 Born ca.1132/33, Andronikos Kontostephanos was the third and youngest son of Stephen Kontostephanos, who held the title "panhypersebastos" and the rank of "megas doux", and the 'purple-born' princess Anna Komnene, daughter of Emperor John II Komnenos (reigned 1118–43) and his empress Irene of Hungary; he was thus the nephew of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos (r. 1143–80).Andronikos had two older brothers, John and Alexios, and a sister, Irene.