Cohen is a name of Hebrew origin that has been used for centuries as both a surname and a given name. The name Cohen is derived from the Hebrew word "kohen," which means "priest." In Jewish culture, the Cohens are considered to be descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was the first High Priest of the Israelites.
The surname Cohen has been widely used throughout history as a way to identify those of Jewish descent. It is estimated that around 70% of all Jews with an Ashkenazi background have the surname Cohen or one of its many variants such as Kane, Cohn, Kahn, and Kohn. This high prevalence of the name can be attributed to the fact that many Jews adopted the surname Cohen during the Middle Ages as a way to maintain their Jewish identity while living in non-Jewish communities.
The given name Cohen has also gained popularity in recent years, particularly among families of Jewish descent looking for unique yet meaningful names for their children. While it is still more commonly used as a surname, Cohen has become an increasingly popular choice for boys' names in countries such as the United States and Israel.
In summary, Cohen is a name with deep roots in Jewish history and culture. Its meaning as "priest" reflects its original use among the Cohens, who were considered to be descendants of Aaron. Today, Cohen is widely recognized as a surname of Jewish origin, but it has also begun to gain traction as a given name for boys.
"The name Cohen experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with a notable spike in recent years. From 1912 to 2003, birth numbers ranged from 5 to 90, but starting from 2004, they dramatically increased, reaching as high as 1404 births in 2023."