Pejo is a Serbo-Croatian masculine given name, a diminutive of Petar, the South Slavic form of Peter. The root name Peter derives from the Greek Πέτρος (Petros), meaning "stone," which itself translates the Aramaic name Cephas, given by Jesus to the apostle Simon (Matthew 16:18, John 1:42). As a diminutive, Pejo carries an affectionate or familiar connotation, often used among family or close friends. Etymology and Linguistic Context The formation of Pejo from Petar follows a common South Slavic pattern of creating nicknames by truncation and the addition of the suffix -o or -jo. This is analogous to other Serbian/Croatian diminutives such as Pero (from Petar) or Pajo (from Pavao/Pavle). While Pero is perhaps the most widespread nickname for Petar in the region, Pejo represents a specific variant, likely emerging from informal speech in certain areas of Croatia or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Geographic Distribution and Cultural Notes Pejo is primarily used in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina among Croats and Bosniaks, as well as by Serbs, though it is less common than the variant Perica. The name's usage mirrors the local popularity of Petar, which has been historically significant in Christian contexts due to Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen and the first Bishop of Rome. In South Slavic cultures, Petar (and its diminutives) are common, and Pejo may also appear in the surname Pejović, which indicates descent from an ancestor named Pejo/direct from the name. Notable Bearers Notable individuals bearing the name include: Pejo Ćošković (born 1952), a Bosnian medieval historian who has researched the Bosnian Church and medieval Bosnia. Pejo Kuprešak (born 1992), a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Croatian First League team NK Istra 1961. Several South Slavic surnames are derived from this name, such as Pejović and Pejčinović. Notably, the French automaker Peugeot is pronounced "pejo" in many languages, albeit with no etymological connection to the given name. Meaning: Diminutive of "Petar/ Peter," meaning "stone." Origin: South Slavic (Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian). Type: Diminutive/familiar form of a given name. Usage: Mainly Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia.