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Costa

Pronunciation: [ k-AWST-ah ]

Boy Name #5,514 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A Mediterranean shore name with ancient Latin roots

Italian Spanish Portuguese Greek
Strong Classic Earthy Bold

Meaning & Origin

"coast, shore"
Origin: Latin
Language: Italian
"rib, side"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
"short form of Konstantinos"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek

The Story of Costa

Costa derives from the Latin costa, meaning rib, side, or coast/shore. As a surname it spread widely across Mediterranean Europe — Italians, Spaniards, Portuguese, and Greeks all carry it. As a given name it is most common in Greece (spelled Kostas, a short form of Konstantinos) and in Italian and Iberian communities where family surnames are recycled as first names.

Costa is primarily used as a given name in Greek, Italian, and Spanish-speaking communities, where surname-as-first-name traditions are strong. In the English-speaking world it remains rare but is gaining subtle appeal as parents seek Mediterranean-flavored names.

In Greece, Kostas is one of the most beloved male names, a familiar short form of Konstantinos. In Portugal and Brazil, Costa is a very common surname, often appearing in the names of footballers and celebrities.

Fun Facts

  • Costa is one of the most common surnames in Portugal and Brazil
  • Kostas (the Greek form) is a short form of Konstantinos, meaning steadfast

Costa in Other Languages

Greek Κώστας
Arabic كوستا
Italian Costa
Spanish Costa
Portuguese Costa

Popularity Over Time

#5,514
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast Based on SSA data 1880–present

Famous People Named Costa

K

Kostas Antetokounmpo

Athlete

1997

Greek-Nigerian NBA basketball player, brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo

D

Diego Costa

Athlete

1988

Brazilian-Spanish professional footballer known for his aggressive playing style at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea

S

Sadie Costa Fictional

Other

Fictional character in various soap operas and dramas

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#5,514
Total SSA Count
17
Cultural Origins
Italian Spanish Portuguese Greek
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Common Nicknames

Cos

Middle Name Ideas

Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style

Sibling Names

Luca Marco Sofia Elena Dario Nina Leonardo

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Similar Names

Kosta

Compare Costa with...

Costa vs Kosta

Same Origin Names (Italian)

Olivia #1 Amelia #3 Theodore #4 Mia #5 Sophia #6 Isabella #7 Mateo #7 Lucas #9

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Costa

What does the name Costa mean?
"coast, shore" (from Latin). "rib, side" (from Latin). "short form of Konstantinos" (from Greek). Costa derives from the Latin costa, meaning rib, side, or coast/shore. As a surname it spread widely across Mediterranean Europe — Italians, Spaniards, Portuguese, and Greeks all carry it. As a given name it is most common in Greece (spelled Kostas, a short form of Konstantinos) and in Italian and Iberian communities where family surnames are recycled as first names.
What is the origin of the name Costa?
Costa has Latin, Greek, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese origins. In Latin, it means "coast, shore". In Latin, it means "rib, side". In Greek, it means "short form of Konstantinos".
Is Costa a boy or girl name?
Costa is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Costa?
Costa is pronounced k-AWST-ah.
How popular is the name Costa?
Costa is currently ranked #5514 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Costa?
Common nicknames for Costa include Cos.
What are good middle names for Costa?
Popular middle name pairings include Costa James, Costa Michael, Costa Alexander, Costa Luke, Costa Rafael, Costa Marco, and Costa Antonio.
What are good sibling names for Costa?
Names that pair well with Costa as siblings include Luca, Marco, Sofia, Elena, Dario, Nina, and Leonardo.
How many syllables does Costa have?
Costa has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Costa a common or rare name?
Costa is an uncommon name, ranked #5514 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Costa

Costa is a boy name with Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Greek origins . The name means "coast, shore" in Latin .

Costa is currently ranked #5,514 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Costa has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-AWST-ah, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Costa include Cos. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

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