Costa is a name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin word 'costa', which means 'coast' or 'side'. It was originally used as a surname, given to people who lived near the coast or were involved in coastal activities such as fishing and trading.
The name Costa has been popular throughout history, particularly in Italy and other Mediterranean countries. One of the most notable figures with the surname Costa is Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who discovered the Americas for Spain. His family name was actually Colombo, but it was later changed to Costa during his lifetime.
In recent years, Costa has become more commonly used as a given name, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and among people of Mediterranean descent. It is often chosen for its strong and distinctive sound, as well as its connection to the sea and coastal regions.
Overall, Costa is a name with deep roots in Italian history and culture, but it also has a modern appeal that makes it popular around the world today.
The name Costa has seen a steady increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1916 and 2023, there were a total of 308 babies named Costa born in the U.S., with the most recent years showing a significant surge in popularity.
In the early to mid-20th century, the name Costa was quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded from 1916 to 1979. However, starting in the late 1970s and continuing into the 1980s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Costa, with years like 1977, 1978, and 1979 seeing between 6 to 7 births each.
The 1990s saw a slight dip in popularity, with only one year (1999) recording more than 5 births. However, the early 2000s marked a turning point for the name Costa, with 8 babies born in 2003 and 6 in both 2006 and 2009.
The most recent data from 2011 to 2023 shows an impressive rise in popularity for the name Costa. Starting with 5 births in 2011, the number of babies named Costa has consistently increased each year, reaching a record high of 18 births in 2021 and 11 births in 2022.
This upward trend suggests that the name Costa is becoming increasingly popular among parents in the United States. As more families choose this name for their newborns, it will be interesting to see if this trend continues or if there are any fluctuations in popularity in the coming years.