Cohen
The origin of the surname Cohen
Cohen (Kohen) means “priest,” marking descent from the ancient priestly line of Aaron.
How Hebrew surnames work
Jewish surnames arise from several traditions: priestly and Levite lineage (Cohen, Levi), patronymics with ben or bar (“son of”), places of origin, and occupations. Many Ashkenazi surnames were adopted or imposed in Europe in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including ornamental German-style names, while modern Israel saw many families Hebraise their surnames into Hebrew words.
Variants & spellings
- Kohen
- Kahn
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Cohen mean?
The surname Cohen means Priest. Cohen (Kohen) means “priest,” marking descent from the ancient priestly line of Aaron.
Where does the surname Cohen come from?
Cohen is a surname of Hebrew origin.
What kind of surname is Cohen?
Cohen is a other surname.
How common is the surname Cohen in the United States?
Cohen is the 320th most common surname in the United States (2010 U.S. Census), recorded for about 87,226 people.