"priest"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Cohen
Pronunciation: [ k-OH-uhn ]
Does Cohen flow with your last name?
A powerful Hebrew priestly name with modern edge
Jewish
American
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Bold
Modern
Unique
Strong
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Cohen
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Meaning & Origin
"high priest, descendant of Aaron"
Origin: Hebrew kohen
Language: Hebrew
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Things to Know About This Name
- Cohen is a hereditary Jewish priestly surname (Kohen); using it as a given name, especially by non-Jewish families, may be seen as culturally insensitive by some in the Jewish community
The Story of Cohen
Cohen (also spelled Kohen, Kohn, Cohn) derives from the Hebrew 'kohen' (כהן) meaning priest. It is not just a surname but a designation: Kohanim (plural) are Jewish men who trace their patrilineal descent from Aaron, brother of Moses, the first High Priest. The Cohen surname carries this priestly lineage — it is not simply a name but a designation of sacred role.
Cohen has grown as a given name in the United States, particularly in the 2010s, as parents have embraced its strong, modern sound. It follows a trend of Hebrew-origin surnames becoming given names (Levi, Zion, Eden). However, its use as a girl's name is quite unusual and reflects the broader trend of traditionally masculine names being used for girls.
For observant Jews, the name Cohen carries profound religious significance. Kohanim (priests) maintain specific religious obligations and restrictions even today, including the Priestly Blessing recited in synagogues. Using Cohen as a casual given name — especially by non-Jewish families — is considered culturally insensitive by many in the Jewish community.
Historical Record
Cohen first appeared in US Social Security records in 2005.
Over 352 babies have been named Cohen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cohen is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #5,178 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- DNA studies suggest that Jewish men with the surname Cohen are more likely to share a common Y-chromosome ancestor, consistent with the tradition of descent from Aaron
- Sacha Baron Cohen, Leonard Cohen, and Andy Cohen are among the most famous bearers of this surname
Cohen in Other Languages
Arabic
كوهين
Hebrew
כהן
Yiddish
Kohen
Israeli Hebrew
כֹּהֵן
Popularity Over Time
#5,178
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,178
- Total SSA Count
- 25
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish American English Israeli
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Co
Coco
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cohen
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Cohen is also used as a boy name, ranked #239.
View Cohen as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cohen
What does the name Cohen mean?
"priest" (from Hebrew). "high priest, descendant of Aaron" (from Hebrew kohen). Cohen (also spelled Kohen, Kohn, Cohn) derives from the Hebrew 'kohen' (כהן) meaning priest. It is not just a surname but a designation: Kohanim (plural) are Jewish men who trace their patrilineal descent from Aaron, brother of Moses, the first High Priest. The Cohen surname carries this priestly lineage — it is not simply a name but a designation of sacred role.
What is the origin of the name Cohen?
Cohen has Hebrew, Hebrew kohen, Jewish, American, English, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "priest". In Hebrew kohen, it means "high priest, descendant of Aaron".
Is Cohen a boy or girl name?
Cohen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #5178. As a boy name, it is ranked #239. Cohen is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cohen?
Cohen is pronounced k-OH-uhn.
How popular is the name Cohen?
Cohen is currently ranked #5178 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cohen?
Common nicknames for Cohen include Coco.
What are good middle names for Cohen?
Popular middle name pairings include Cohen Rose, Cohen Jane, Cohen Mae, Cohen Blair, Cohen Quinn, and Cohen Sage.
What are good sibling names for Cohen?
Names that pair well with Cohen as siblings include Levi, Zion, Shiloh, Eden, Zara, and Joelle.
How many syllables does Cohen have?
Cohen has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cohen a common or rare name?
Cohen is an uncommon name, ranked #5178 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Cohen
Cohen is a girl name with Jewish, American, English, and Israeli origins . The name means "priest" in Hebrew .
Is Cohen a boy or girl name? Cohen is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #5,178 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #239. Cohen is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cohen is currently ranked #5,178 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Cohen has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-OH-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cohen include Co and Coco. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis