Kohen is a name of Hebrew origin that has been used for centuries to denote individuals who are part of the priestly caste in Judaism. The name itself comes from the Hebrew word "kohen," which means "priest." In Jewish tradition, Kohens are considered to be descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first High Priest.
The history of the Kohen surname is deeply rooted in ancient Jewish culture. According to biblical accounts, when Moses received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, he appointed his brother Aaron as the High Priest. From that point forward, Aaron's descendants became known as Kohens, and they were responsible for performing various religious duties within the Temple in Jerusalem.
Over time, the Kohen name and its associated responsibilities evolved with the Jewish community. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, Kohens continued to serve important roles in Jewish life, such as teaching Torah, leading prayer services, and performing other ritual functions. Today, many Jews around the world carry on these traditions, often referring to themselves as "Cohens" or "Kohanim."
Despite its religious connotations, the Kohen name has also spread beyond strictly Jewish circles and can be found among individuals of various faiths and backgrounds today. Regardless of their beliefs, those who bear this name share a unique connection to ancient history and cultural heritage that spans thousands of years.
The name Kohen experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with a steady rise in births from the late 90s to a peak in recent years. In 2023, there were 837 babies named Kohen, marking an astonishing growth from just 6 births in 1996. This trend suggests that the name has become increasingly favored among parents over the past two and a half decades.