Konstantin

Konstantin is a masculine given name of Greek origin. It derives from the name Konstantinos, meaning steadfast or constant. The form is used in many languages and regions, with variants such as Konstantin (Russian, German and Balkan usage), Konstantinos (Greek), Constantin (Romanian, some Western European contexts), and Constantijn (Dutch). Diminutives include Kostya or Kostik in Russian and Kostas in Greek. The English equivalent is Constantine.

Historically, the name is closely associated with Constantine the Great, a 4th-century emperor who played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity and founded the city of Constantinople. The name has been borne by saints and ecclesiastical figures across Christian traditions, contributing to its persistent popularity in various cultures.

Notable individuals named Konstantin span diverse fields. Konstantin Stanislavski (1863–1938) was a Russian actor and theatre director who developed a widely influential system for acting. Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857–1935) was a Russian pioneer of rocketry and space exploration. Konstantin Chernenko (1911–1985) served as Soviet political leader. Konstantin Päts (1874–1956) was an Estonian statesman and the first President of Estonia. Konstantin Wecker (born 1945) is a German singer-songwriter.

Usage and distribution: Konstantin remains common in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Serbia, and other parts of Eastern Europe, as well as in German-speaking countries. In Greece the form Konstantinos is more typical, while Romanian uses Constantin. The name also appears in various spellings and diminutives across cultures, reflecting its long history and broad religious and cultural associations.