Flautist versus Flutist - which is correct?

Question

I've always come across "flautist" as the correct word (to denote a person who plays the flute). However, flutist also seems to be an accepted form in some writings. Which one is the correct or rather more accepted form? Or is it different in different geographies?

Answer 1

Both are correct, but flutist is more common in American English, while flautist is more common in British English.