'auntie' originates from English, specifically formed by adding the diminutive suffix '-ie' to 'aunt', which comes from Old French 'ante' and ultimately from Latin 'amita', where 'amita' meant 'father's sister'.

'aunt' changed from Old French word 'ante' (also written 'aunte') and Middle English 'aunte' and eventually became modern English 'aunt'; the diminutive form 'auntie' developed later by adding '-ie'.

Initially, the word (from Latin 'amita') specifically meant 'father's sister', but over time it broadened to mean a parent's sister or, by extension, an older woman addressed affectionately; 'auntie' emphasizes familiarity or affection.