Cohen

Pronunciation: [ k-OH-uhn ]

Boy Name #239 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

An ancient priestly title reborn as a modern first name

Jewish American American

Bold Modern Unique Strong

Meaning & Origin

"priest"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

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.

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

Famous People Named Cohen

Sacha Baron Cohen

Actor

1971

British comedian and actor known for Borat, Ali G, Bruno, and The Dictator

Leonard Cohen

Musician

1934

Canadian singer-songwriter and poet, known for Hallelujah, Suzanne, and Bird on the Wire; one of music's great poets

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

Pairs Well With

Cohen James Cohen Elliott Cohen Asher Cohen Grey Cohen Reed Cohen Miles Cohen Beckett

Sibling Names

Levi Asher Greyson Elliott Stella Nora Piper

Also a Girl Name

Cohen is also used as a girl name, ranked #5178.

View Cohen as a girl name →

Similar Names

Oliver Clifton Evan Orin Alton Oren Olin Orrin

Playground Safety

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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 common nicknames for Cohen?

Common nicknames for Cohen include Co.

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.