Kostas
A boy's name of Greek origin with 365 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A transliteration of the Greek male given name Κώστας (Kóstas).
Kostas is a boy's baby name of Greek origin, a Greek diminutive of Konstantinos (Constantine), from the Latin constans meaning 'constant', 'steadfast,' or 'firm' — a name borne by the first Christian Roman Emperor.
Kostas is widely used across Greece, Cyprus, and the Greek diaspora, where it's both an independent name and a familiar form of Konstantinos. Constantine the Great's conversion to Christianity in 313 CE made this name one of the most consequential in Western history.
EtymologyShow more
Kostas first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1961. Arriving in the 1960s, Kostas appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
Its Greek classification suggests a path from greek linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kostas has 45+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1961.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 25 | #9195 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 45 | #11434 | — |
| 2000s | 45 | #8519 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 22 | #9010 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 90 | #5022 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 107 | #3537 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 31 | #4324 | — |
The Story of Kostas
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1974, Kostas is a Gen X staple. Boys named Kostas are most likely born between 1964 and 1984.
How rare is Kostas?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Kostas is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1961, peaked in the 1970s with 107 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Kostas by the numbers
- Would fill 8 school buses
- Meeting one Kostas per day would take 1 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(45 years, 1961–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 | #8016 |
| 2022 | 7 | #10389 |
| 2020 | 8 | #9180 |
| 2019 | 5 | #13237 |
| 2016 | 5 | #13348 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13179 |
| 2014 | 5 | #13184 |
| 2012 | 8 | #9352 |
| 2011 | 8 | #9240 |
| 2010 | 9 | #8499 |
| 2009 | 12 | #7055 |
| 2008 | 7 | #10547 |
| 2007 | 10 | #7924 |
| 2005 | 7 | #9690 |
| 2002 | 9 | #7380 |
| 1998 | 5 | #10563 |
| 1997 | 6 | #8780 |
| 1991 | 6 | #7815 |
| 1990 | 5 | #8883 |
| 1989 | 6 | #7484 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kostas a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kostas most popular?
How popular is the name Kostas?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1961–2023