Since Bebe Nanaki had no children of her own she loved and helped raise her brother's children, Sri Chand and Lakhmi Chand. Bebe Nanaki is known as being Guru Nanak's first follower. She was eternally devoted to him and his cause. She is also known for inspiring Nanak in using music as an instrument of devotion to God.

Nanaki and her brother were the children of Mehta Kalu and Mata Tripta. Born in the city of Chahal, present-day Pakistan, she was named by her grandparents, who named her Nanaki after the word Nanakian, roughly meaning "the home of your maternal grandparents".

Bebe and Ji are added to her name as a sign of respect. Bebe is used to pay regard to an older woman and Ji given to anyone whom you want to show your respects regardless of age. Bebe Nanaki got married at an early age of 11. In those days it was customary to be married at such a young age.

Nanaki married Jai Ram, a Palta Khatri employed at a modikhana, a storehouse for revenues collected in non-cash form, in the service of the Delhi Sultanate's Lahore governor Daulat Khan. Jai Ram helped Nanak get a job at this modikhana in Sultanpur.