"steadfast, constant, unwavering"
Constance
Pronunciation: [ k-AHNST-uhns ]
A timeless virtue name meaning 'steadfast'
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Constance
Constance derives from the Latin 'constantia,' meaning steadfastness, firmness, or perseverance. It was popularized by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (272-337 CE), and his daughter Constantia became a Christian saint. The name traveled through medieval Europe as a virtue name — parents literally naming their daughters 'steadfastness.'
Constance was a standard given name in England and France from the medieval period through the early 20th century. It fell from fashion in the mid-20th century but is now experiencing a renaissance as parents rediscover Victorian and Edwardian names.
In Norman England, Constance was a royal name — William the Conqueror's daughter was Constance of Normandy. In France, Constance carries literary and aristocratic associations. Saint Constance, daughter of Emperor Constantine, is venerated in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
Fun Facts
- Constance of Normandy was the daughter of William the Conqueror and became Duchess of Brittany
- Constance Garnett's translations introduced Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and Chekhov to English-speaking readers
Constance in Other Languages
Famous People Named Constance
Constance Wu
Actor
1982
American actress known for Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and the TV series Fresh Off the Boat
Constance Garnett
Writer
1861
British translator who introduced major Russian literary works — Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Chekhov — to English-speaking rea...
British translator who introduced major Russian literary works — Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Chekhov — to English-speaking readers
Constance of Normandy
Royalty
1066
Daughter of William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders, who became Duchess of Brittany
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,646
- Total SSA Count
- 125
- Cultural Origins
- French English European American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Constance is also used as a boy name, ranked #33999.
View Constance as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Constance
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About the Name Constance
Constance is a girl name with French, English, European, and American origins . The name means "steadfast, constant, unwavering" in Latin constantia .
Is Constance a boy or girl name? Constance is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,646 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #33,999. Constance is more commonly used as a girl name.
Constance is currently ranked #1,646 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Constance has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AHNST-uhns, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Constance include Connie, Conny, and Stancie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.