Date
Meaning & History
When borne by a female person, this name is a good example of how one can turn a very masculine name (Peet) into a feminine name by simply adding the diminutive suffix -je to the original name. But when borne by a male person, this name is simply a pet form because of the diminutive suffix. Also compare Pietje.In the past, which is as recently as the first half of the 20th century, Peetje was also a familial nickname based on one's status as a peetouder ("godparent"). In Dutch, a male godparent can be called peetvader ("godfather") as well as peetoom ("god-uncle"), whereas a female godparent can be called peetmoeder ("godmother") as well as peettante ("god-aunt").