Costas

Meaning & origin

Costas is a distinctly Greek name, derived from the once-dominant Constantine and used in Greece as a familiar short form. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1916 and peaked modestly in 1922, after which its usage declined and it fell off the official charts entirely. In recent years, Costas has been given to fewer than 5 boys annually across the country, but its trajectory since 2020 shows a slight uptick, suggesting a possible revival among families seeking heritage names. The name is rarely encountered in any U.S. state and remains strongly tied to Greek-American communities, where traditional forms like Costas continue to carry cultural weight alongside the longer Constantine. Its rarity today makes it an uncommon but meaningful choice for those with Greek roots, reflecting a trend toward the revival of early 20th century names.

Costas is a Greek diminutive of Constantine, which derives from the Latin name Constantinus, itself from the Roman cognomen Constans (meaning "constant, steadfast"). The name was popularized throughout the Christian world by Emperor Constantine the Great, and its Greek forms (including Costas) have been common in Greece since the Byzantine era. In modern usage, Costas is often a given name in its own right, particularly among Greek diaspora communities.