Find out how popular the first name Pepe has been for the last 29 years (from 1974 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Pepe by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Pepe is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Pepe.

The history of the first name Pepe

Pepe is a diminutive form of the Spanish name José, which is derived from the Hebrew name Joseph. The name Joseph ultimately comes from the Hebrew word yasaf, meaning "he will add." The name's origins can be traced back to the biblical figure Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel.

In the Hebrew Bible, Joseph is a prominent figure known for his ability to interpret dreams and his rise to power in ancient Egypt. He plays a crucial role in the story of the Israelites' descent into Egypt and their eventual exodus. The name Joseph gained widespread popularity among Christians and Jews alike.

The name Pepe emerged as a common Spanish diminutive form of José, with the addition of the affectionate suffix "-pe." This form was widely used in Spain and spread to Spanish-speaking regions through exploration and colonization.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Pepe can be found in the 16th century Spanish novel "La vida del pícaro Guzmán de Alfarache" by Mateo Alemán, published in 1599. In the novel, a character named Pepe is mentioned.

Historically, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Pepe. One of the most famous was José Pepe Mujica, a former President of Uruguay born in 1935. Mujica, known for his humble lifestyle and progressive policies, served as President from 2010 to 2015.

Another prominent figure was José "Pepe" Calderón, a Mexican painter and muralist born in 1908. Calderón was known for his vibrant and politically charged murals depicting Mexican history and culture.

In the realm of sports, José "Pepe" Reina, a Spanish professional footballer born in 1982, has made a name for himself as a goalkeeper for various clubs and the Spanish national team.

José "Pepe" Hierro, a Spanish former professional footballer and coach, born in 1958, also had a successful career playing for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

Lastly, José "Pepe" Moraleda, a Spanish actor and comedian born in 1951, has left a lasting mark in the entertainment industry with his comedic performances and impersonations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Pepe was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Pepe, please contact us.

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