We have one granddaughter who is 18 months and her brother is due in December. I am of French descent so they will call me Memere. I think it originates back to "mother's mother". I called my grandmother Memere and my kids called my mom that as well. My husband is Pepere (father's father). I am often told it sounds old, but I think of my mom and my grandmother and remember warm, loving women and that is what I want to be to my grandchildren. I don't worry about it sounding old because I know I'm not!