally "woman." Today, Greek grandmothers are called "Yaya," likely. because they have achieved womanhood.
Popularity:3845. Origin:French. Meaning:Cocoa. Coco is a girl's name of French origin. This name is a reference to the chocolate bean, translating to “cocoa.” While popularized as a nickname, it has since cemented its place as a chic, timeless given name that is sure to set a fashionable impression.
You can call her by cute names such as Big mom, Peaches, Lolly, or go for hippie names Hopie or Mumssy. Fairy mother, Granny Pie, or Yo Grandma can be other fun ways to address your sweet and caring grandma.
The most common pairings are Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Papa, and their variations. A few alternatives for Grandma include Grammy, Gamma, G-Ma, Granny, and Nanna. Grandfather may be shortened to Grampa, Gramps, G-Pa, Poppy or Pops. But tradition isn't for everyone.
You can opt for traditional names like Grandma and Grandpa, or choose alternative names that are cultural or unique to your family. The parents, the grandparents, or your child (once they're old enough to talk) can choose the grandma names and grandpa names.
I like Amma, which is Old Norse for grandmother and fits my deep Scandinavian roots.
Another popular subset of unique names are those that are derived from the (most often) grandmother's first name. So Gabby McCree is Gigi. “It's an abbreviation for 'Grandma Gabby' and also my initials growing up,” she says.
“Unci” (unh-chee) and “Gaka” (gah-gah) are Lakota terms for grandmother and grandfa- ther respectively. These terms are generally used as terms of affection in the traditional Lakota families, while those Lakota families who are more acculturated use the more common terms, “grandma and grandpa”.
Are grandmas called Gigi?
Gigi: Like Gaga, this cute grandma nickname is fun and easy to pronounce for the littles.
“Nana” and “Papa” are the most popular nicknames for grandma and grandpa in the U.S. Of 50 states, 34 had a majority say they'd rather spend time with their grandparents than their parents.
Grandma/Grandpa
Grandparent; neutral, formal. Grandwa; queer, based on grandma and grandpa. Grandy; neutral, short for Grandparent, Grandma or Grandpa. Nini; queer, based on the N in NB, similar to nana and papa.
- Grandparent's obituary. ...
- Parent's marriage certificate. ...
- Parent's marriage announcement. ...
- Parent's death certificate. ...
- Social Security Application. ...
- Bonus - Parent's birth certificate. ...
- What to do next.
In the Zulu language, grandmothers are called gogo, or ugogo. In Swahili it's bibi, in Sudanese, nini, and in Somali, ayeeyo. In the Igbo language of Nigeria, the word is nne nne. In the Maori language, the word is kuia.
Although Oma directly translates to grandmother, the meaning reaches far beyond Webster's definition. Oma is multifaceted in life skills within and beyond the home.
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