Pepe is a Spanish given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic name Yusuf, which means "God will increase." In Spain, Pepe has been used as a nickname for José, the Spanish form of Joseph, and it has become popular in its own right.
The use of Pepe can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was first used as a diminutive of José. Over time, it has become widely recognized as an independent name in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Pepe has also been used as a surname, with some families adopting it as their last name over generations. Today, Pepe remains a popular choice for parents looking for a short, simple, and charming name for their sons.
Despite its widespread use in Spain, Pepe is not limited to that country alone. It can be found throughout Latin America and has even gained popularity in other parts of the world, such as the United States. In fact, some famous Pepec include Mexican singer Pepe Aguilar and Spanish football player José "Pepe" Reina.
In popular culture, Pepe has been used as a character name in various movies, TV shows, and books. For example, there is a character named Pepe in the popular cartoon series South Park, and it also appears as a nickname for one of the main characters in the novel "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway.
Overall, Pepe is a classic Spanish name with deep roots in history and culture. Its simple yet charming sound makes it appealing to parents around the world looking for a unique and meaningful name for their sons.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Pepe has been consistently used in the United States over several decades, with a total of 155 births recorded between 1957 and 2002.
The peak years for the name Pepe were from 1961 to 1963, with eight or more births each year. The highest number of births in any single year was eleven in 1962. After a decline in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, the name Pepe saw a slight resurgence in the late 1990s with seven births recorded in 1999.
Despite fluctuations in its popularity over time, the name Pepe has maintained a consistent presence in the United States, as indicated by the total number of births recorded over these decades.