Pepay

The name Pepay is a diminutive or nickname often used in the Philippines, derived from the Spanish name Josefa or Josefina. The suffix '-ay' is a common endearment or diminutive in Filipino culture, particularly in Tagalog and other Philippine languages. While not a formal given name in its own right, it is widely recognized and used as a term of endearment, reflecting the influence of Spanish colonial history on Filipino naming conventions.

Its usage is primarily informal and domestic, often used within families or close circles of friends. Over time, some nicknames like Pepay have gained enough recognition to be occasionally used as official given names, though this is less common than its use as a pet name. The meaning 'to increase, to add, to multiply' is associated with the root 'Pepa' which is a short form of Josefa, meaning 'Jehovah increases' in Hebrew.