Ostankinsky district is named after Ostankino village, which existed on the site before urbanization. Its name literally means 'remains'; however, despite popular misconception, it was not built on a graveyard. 16th-century sources refer to the village as Ostashkovo, from the Christian name Eustachy.[3]
As a populated place Ostankino has been known at least since the Russian Time of Troubles, but it is better associated with the Sheremetiev estate in the form of a park and palace complex. During the dissolution of the Soviet Union it gained even more fame with its television tower and television centre.