Pepe

“The Lord will add”

Spain origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1016US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

155All-time births

📅 Since 195700

How to pronounce Pepe

PEP·ee

/ˈpɛp.iː/ · stress on PEP · 2 syllables

“The Lord will add”

Spain origin · Boy name

What does Pepe mean and where does it come from?

Pepe is a popular diminutive of the name José in Spanish-speaking countries. It also has historical roots in Italy, being a variant of Giuseppe, which is the Italian form of Joseph. The use of Pepe has become widely recognized and often beloved in popular culture, notably because of the cartoon char

Cultural significance

Pepe has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the lord will add.

Peak popularity

Reached #2668 in 1962 — currently #1016 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Pepe?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Pepe?

Pepe works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Pepe Grace

How popular is Pepe right now?

Holding steady — currently #1016 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#1016 · Top 0.75%

1960

1970

1975

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1016	1,184	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1021	1,164	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1026	1,134	▲ up 2799 · +12500% births
1975	#3825	9	▼ down 572 · -10% births
1970	#3253	10	▲ up 742 · +67% births
1960	#3995	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Pepe

Best Year2023Rank #1016

Peak Count1,184

Average Rank#2356

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 20236 years

The story of Pepe

Pepe entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. With 155 total births recorded, Pepe remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3995 in 1960 to #1016 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Pepe in 1962:

Michael David John James Robert

Pepe by decade

Pepe peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	11
1960s	55
1970s ★	63
1980s	8
1990s	7
2000s	11

💎Pepe has only 155 total recorded births since 1957 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Pepe?

ITALIAN

Pino

CROATIAN

FinkaInaJosipaJozefinaJožica

CZECH

Josefa

DANISH

Josefine

What names sound and feel like Pepe?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pepe also consider these

Hawaiian · goddess of fire

Pope

Vatican City · father

Reme

Spain · Derived from the

Pepper

American · A spice derived

Seve

Spain · Derived from the

Pape

African · African

How is Pepe written in other languages?

What are the girl versions of Pepe?

Common questions about the name Pepe

What does the name Pepe mean?

Pepe means "The Lord will add" — a name rooted in Spain tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Pepe?

Pepe is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Pepe?

Pepe originates from Spain tradition. Spain names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Pepe?

Pepe is a two-syllable name pronounced P EH1 P IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Pepe a common or rare name?

Pepe is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.