Cohen Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Cohen Name Meaning

Fact: Some Jews adopted the surname Cohen to avoid military drafts, as clergy were exempt from service in some regions​

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A Deep Dive

Cohen Overview

Meaning

Priest

Gender

Boy, Gender-neutral

Origin

Jewish, Hebrew

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew word “kohen,” meaning “priest.”

Religion

Judaism

Pronunciation

/ˈkoʊən/

Popularity

Cohen has become popular in English-speaking countries, particularly in the USA and Canada. In 2023, Cohen ranked #282 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

9 (Humanitarian, Selfless, Creative)

Name Styles

Traditional, Religious and Spiritual, Cool

Associated Traits

Noble, refined, gentle

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often associated with the Jewish priestly class (Kohanim) and carries significant religious meaning in Judaism.
A Deep Dive

Cohen Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Coen, Koen, Cowan, Kowan, Kohen

Common Nicknames

Coey, Coney, Coi, Neno, Koko

Diminutives

Co, Coco, Coey, Nene, Coh

Famous People

  • Leonard Cohen
    (Canadian Musician)
  • Sacha Baron Cohen
    (British Actor)
  • Michael Cohen
    (American Lawyer)
  • Paul Cohen
    (American Mathematician)
  • Brian Cohen
    (American Athlete)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Cohen
    ("The O.C.," TV Series)
  • "Cohen and Tate"
    (Film)
  • Leonard Cohen
    ("Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man," Documentary)
  • "The Ballad of Cohen the Barbarian"
    (Short Story by Terry Pratchett)
  • Cohen
    ("The Departed," Film)

Places

  • Cohen Stadium
    (Texas, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Cohen?

Cohen means “priest” or “priestly” in Hebrew. Individuals with the name Cohen are often perceived as strong leaders, carrying a sense of responsibility and tradition.

What Is the Origin of The Name Cohen?

The name Cohen has Hebrew origins, derived from the Hebrew word “kohen,” meaning “priest.” It is a significant name within Jewish tradition, historically associated with the priestly class.

Cohen Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Cohen in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2872021#2772022#2472023
Top 3 Rankings#2472023#2772022#2862020

