See also the diminuitive form, Pepito Pepe is a nickname for any person called José, but is also often used with different connotations. Etymologically, it derives from the name of Saint Joseph, considered to be the reputed father of Jesus. The folk etymology for the name Pepe in Spanish for putative father is padre putativo, abbreviated to PP, and pronounced Pepe.

José Manuel Soares, known as Pepe, was a Portuguese footballer born in Lisbon on 30 January 1908. During his brief career, he was a forward for Belenenses and was considered by many to be Portugal's best player.

Pepe is a 1960 movie starring Mario Moreno "Cantinflas" in the title role, directed by George Sidney. A multitude of cameo appearances attempted to replicate the success of Moreno's American debut, Around the World in Eighty Days.