Were people who are now known as "the Great" referred to like that in their lifetimes?

by wumao

For example:

Alexander the Great

Catherine the Great

Casimir the Great

Cyrus the Great

Darius the Great

Peter the Great

Did people actually call them "the Great", or was this title given to them post humously.

Searocksandtrees

hi! FYI, there's some info on Alexander in the FAQ -

Epithets "the Great", "the Terrible", etc.