Cohen

The surname Cohen is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "kohen," meaning priest. It is a common Jewish surname, traditionally associated with individuals who were priests in the ancient Temple of Jerusalem. The Cohens were responsible for performing sacred rituals and overseeing religious ceremonies.

In Britain, the surname Cohen is found among Jewish communities, particularly those with Sephardic or Ashkenazi heritage. It is a prominent surname in Jewish genealogy and history, with many notable bearers shaping various fields, including arts, science, academia, and business.

Over the centuries, the Cohen surname has spread beyond Jewish communities, with some non-Jewish individuals adopting it due to intermarriages or conversions. As a result, the surname has become more diverse in its cultural and religious associations.

The Cohen surname has different variations in spelling, including Cohn, Kohn, and Coen. Despite these variations, the underlying significance of the surname remains rooted in Jewish history and tradition. Today, individuals with the surname Cohen can be found across the United Kingdom, contributing to the rich tapestry of British society with their diverse talents and backgrounds.

There are approximately 11,193 people named Cohen in the UK. That makes it the 817th most common surname in Britain. Around 172 in a million people in Britain are named Cohen.

Religion of origin: Jewish

Language of origin: Hebrew

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Simon

Female

  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Joanne
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Nicola
  • Rachel
  • Rebecca
  • Ruth
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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