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Cohen

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023247
(+30 from 2022)
1404
(+156 from 2022)
0.07667
2022277
(+10 from 2021)
1248
(+47 from 2021)
0.06663
2021287
(-1 from 2020)
1201
(+18 from 2020)
0.06410
2020286
(+13 from 2019)
1183
(+49 from 2019)
0.06396
2019299
(+6 from 2018)
1134
(+9 from 2018)
0.05901
2018305
(+9 from 2017)
1125
(+25 from 2017)
0.05788
2017314
(+7 from 2016)
1100
(+11 from 2016)
0.05558
2016321
(+15 from 2015)
1089
(+69 from 2015)
0.05376
2015336
(+6 from 2014)
1020
(+52 from 2014)
0.04989
2014342
(+27 from 2013)
968
(+128 from 2013)
0.04724
2013369
(-34 from 2012)
840
(-98 from 2012)
0.04157
2012335
(+2 from 2011)
938
(+41 from 2011)
0.04623
2011337
(+23 from 2010)
897
(+62 from 2010)
0.04416
2010360
(-34 from 2009)
835
(-149 from 2009)
0.04064
2009326
(+30 from 2008)
984
(+104 from 2008)
0.04640
2008356
(+35 from 2007)
880
(+106 from 2007)
0.04036
2007391
(+23 from 2006)
774
(+83 from 2006)
0.03494
2006414
(+18 from 2005)
691
(+73 from 2005)
0.03152
2005432
(+220 from 2004)
618
(+303 from 2004)
0.02905
2004652
(+799 from 2003)
315
(+225 from 2003)
0.01491
20031451
(+196 from 2002)
90
(+18 from 2002)
0.00428
20021647
(+438 from 2001)
72
(+22 from 2001)
0.00348
20012085
(-190 from 2000)
50
(-5 from 2000)
0.00242
20001895
(-71 from 1999)
55
(+1 from 1999)
0.00263
19991824
(+270 from 1998)
54
(+10 from 1998)
0.00265
19982094
(+452 from 1997)
44
(+13 from 1997)
0.00217
19972546
(+561 from 1996)
31
(+8 from 1996)
0.00155
19963107
(+945 from 1995)
23
(+8 from 1995)
0.00115
19954052
(+238 from 1994)
15
(+1 from 1994)
0.00075
19944290
(-1044 from 1993)
14
(-6 from 1993)
0.00069
19933246
(+91 from 1992)
20
(+1 from 1992)
0.00097
19923337
(+298 from 1991)
19
(+3 from 1991)
0.00091
19913635
(+1358 from 1990)
16
(+6 from 1990)
0.00075
19904993
(+622 from 1989)
10
(+2 from 1989)
0.00046
19895615
(-1912 from 1988)
8
(-5 from 1988)
0.00038
19883703
(+1857 from 1984)
13
(+7 from 1984)
0.00065
19870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19845560
(-1061 from 1983)
6
(-2 from 1983)
0.00032
19834499
(+1763 from 1981)
8
(+3 from 1981)
0.00043
19820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19816262
(-1859 from 1979)
5
(-3 from 1979)
0.00027
19800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19794403
(+656 from 1978)
8
(+2 from 1978)
0.00045
19785059
(-1023 from 1962)
6
(+1 from 1962)
0.00035
19770
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19760
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19750
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19740
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19710
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19650
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19624036
(-41 from 1957)
5
No change from 1957
0.00024
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19573995
(-55 from 1956)
5
No change from 1956
0.00023
19563940
(-249 from 1949)
5
No change from 1949
0.00023
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19493691
(-23 from 1948)
5
No change from 1948
0.00028
19483668
(-925 from 1945)
5
(-2 from 1945)
0.00028
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19452743
(+795 from 1943)
7
(+2 from 1943)
0.00051
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19433538
(-57 from 1939)
5
No change from 1939
0.00034
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19393481
(+282 from 1931)
5
No change from 1931
0.00044
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19313763
(+388 from 1928)
5
No change from 1928
0.00047
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19284151
(-1012 from 1926)
5
(-3 from 1926)
0.00044
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19263139
(-704 from 1925)
8
(-4 from 1925)
0.00070
19252435
(+1804 from 1923)
12
(+7 from 1923)
0.00104
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19234239
(-1892 from 1922)
5
(-8 from 1922)
0.00044
19222347
(+457 from 1921)
13
(+3 from 1921)
0.00116
19212804
(+404 from 1920)
10
(+2 from 1920)
0.00088
19203208
(-331 from 1919)
8
(-1 from 1919)
0.00073
19192877
(+851 from 1918)
9
(+3 from 1918)
0.00089
19183728
(-996 from 1917)
6
(-3 from 1917)
0.00057
19172732
(-236 from 1913)
9
(+3 from 1913)
0.00094
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19132496
(+48 from 1912)
6
(+1 from 1912)
0.00112
19122544
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00111
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Cohen

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#3062021#2892022#2692023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2162021#1612022#1632023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#842021#1122022#952023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#2022021#2032022#1882023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1492021#1652022#1752023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#9102021#7162022#6272023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#1102021#1342022#1622023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#2982021#3242022#2262023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#4082021#3802022#3832023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#1942021#1692022#1452023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2642021#2802022#1962023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#4112021#2692022#2682023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1622021#1882022#1472023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#3222021#3892022#2442023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#3162021#2962022#2832023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1302021#1772022#1172023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2702021#3162022#2632023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#1582021#1952022#932023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2012021#2412022#1862023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#2652021#1822022#982023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#1242021#1652022#1732023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3122021#2912022#2302023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#2942021#1552022#1742023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1752021#952022#1532023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#6462021#4502022#3342023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#3132021#3082022#1692023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#1292021#2062022#1552023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3312021#2432022#2642023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#3522021#4402022#3292023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#1102021#1442022#1232023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#8592021#7812022#7932023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1352021#872022#1162023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1112021#1412022#2332023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#4962021#5042022#4912023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1022021#1032022#1462023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2082021#2442022#2042023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2232021#2502022#1112023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#3082020#4032022#3942023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1892020#2432022#2412023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#7462019#5602022#6182023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2102021#1392022#2362023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#2232013#1342016#2112019

