What does nana mean?
Nana is an informal noun meaning a grandmother, especially one’s maternal or paternal grandmother. It is particularly associated with British English and South Asian family language, and it is now widely understood throughout Britain. The term generally carries a warm, affectionate tone and may suggest affection, familiarity, or the practical closeness often associated with grandparents. It is more personal than the formal “grandmother” and less regionally restricted than it once was, although speakers in North America usually prefer “grandma,” “granny,” or another conventional term. Nana is commonly used in family conversation, direct address, and expressions such as “at nana’s house.” Although the plural “nanas” is possible, people often avoid it because they can instead refer to different grandparents as “maternal nana” and “paternal nana.” The word is especially useful in British and South Asian settings as a familiar name for a grandmother.
nounAn informal term for a grandmother, especially one’s maternal or paternal grandmother. In British usage it is now familiar and affectionate rather than restricted to a particular regional background.
- An informal term for a grandmother.
"Every Sunday, we have lunch at my nana’s house."
"My nana taught me how to make her famous lentil soup."
"We rang nana to wish her a happy birthday."
The plural is possible, but is less common than identifying a grandmother as a maternal or paternal nana.
"My two nanas live on opposite sides of the city."
Once especially associated with South Asian family speech, “nana” has become a warm, widely understood British term for grandmother.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nana come from?
The precise origin of the word is uncertain. It is recorded as a term for grandmother in South Asian English, from which it became more broadly used in British English, where it now has a familiar and affectionate character.
How nana is actually used
Informal and affectionate. It is especially associated with British English and has long been used in South Asian English, but is now common more broadly in Britain. In North America, “grandma” and “grandma” are more usual.
Easily confused with nana
A nana is a grandmother, whereas a nanny is a person hired to care for children.