Kostas is a Greek masculine given name derived from the ancient Greek word 'koštī́kós', which means "from Kos" or "of Kos". Kos is an island in the Dodecanese group of islands, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. The name Kostas has been used historically as both a personal name and a nickname for people from Kos.
The earliest known use of the name Kostas dates back to ancient Greece, although it was not particularly popular during that period. However, its usage became more widespread during the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 AD), when many people adopted names derived from places or regions as a means of identifying their origin.
After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Kostas continued to be used in Greece and other areas under Greek influence. It was particularly popular among families who had migrated from Kos island. Today, Kostas remains a common name in Greece and the Greek diaspora communities around the world.
There is no specific saint associated with the name Kostas, nor any particular feast day dedicated to individuals bearing this name. However, some Orthodox Christians named Kostas may celebrate their patron saint's day on June 14th, which commemorates Saint Constantine of Tarnovo, a Bulgarian monk and miracle worker from the Middle Ages.
In conclusion, Kostas is an ancient Greek name with a straightforward meaning related to its place of origin. Despite not having any associated feast days or particular personality traits linked to it, this name carries historical significance as evidence of migration patterns and cultural exchange between various regions in Greece over centuries.
The given statistics track the number of babies named Kostas born annually in the United States from 1961 to 2023. Over this period, there have been a total of 364 births.
The name Kostas gained some popularity during certain periods with notable spikes occurring in 1971 and 1983, with 16 and 15 births respectively. However, the number of births has generally fluctuated over time, ranging from as low as 5 to as high as 15 in a single year.
Interestingly, there seems to be a resurgence in popularity for the name Kostas in recent years, with 8 births recorded in both 2020 and 2022, and an impressive 10 births recorded in 2023. This suggests that the name may still hold appeal for parents today.
Overall, while Kostas is not one of the most commonly used names in the United States, its consistent presence over several decades indicates that it has maintained a steady level of popularity among parents looking for unique and distinctive names for their children.