Meaning & History
Costas is a common Greek given name and surname, functioning as an alternate transcription of the Greek Κώστας (Kostas). As a short form of Konstantinos, it is the Greek equivalent of Constantine. The name ultimately derives from the Latin Constantinus, a derivative of Constans, meaning "steadfast" or "constant."
Etymology and Historical Context
Costas traces its roots back to the Roman name Constantinus, made famous by Flavius Valerius Constantinus, better known as Constantine the Great (272–337 AD). As the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity, Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople (modern Istanbul). The name Constantine became a revered Christian imperial name, and from it, the Greek Konstantinos emerged. The short form Kostas—and thus Costas—developed naturally from this lineage as a familiar, everyday name.
Notable Bearers
Many prominent Greeks carry the name Costas or Kostas. In politics, Costas Simitis (1936–2025) served as Prime Minister of Greece from 1996 to 2004, and Kostas Karamanlis (born 1956) held the office from 2004 to 2009. The arts and sports also feature notable individuals: Greek Australian actor Costas Mandylor (born 1965), Greek-American songwriter Kostas Lazarides (born 1949) known simply as "Kostas," basketball player Kostas Antetokounmpo (born 1997), and Mediterranean hoop legend Kostas Papanikolaou (born 1990). The Greek Cypriot surname Costas is also prominent; for example, the mercenary Costas Georgiou (1951–1976) was active in the Angolan Civil War.
Cultural Significance
In Greece, Costas remains a popular given name—less formal than full Konstantinos—and is used across all ages. It exemplifies the Greek onomastic tradition of hypocoristics (pet forms) that become standalone names. Feminine counterparts like Konstantina and Konstadina are also used.
- Meaning: "constant, steadfast" (via Constantine)
- Origin: Greek (Latin-derived)
- Type: Given name and surname
- Usage regions: Greece, Cyprus, Greek diaspora
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Costas