Constant, derived from Latin 'constans', meaning steady or firm, is a masculine given name of Latin origin. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly among Christians who named their children after saints. The name was borne by several early Christian martyrs and saints, including Saint Constantius of Perigueux, a fourth-century bishop known for his unwavering faith.
In literature, the name Constant has been used in various works. One notable example is "Constantine" or "Kostantín" in Russian, which appears in the historical novel "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy. The character Constantine Bezukhov, also known as Prince Bolkonsky, plays a significant role in the story.
The name Constant has also been used in music. French singer and songwriter Johnny Hallyday released a song titled "Constant" on his 1964 album "Sang et lumière". The song is a tribute to constant love and devotion.
In art history, Constant was also the pseudonym of Dutch artist Cornelius van Beverloo (1920-2005), who played a significant role in the development of geometric abstraction and neoplasticism. His work included paintings, sculptures, and collages that explored the relationship between form, color, and space.
Overall, while not as commonly used today, the name Constant has a rich history rooted in ancient Christian martyrs, with notable appearances in literature and art throughout history.
The name Constant was popular in the late 1950s to early 1960s with consistent birth counts of 5 or 6 per year during that period. After a gap of nearly two decades, it reemerged in 1980 with another birth count of 5. Overall, there were 26 births named Constant over these years.