"priest"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Cohen
Pronunciation: [ k-OH-uhn ]
Does Cohen flow with your last name?
An ancient priestly title reborn as a modern first name
Jewish American
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Strong
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Things to Know About This Name
- Cohen is a Jewish priestly surname and sacred title (Kohen); some Jewish communities consider using it as a first name culturally inappropriate or disrespectful to the priestly lineage
The Story of Cohen
Cohen comes from the Hebrew 'kohen' (כּהֵן), meaning 'priest.' In Judaism, Kohanim (plural) are descendants of Aaron, the first high priest, who served in the Temple in Jerusalem. After the Temple's destruction in 70 CE, Kohanim retained special religious roles and restrictions in Jewish law. The Cohen surname is among the most common Jewish surnames worldwide, indicating priestly lineage. As a first name, Cohen is almost exclusively a modern American innovation from the late 20th century.
Cohen emerged as a given name in the US in the 2000s-2010s, likely driven by the general trend of using surnames as first names. It became particularly popular in non-Jewish families attracted by its strong, clean sound. Some Jewish organizations and rabbis have expressed concern about using a sacred priestly title as a casual first name, while others are more relaxed about it.
In Jewish tradition, Kohanim (priests) maintain special religious status today — performing the Priestly Blessing in synagogues, avoiding ritual impurity, and holding honored roles in communities. The name Cohen carries enormous weight in Jewish heritage. Directors Joel and Ethan Coen (alternate spelling) add cinematic cultural cachet.
Historical Record
Cohen first appeared in US Social Security records in 1956.
Over 21,316 babies have been named Cohen in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cohen is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #239 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kohanim (priests) still perform the Priestly Blessing in synagogues today, a tradition dating to the time of Moses
- Cohen is one of the most common Jewish surnames, estimated to be carried by about 3-5% of Jews worldwide
- Filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen (the Coen Brothers) use an alternate spelling of the surname
Cohen in Other Languages
French
Cohen
Hebrew
כּהֵן (Kohen)
Spanish
Cohen
Yiddish
Koyen
Popularity Over Time
#239
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cohen
S
Sacha Baron Cohen
Actor
1971
British comedian and actor known for Borat, Ali G, Bruno, and The Dictator
L
Leonard Cohen
Musician
1934
Canadian singer-songwriter and poet, known for Hallelujah, Suzanne, and Bird on the Wire; one of music's great poets
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #239
- Total SSA Count
- 1,475
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish American American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Co
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, American 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
-
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
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cohen is also used as a girl name, ranked #5178.
View Cohen as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cohen
What does the name Cohen mean?
"priest" (from Hebrew). Cohen comes from the Hebrew 'kohen' (כּהֵן), meaning 'priest.' In Judaism, Kohanim (plural) are descendants of Aaron, the first high priest, who served in the Temple in Jerusalem. After the Temple's destruction in 70 CE, Kohanim retained special religious roles and restrictions in Jewish law. The Cohen surname is among the most common Jewish surnames worldwide, indicating priestly lineage. As a first name, Cohen is almost exclusively a modern American innovation from the late 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Cohen?
Cohen has Hebrew, Jewish American, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "priest".
Is Cohen a boy or girl name?
Cohen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #239. As a girl name, it is ranked #5178. 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 #239 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Cohen?
Popular middle name pairings include Cohen James, Cohen Elliott, Cohen Asher, Cohen Grey, Cohen Reed, Cohen Miles, and Cohen Beckett.
What are good sibling names for Cohen?
Names that pair well with Cohen as siblings include Levi, Asher, Greyson, Elliott, Stella, Nora, and Piper.
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 a popular name, ranked #239 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Cohen
Cohen is a boy name with Jewish American and American origins . The name means "priest" in Hebrew .
Is Cohen a boy or girl name? Cohen is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #239 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #5,178. Cohen is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cohen is currently ranked #239 in popularity for boy 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. 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