Jenna Bush Hager's Family's Cozy Nicknames

The Bush Family's Unique Nicknames and Endearing Traditions

The Bush family, known for their prominent role in American politics, has a rich history of affectionate nicknames that reflect their close-knit relationships. From childhood to adulthood, these endearing terms have become an integral part of their family dynamics.

Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of TODAY, shared many of these names during her appearances on the show, revealing how they were used throughout her life. One of the most beloved nicknames was "Gampy," which she used to refer to her grandfather, George H.W. Bush. This term, along with others, highlights the deep love and respect within the family.

Barbara Bush: "The Enforcer"

Barbara Bush, Jenna’s grandmother, was affectionately called "The Enforcer" by her family. This nickname stemmed from her strong personality and the rules she upheld. In a letter published in TODAY after her passing, Jenna explained that "The Enforcer" was not just about discipline but also about teaching values like humility and kindness.

One memorable story involved Jenna and her sister sneaking to the White House bowling alley and ordering peanut butter sandwiches. Their grandmother, upon discovering this, scolded them and made it clear that the White House was not a hotel. This incident reinforced the lessons of respect and modesty that Barbara instilled in her grandchildren.

George H.W. Bush: "Poppy"

George H.W. Bush, who served as the 41st president of the United States, was known as "Poppy" during his childhood. This nickname originated from his maternal grandfather, George Herbert Walker, who was called "Pops." Over time, "Little Pops" evolved into "Poppy."

Jenna carried on this tradition when she named her second daughter Poppy Louise Hager, honoring her grandfather. She shared this news on Instagram in 2015, expressing her love for the name and its significance.

Grandparents: "Jefe" and "Grammy"

Jenna’s children—Mila, Poppy, and Hal—have their own unique ways of addressing their grandparents. George W. and Laura Bush are affectionately called "Jefe" and "Grammy," respectively. "Jefe" is a Spanish term meaning "boss" or "chief," often used as a term of endearment in Mexican culture.

During a TODAY segment, Jenna’s twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, shared how her daughter, Cora, has a special bond with her grandfather. She described how Cora would cheer up her dad with her humor and antics. Meanwhile, Mila, Jenna’s daughter, has her grandpa wrapped around her finger, even convincing him to paint a portrait of her cat.

Henry Hager: "Shiny"

Jenna’s husband, Henry Hager, has a unique way of showing his affection. He calls her "Shiny," a nickname that started during their early days together. Jenna shared that Henry still uses it occasionally, including in a Valentine’s Day love letter he wrote to her. She also mentioned that he sometimes calls her "Honey," especially during their co-hosting days on TODAY.

Parents: "Bushy"

While George W. Bush was famously known as "Dubya" during his presidency, Jenna revealed that her parents also had another nickname: "Bushy." She jokingly noted that no one ever called her "Bushy," highlighting the playful nature of the family.

Secret Service Code Names: "Twinkle" and "Turquoise"

When Jenna and her sister were growing up, they had secret code names assigned by the Secret Service. Jenna’s code name was "Twinkle," while her sister’s was "Turquoise." These names were chosen based on their physical traits—Jenna’s sparkling eyes and her sister’s beautiful blue eyes.

Even years later, the Secret Service still uses these names. During a visit to the White House with the TODAY team, Jenna was greeted with "Twinkle, welcome home," much to the surprise of those present.

Children: Calling Her "Jenna"

Interestingly, Jenna’s children do not use any special nickname for her. Instead, they call her by her full name, "Jenna." During a TODAY segment, she joked about how her daughter would sometimes add "Bush" to her name, making it "Jenna Bush."

In a TikTok video, Jenna shared that one of her daughters began calling her "Kylie," inspired by Kylie Jenner. She humorously captioned the video, "MAMA'S DONE," showing her lighthearted approach to family life.

These nicknames and traditions reflect the warmth and closeness of the Bush family, showcasing how they navigate both public life and private moments with love and humor.