Nana vs. Nanna – Which is Correct?

Both nana and nanna are informal, affectionate terms for a grandmother. While nana is generally more prevalent in American English, nanna is a widely accepted variant, particularly common in British English and also used by many families in the U.S. Both are considered correct and interchangeable in most contexts, depending on personal or regional preference.

Nana or Nanna – Which is Correct?

When deciding between nana and nanna, the good news is that both spellings are considered correct informal terms for a grandmother. The primary distinction lies in regional prevalence and individual family tradition. Nana is the more commonly encountered spelling in American English and is recognized broadly across the United States. Nanna, while perfectly valid and understood in the U.S., sees more widespread use in British English and other Commonwealth countries. Many families simply adopt one spelling over the other based on personal choice or how the term was first introduced.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

The best trick to remember the difference is to think of it as a matter of personal and regional preference rather than strict correctness. If you’re writing for a general American audience, nana is often the safer and more widely recognized choice. If you’re aware of a British context or a specific family’s tradition, nanna is perfectly appropriate. There’s no “wrong” choice, only a more common one in certain areas. Simply consider who you’re speaking to or about.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Nana	Noun	An informal, affectionate term for a grandmother.	“My nana bakes the best chocolate chip cookies.”
Nanna	Noun	An informal, affectionate term for a grandmother; a variant of nana.	“We’re visiting my nanna for her birthday this weekend.”

How to Use Nana

The term nana is used as a loving, informal substitute for “grandmother.” It carries a warm, familial tone and is typically used by grandchildren, or by others referring to a grandmother in an affectionate context. It is widely understood and accepted in casual conversation and writing, particularly in American English. It would not typically be used in formal documents or professional settings unless quoting someone directly.

Example 1: “Every Sunday, my nana tells me stories about her childhood.”

Example 2: “I bought a beautiful card for my nana for Grandparent’s Day.”

Example 3: “The children were so excited to see their nana arrive for the holidays.”

What are the different forms of Nana?

As a noun, nana changes form primarily for pluralization.

• Singular: nana
• Plural: nanas (e.g., “My children have two nanas who adore them.”)

Etymology of the word Nana

The word nana is believed to be a reduplication of the sound “na,” a common babbling sound made by infants, similar to “mama” or “papa.” This makes it an example of a “nursery word” or “maternal reduplication,” found in various forms across many languages to refer to a grandmother or other elder female relative. Its informal, affectionate nature stems directly from this early childhood origin.

How to Use Nanna

Similar to nana, nanna functions as an informal, affectionate term for a grandmother. While less common in general American usage, it is a perfectly valid and frequently used variant, especially within families who have adopted this spelling or among speakers of British English. It maintains the same warm and familial tone as nana and is suitable for casual communication. Its usage context is identical to nana, emphasizing personal connection and affection.

Example 1: “My nanna always has a supply of biscuits ready when we visit.”

Example 2: “She knitted me this scarf; my nanna is very talented.”

Example 3: “We sent flowers to Nanna for her anniversary.”

What are the different forms of Nanna?

As a noun, nanna changes form primarily for pluralization.

• Singular: nanna
• Plural: nannas (e.g., “All the nannas in the family gathered for the reunion.”)

Etymology of the word Nanna

The etymology of nanna mirrors that of nana. It is also derived from the reduplication of the infant babbling sound “na,” making it a universal nursery word used to refer to a grandmother. The double ‘n’ spelling is simply a common orthographic variation that developed, particularly in British English, to represent this affectionate term, without altering its core meaning or origin.

Related Concepts

Understanding these related linguistic concepts can provide further clarity on why words like nana and nanna exist and how they function in language.

• Informal Terms: These are words or phrases used in casual conversation, often within close relationships, that would typically be avoided in formal writing or professional settings. Nana and nanna exemplify this, offering a warm, personal alternative to the more formal “grandmother.”
• Regional Dialects and Variants: Language is dynamic and varies across different geographical regions. Sometimes, the same concept can have multiple valid spellings or pronunciations depending on the dialect. The slight preference for nana in American English versus nanna in British English is a classic example of a regional variant.

Examples from Media and Literature

Both nana and nanna appear in various forms of media and literature, reflecting their common usage as affectionate terms for grandmothers.

• In J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, the Darling children’s nursemaid is a Newfoundland dog named Nana, a nurturing figure, though not a grandmother.
• The children’s book My Nana and Me by Amy Hest beautifully illustrates the bond between a granddaughter and her grandmother.
• Many popular culture references, including songs and television shows, feature characters affectionately called “Nana” or “Nanna” to denote a grandmotherly figure.
• In the British animated children’s series Peppa Pig, Peppa’s grandmother is referred to as “Nanna Pig.”
• Online forums and personal blogs often feature anecdotes where individuals refer to their grandmothers as either “Nana” or “Nanna,” showcasing the personal preference in spelling.

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. My _____ always has cookies ready when I visit. (nana / nanna)
2. We’re planning a surprise party for our _____’s 70th birthday. (nana / nanna)
3. The little girl ran to hug her _____ after school. (nana / nanna)
4. Which spelling do you use for your grandmother: _____ or _____? (nana / nanna)
5. I remember spending summers at my _____’s house by the lake. (nana / nanna)

Answer Key

1. nana / nanna (Both are correct, depending on preference)
2. nana / nanna (Both are correct, depending on preference)
3. nana / nanna (Both are correct, depending on preference)
4. nana / nanna (Both are correct, depending on preference)
5. nana / nanna (Both are correct, depending on preference)

Nana Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Grandma	A common, informal abbreviation for grandmother.
Granny	An affectionate and informal term for grandmother, often used in British English.
Grandmother	The formal and standard term for the mother of one’s father or mother.
Mawmaw	A regional, informal term for grandmother, particularly in the Southern U.S.
Meemaw	Another regional, informal term for grandmother.

Nanna Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Grandma	A common, informal abbreviation for grandmother.
Granny	An affectionate and informal term for grandmother, often used in British English.
Grandmother	The formal and standard term for the mother of one’s father or mother.
Mawmaw	A regional, informal term for grandmother, particularly in the Southern U.S.
Meemaw	Another regional, informal term for grandmother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “Nanna” only used in British English?
While nanna is particularly common in British English and other Commonwealth countries, it is also a widely recognized and used variant in American English. Many families in the U.S. use nanna based on personal preference or family tradition.

Question 2: Can I use “Nana” in formal writing?
No, both nana and nanna are informal, affectionate terms. They are not suitable for formal writing, academic papers, or professional communications unless you are directly quoting someone or using them in a narrative context where the informal tone is appropriate.

Question 3: Does the spelling affect the meaning?
No, the spelling does not affect the meaning. Both nana and nanna convey the same affectionate, informal meaning of “grandmother.” The difference is primarily one of orthographic variation and regional or personal preference.

Conclusion

In summary, both nana and nanna are acceptable and correct informal terms for a grandmother. While nana enjoys broader usage in American English, nanna is a perfectly valid variant, especially common in British English and among families who have adopted it. The choice between the two often comes down to personal preference or established family tradition rather than strict grammatical rules. When writing, consider your audience and the specific context, but rest assured that either spelling will convey the same loving sentiment.

Pro Tip: For consistency in any given piece of writing, choose one spelling and stick with it throughout. In general communication, using the spelling preferred by the specific grandmother or family you are referring to is always the most respectful approach.