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#2082019#1862021

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#3222023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#10162016

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3882019

Popularity Rankings for Cohen in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#1392021#1422022#1452023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#1422021#1792022#1412023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2442021#1842022#2492023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2472021#2282022#2512023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#3292019#3542020#4462021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#7642019#6372020#5522021

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#7122018#6912019#7992021

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Cohen a Name for Boys or Girls?

Cohen is generally considered a male name due to its roots in Hebrew and its meaning related to male priests.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Cohen

  • Coey
  • Coney
  • Coi
  • Neno
  • Koko
  • Co
  • Coco
  • Coey
  • Nene
  • Coh

Cohen in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Leonard Cohen (Musician, 1934–2016): A Canadian singer-songwriter and poet whose deep, soulful music and lyrics have left a lasting legacy.
  • Sacha Baron Cohen (Actor, born 1971): A British actor and comedian famous for his satirical characters such as Borat and Ali G.
  • Michael Cohen (Lawyer, born 1966): An American attorney who served as a personal lawyer to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
  • Paul Cohen (Mathematician, 1934–2007): An American mathematician who made significant contributions to set theory and was awarded the Fields Medal.
  • Brian Cohen (Athlete, born 1980): An American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist who has competed in various wrestling promotions.
  • Randy Cohen (Columnist, born 1955): An American writer best known for his long-running advice column "The Ethicist" in The New York Times.
  • William S. Cohen (Politician, born 1940): An American politician who served as Secretary of Defense and as a U.S. Senator from Maine.
  • Joel Cohen (Composer, born 1942): An American musician and conductor specializing in early music and the founder of the Boston Camerata.
  • Elizabeth Cohen (Journalist, born 1968): An American senior medical correspondent for CNN who covers health and medical news.
  • Cohen ("The O.C.," 2003 TV Series): Seth Cohen, a quirky and sarcastic teenager, navigates life in the affluent Newport Beach.
  • "Cohen and Tate" (1989 Film): Follows two professional assassins who kidnap a young boy as part of a mob hit.
  • Leonard Cohen ("Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man," 2005 Documentary): Chronicles the life and career of the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter and poet.
  • "The Ballad of Cohen the Barbarian" (Short Story by Terry Pratchett, 1992): Features an aging barbarian hero who still has a few tricks up his sleeve.
  • Cohen ("The Departed," 2006 Film): A minor character involved in the intricate web of crime and deception in this crime thriller.
  • Cohen ("The Cohen Brothers," 1994 TV Series): A fictional sitcom about two brothers running a small detective agency.
  • "Cohen's Last Stand" (1978 Novel): A suspenseful tale about a retired detective pulled back into a complex case.
  • Sam Cohen ("The Marrying Man," 1991 Film): A character who is a wealthy playboy navigating the ups and downs of his romantic life.
  • Cohen Stadium (Texas, USA): A multi-purpose stadium in El Paso, formerly used for baseball and concerts.
  • Cohen Park (Illinois, USA): A small urban park located in Chicago, featuring playgrounds and green spaces.
  • Cohen State Park (Georgia, USA): A state park offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of Lake Hartwell.
  • Cohen House (Massachusetts, USA): A historic house in Brookline, notable for its architectural significance.
  • Cohen Bridge (New York, USA): A pedestrian bridge in Albany, spanning the Hudson River and connecting two major parks.
  • Cohen Hall (Tennessee, USA): An academic building on the campus of Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
  • Cohen Park (Ontario, Canada): A community park in Toronto, providing sports facilities and open spaces.
  • Cohen Medical Center (California, USA): A healthcare facility in Los Angeles, specializing in various medical services.

Similar Names to Cohen

Sibling Names for Cohen

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Helen Doanna

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