Meaning & History
Peti is a Hungarian diminutive of the male given name Peter. The name is formed by clipping Péter (the Hungarian form of Peter) and adding the diminutive suffix -i, which also causes a vowel change from -é- to -e-.
While in Hungarian Peti is primarily a masculine name, in Māori it functions as a feminine given name, equivalent to English Betty, Betsy, or Bessie.
Etymology
The root name Peter derives from the Greek Πέτρος (Petros), meaning “stone.” This name was used in the New Testament as a translation of the Aramaic name Cephas, which also means “stone,” given by Jesus to the apostle Simon (Matthew 16:18; John 1:42). Simon Peter became the most prominent of the apostles and is considered the first pope in Catholic tradition.
Due to the apostle’s fame, the name Peter spread widely across Christian cultures, taking various forms such as French Pierre, Italian Pietro, Spanish Pedro, and Hungarian Péter. The Hungarian form Péter, from which Peti is derived, follows the common practice of using -i as a diminutive ending, similar to other Hungarian nicknames like János → Jani or Mária → Mari.
Notable Bearers
Since Peti is typically a nickname, it is rare as an official given name. Notable Hungarian individuals named Péter often go by Peti among friends and family. In popular culture, the name Péter is widespread, but Peti itself is informal. The Māori Bearer also remains uncommon; it is likely a borrowing from Hungarian or an English shortening like Betty.
Related Names
International forms of Peti include Petra (feminine), as well as Petros, Boutros, Butrus, Bedros, Pjetër, and many others across languages. All ultimately trace back to the Greek Petros.
- Meaning: “stone”
- Origin: Hungarian diminutive of Peter, from Greek Petros
- Type: First name, diminutive
- Usage: Hungarian, also Māori (as feminine)