My 5-year-old has started calling me Ba-Ba.
I have no idea where it came from. One day I was Dad, the next I was Ba-Ba, and now it’s just… our thing. I love it more than I can explain.
Here’s what I’ve learned: the best nicknames don’t get chosen. They happen.
But when you’re a kid trying to figure out what to call your stepmom, or a dad trying to navigate what your kids should call your new partner, you need a starting point. Something to kick around until one of them just sticks.
So here are 71 ideas across every style, from sweet to funny to international. They’re just here to get your creative juices flowing, jumping off points! Feel free to tweak and customize as you go.
Variations on “Mom”
The most natural place to start. These are close enough to feel warm, but distinct enough not to step on anyone’s toes.
- Ma
- Mama
- Mumsy
- Mammy
- Momzie
- Mother Hen
- Mamadukes
- Big Momma
- Mummers
- Mothership
- Momster
Funny/Slang Options
Only works if she has a good sense of humor — but if she does, one of these could become a running joke that defines the whole relationship.
- Nother Mother
- Opie (Other Parent)
- S’Mom
- Stepmonster
- Mamacita
- Faux Ma
- Old Lady
A Spin on Her Actual Name
Kids, especially little ones, have a way of mangling names into something better. Don’t fight it. Lean in.
- Amy → My Amy
- Judy → Momma Judy
- Monica → MOMica
- Beth → Momma B
- Courtney → Coco
- Lexi → Leximom
Boss-Mode Names
For the stepmom who runs the household and everyone knows it.
- Queen Bee
- Duchess
- Boss Lady
- Queenie
- Numero Uno
- Alpha
- Boss Babe
Cute and Sweet
Simple, warm, easy to say. Good for younger kids especially.
- Honey
- Sugar
- Sunshine
- Cookie
- Bubbles
- Flower
- Lolly
- Bee
- Huggie
Friend-Zone Names
If the relationship is more buddy than parent, lean into that. There’s nothing wrong with it.
- Bestie
- Boo
- Darling
- Doll
- Love
- Sweets
- Chick
- Dearest
Names from Other Languages
If you have international roots, this can be a beautiful way to honor that. Even if you don’t, borrowing from another language gives the nickname its own identity.
- Maman (French)
- Madre or Mami (Spanish)
- Mutter (German)
- Mor (Scandinavian)
- Mae (Portuguese)
- Amee (Urdu)
- Ahm (Arabic)
The real advice? Just wait.
If the kids are young, don’t force it. Put out a few of these, see what gets picked up, and then let it evolve. The one that sticks will probably surprise you.
Ba-Ba surprised me. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Also check out: Nicknames for Stepdads
Hope this helps!