Meaning & History
Konstantine is a masculine given name that serves as the Georgian form of Constantine. The name derives from the Latin Constantinus, itself a derivative of Constans, meaning “constant, steadfast.” The ultimate root lies in the Latin word constans, which conveys stability and fidelity.
The most historically significant namesake is the Roman emperor Constantine the Great (c. 272–337), who was the first to adopt Christianity as the imperial religion and who founded Constantinople (modern Istanbul). In Georgia, the name also carries echoes of local saints and nobles linked to the Byzantine tradition. The Georgian form Konstantine has been in use since the Christianization of the kingdom in the 4th century.
Notable bearers include Konstantine Gamsakhurdia (1893–1975), a prominent Georgian writer who resisted Soviet oppression; his son, also named Konstantine Gamsakhurdia (born 1961), who became a prominent politician. Other figures from history include Konstantine Bagration of Mukhrani (1838–1903 and 1889–1915)—both princes in the Bagrationi dynasty—and Konstantine Dadeshkeliani (1826–1857), a Georgian prince executed after a revolt. In modern times, Konstantine Janashia (born 1990) is a Georgian strongman athlete.
The name is widely used across Eastern Europe and the Balkans in local forms. Some existing related versions include Albanian Kostandin, Belarusian Kanstantsin, Serbian Konstantin (as well as Kosta), Macedonian Kostadin, and Dutch Constantijn. The common meaning across these languages stays tied to the Latin ideals of constancy and perseverance.
- Meaning: “constant, steadfast” (from Latin Constans)
- Origin: Georgian form of the Latin Constantinus
- Type: First name
- Usage: Primarily Georgian
- Famous bearers: Konstantine Gamsakhurdia (writer), Konstantine Bagration of Mukhrani (prince), Konstantine Janashia (athlete)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Konstantine