ammu

Ammu is a feminine given name or nickname used in South Asia, particularly among Malayalam- and Tamil-speaking communities, and in diaspora populations worldwide. The name is commonly described as a diminutive or pet form derived from amma, the word for mother in several Dravidian languages. Because of this origin, Ammu carries affectionate connotations and is used both as an informal nickname within families and as a formal given name on official records.

Usage and variations vary by language and family. In transliteration from non-Latin scripts, the spelling may appear as Ammu, Amu, or Amma, among other forms. While most often given to women, the name’s pronunciation and usage can differ across communities and generations. It is found among people of diverse backgrounds in India, Sri Lanka, and the broader South Asian diaspora.

Ammu does not denote a specific religion or caste, and its acceptance reflects broader naming practices in which affectionate and familial terms become personal identifiers. In contemporary contexts, the name can appear in fiction and media as a character name, illustrating its cultural resonance as an endearing, maternal-associated term rather than a title or status.