Summer 2025
What’s in a name?
Dawn Stevens, Comtech Services
In case you missed the announcement on LinkedIn, I am now a grandmother. Stellan Theodor Russell was born in mid-May and is, of course, absolutely perfect – the most adorable baby boy anyone has ever seen! 😀
Throughout Brianna’s pregnancy, people asked me many questions: When was the baby due? How was Brianna doing? What was I hoping for (and then after we knew it would be a boy, how did I feel about that, having only raised girls myself)? Did I know what names they were considering? But the question that stumped me most, and that I still today cannot definitively answer: what was my chosen grandma name?
The question caught me off guard at first. It hadn’t really occurred to that it was up to me, that I could choose what he would call me. As the eldest grandchild on one-side of my family, I chose the name my paternal grandmother was called by all subsequent grandchildren: “Mommo.” It was me, the grandchild, and not her, the grandmother, that chose the name.
As result, my answer has been largely that I would let him decide what to call me. That answer doesn’t sit well with many, who point out that before he learns to talk, I will refer to myself in the third person to him and his parents will refer to me by a name. He will learn that name from us, and I have more control than I thought about what I will be called. I have turned to the ultimate authority on the issue, the internet, and discovered that yes, in most cases, grandchildren will call you by the name you choose, although in some circumstances, obstinate children might ignore your wishes.
And so, I have done tons of research and soul-searching to determine what I will be called. The internet offers a wealth of suggestions and discusses the pros and cons of each. As I’ve contemplated each one, I’ve realized that this decision is infinitely more important than it seemed initially. It potentially defines the rest of my life, shaping my relationships, my identity, and our family dynamics.
Similarly, the names by which we call ourselves in our careers also affect our identity, perception, and connection. A job title, like a grandma name, is about more than the label itself—it’s about owning a role, building relationships, and shaping how you’re seen and remembered. Whether you’re a Nana or a Content Strategist, the right name or title helps you step fully into who you are.
In both cases, the name or title becomes part of how you own your new role and how you grow into it. A grandma name shapes how a woman sees herself in a new life role – nurturing, modern, playful, or traditional. Choosing a name that feels right helps affirm this life stage in a positive empowering way. While I may not know the name I will finally land on, I can definitively say it won’t be Granny, which brings to mind the character on the old TV sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies – the embodiment of a stubborn, inflexible old woman; I don’t want that stigma surrounding me. Modern or playful names sit better with me as I grapple with redefining aging and avoiding stereotypes. Mimi feels youthful, while grandmother seems formal and rooted in tradition.
Similarly, your job title conveys your professional identity and where you stand in your career. “Technical Writer” vs. “Content Designer” vs. “Information Architect” each carry different self-definitions and perceptions, even if the work overlaps. Does the name bring a stigma? For example, does a writer receive less respect than an architect or designer because “anybody can write?” Does a “Content Strategist” imply someone who has a firmer grasp on how content fits into a company’s overall goals and objectives than an “Information Developer” who is perhaps more focused on an individual deliverable and not the bigger picture? Does your title reflect what you want to be doing and what you want to be known as?
A grandma name or job title signals to others how they should relate to you. A creative grandma name might say “fun and modern” while a traditional one may signal “wisdom and authority.” Similarly, your job title impacts how colleagues, recruiters, and clients perceive your responsibilities and value. “Manager” or “Lead” often command more authority or recognition than “Specialist” or “Coordinator”—even with the same skills. Both titles influence how others treat you, and whether they see your role as central, peripheral, or specialized.
A job title communicates your function clearly to cross-functional teams and hiring managers. If a title is too vague (e.g. Content Ninja, Documentation Rockstar), it can cause confusion about your actual role. A good title requires clarity and purpose to eliminate confusion and set clear expectations. In the same way, a unique grandma name avoids miscommunication in families with multiple grandparents. It’s important for Stellan’s parents to know who he means when he says, “I want to go to grandma’s” or “Grandma is my favorite.”
Both a grandma name and a job title need to grow with you. Both should anticipate change and maturation over time. Short, easy-to-pronounce grandma names like Mimi or Nana could foster early recognition and are easy for young children to say and remember. However, Gigi might feel perfect with toddlers, but how will it feel when he’s a teenager or an adult? Do I really want a toddler running around saying “Mimi, Mimi” all day, leaving me wondering if I’m being addressed or if the toddler is stuck in a constant self-centered bid for attention? The same considerations apply to your job title. You might start as a Technical Writer, but you’ll want to move on as your skills advance; does a simple number after that title (I, II, III, IV) reflect how your skills have grown? Or should that growth be reflected in words they imply that you now do more than write? Do your titles over time reflect career growth and leave room for evolution as the industry continues to change?
Finally, the right name can become part of a lasting legacy. A job title reflects not just what you do, but your role in the organizational “family”—where you fit and how you’re valued. The name a grandchild uses might influence emotional closeness and becomes symbolic of love, comfort, and memories, essential parts of a grandparent-grandchild bond. Both grandma name and job title are emotionally resonant labels that signal belonging and purpose—one in a family, the other in a professional community.
Unlike where I find myself, you may not be in a position to define what you are called, but I still think it’s worth some thought. What does your job title mean to you? What feelings does it stir inside you? What respect does it garner in your organization? Just as the name I choose may not stick, you may not be able to change your title, but perhaps it’s worth a try. In the end, Stellan may bestow something else on me and I will ultimately adapt into that name. But, for now, I can try to define who I want to be and work to grow into that role.
‘til next time,
Gram Cracker (a working title).
About the Author:
Dawn Stevens is CIDM’s Director and President of Comtech Services. She has over 30 years of practical experience in virtually every role within a documentation and training department including project management, instructional design, writing, editing, and multimedia programming.