Why is José Rizal Called Pepe? The Story Behind the Nickname

 

José Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, is remembered not only for his intellect and patriotism but also for his enduring nickname: Pepe. While many Filipinos are familiar with the name, fewer know the unique history behind it.

Rizal was born on June 19, 1861, in Calamba, Laguna, the seventh child of Don Francisco Mercado and Doña Teodora Alonso. He was baptized José Protacio Rizal Mercado y Alonzo Realonda in honor of two saints—Saint Joseph, for whom his mother had a devotion, and Saint Protacio, the patron saint for June 19.

But how did “José” become “Pepe”?

In her book In Excelsis, writer Felice Prudente Santa Maria explained the story. In Catholic tradition, Saint Joseph—known as San José in Spanish—was called the “putative father” of Jesus Christ. In Latin, this was written as P.P., short for pater putativus.

When read in Spanish, the two letters “P.P.” were pronounced as “Pe-pe.” Over time, this became a common nickname for boys named José. Thus, Rizal, who carried the name José, was affectionately called Pepe.

This small linguistic detail reveals much about the fusion of language, religion, and culture in the Philippines. What began as a Catholic tradition in Europe traveled across the seas, influencing how Filipinos addressed their national hero.

For many, calling him Pepe makes José Rizal not just a distant historical figure, but someone familiar and beloved—a hero remembered with both respect and affection.