Originally an English and Scottish term of endearment derived from Scots buntin "plump, short and stout" referring to a plump child (possibly with the intended meaning of "good healthy baby" or "dear little one"). In Scotland this name is frequently used as a diminutive of Margaret. The name's use as a formal given name was inspired by George Moffat's 1910/1911 highly popular comic play "Bunty Pulls The Strings" which was made into a silent film in 1921.