konstantinos

Konstantinos is a masculine given name of Greek origin. In modern Greek the form is Κωνσταντίνος, and the name has long been common in Greece and among Greek-speaking communities. It appears in other languages as Constantine (English), Constantino (Italian and Spanish), and Konstantin (German and several Slavic languages).

The name derives from the Greek konstantos, meaning “standing firm, steadfast” or “constant.” It has been associated with constancy and reliability. Its prestige grew through historical figures such as Constantine the Great, who in Greek is Κωνσταντῖνος, and who helped popularize the name across Europe in Christian and Byzantine contexts.

Diminutives and variants are widespread. Common Greek diminutives include Kostas and Kostis, and the female form is Konstantina. Across languages, related variants include Constantijn (Dutch), Constantino (Spanish/Italian/Portuguese), and Konstantin (German/Slavic). The name also appears in many cultures with local spellings while retaining the same root meaning.

Notable bearers include Constantine the Great, a foundational figure in Late Antiquity associated with the adoption of Christianity in the Roman Empire. In contemporary Greece, Konstantinos Karamanlis and Konstantinos Mitsotakis are prominent statesmen who served as prime minister and/or president, illustrating the name’s continued prominence in Greek public life.

See also Constantine (name); Kostas; Konstantin.