Find out how popular the first name Cohen has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cohen by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Cohen is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Cohen being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,404 male babies and 39 female babies born with the name Cohen.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 39 baby girls were named Cohen in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Cohen

The name Cohen has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew word "kohen," which means "priest." This word traces its roots back to ancient Semitic languages, with similar spellings found in Aramaic and Arabic.

In the Hebrew Bible, the Kohanim were members of the priestly caste responsible for worship and sacrificial rituals in the ancient Israelite temples. The name Cohen was originally used to refer to individuals belonging to this specific lineage and vocation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cohen can be found in the Book of Exodus, where Aaron, the brother of Moses, is referred to as a Kohen. The Kohanim are also mentioned extensively in the Book of Leviticus, which outlines their duties and responsibilities within the Israelite religious tradition.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Cohen. One of the most famous was Rabbi Akiva ben Joseph, a prominent Jewish scholar and leader who lived in the 2nd century CE. He played a crucial role in the development of Rabbinic Judaism and is revered for his teachings and martyrdom.

Another notable Cohen was Simhah ben Samuel of Vitry, a French Talmudic scholar who lived in the 12th century. He is best known for his work "Mahzor Vitry," a comprehensive guide to Jewish liturgy and customs.

In the realm of philosophy, we find Moses ben Maimon, also known as Maimonides, a 12th-century Jewish philosopher, astronomer, and one of the most influential figures in medieval Jewish thought. His works, such as the "Mishneh Torah" and "Guide for the Perplexed," had a lasting impact on Jewish law and theology.

Moving forward in time, we encounter Hermann Cohen, a German philosopher who lived from 1842 to 1918. He was a prominent figure in the neo-Kantian movement and made significant contributions to the fields of ethics, aesthetics, and Jewish philosophy.

Finally, we have Leonard Cohen, the renowned Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist, who lived from 1934 to 2016. He is best known for his poetic and introspective lyrics, as well as his iconic songs like "Hallelujah" and "Suzanne."

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cohen was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cohen, please contact us.

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