What Does the Name Cohen Mean?
Cohen is a boy's name of Hebrew (Jewish surname) origin meaning “priest.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Cohen |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | Hebrew (Jewish surname) |
| Meaning | priest |
| Variants | Cohan, Kohen, Koen, Cowen |
| Popularity | A modern given-name trend in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand from the 2000s onward, though its adoption is culturally sensitive. |
The meaning and origin of Cohen
The name Cohen means “priest” and has Hebrew (Jewish surname) origins. Cohen derives from the Hebrew word 'kohen', meaning 'priest', and traditionally denotes descent from the priestly line of Aaron. Its modern use as a given name, often inspired by musician Leonard Cohen, is considered offensive by some in Jewish communities because of its sacred surname status.
Variants and related names
Cohen is related to several other names you may recognize: Cohan, Kohen, Koen, Cowen. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Cohen?
A modern given-name trend in the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand from the 2000s onward, though its adoption is culturally sensitive.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cohen mean?+
The name Cohen means “priest” and is of Hebrew (Jewish surname) origin.
What is the origin of the name Cohen?+
Cohen originates from Hebrew (Jewish surname).
Is Cohen a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Cohen has trended in the US over time.
Cohen by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press