Boy name · Hebrew
Cohen
“priest”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Cohen.
Explore Cohen further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Cohen — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Cohen is Hebrew kohen, priest — specifically the hereditary priestly line descended from Aaron, which is why it is one of the most common Jewish surnames in the world. It is a lineage marker rather than a given name.
Its recent use as a first name by non-Jewish English-speaking families is genuinely contested: many Jewish commentators consider it appropriative, since the word denotes a status a person is born into rather than a name that is given. Worth knowing before choosing it. Kohen is the alternate spelling.
Coby is the short form. Two syllables want two or three (Cohen Wilder, Cohen Ambrose). On our vibe map it is Modern Minimalist with Heirloom weight.
More Hebrew names
Cohen sits in our Hebrew set — these share its roots.
All Hebrew names →Cohen — common questions
Is Cohen a boy or girl name?
Cohen is traditionally a boy name of Hebrew origin.
What does the name Cohen mean?
Cohen means “priest” of Hebrew origin. Cohen is Hebrew kohen, priest — specifically the hereditary priestly line descended from Aaron, which is why it is one of the most common Jewish surnames in the world. It is a lineage marker rather than a given name.
Where does the name Cohen come from?
Cohen is Hebrew in origin. Its recent use as a first name by non-Jewish English-speaking families is genuinely contested: many Jewish commentators consider it appropriative, since the word denotes a status a person is born into rather than a name that is given. Worth knowing before choosing it. Kohen is the alternate spelling.
What are common nicknames for Cohen?
Co and Coby — the short-forms parents most often use for Cohen.
How popular is Cohen?
Cohen did not make the top 1,000 boys' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Cohen you might want for the nursery.