Cohen Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cohen come from? What does the surname Cohen mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cohen and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Kaplan, Barkan, Cagan, Cahn, Cogan, Cohens, Cohn, Kagen, Kahane, Kann, Kasdan, Katz, Koen, Kogan, Kogen, Kohen, Kohn, Kohner
Surname Cohen Origin: What does the last name Cohen mean?
The surname Cohen originates from Hebrew and is derived from the word "kohen," meaning "priest." It is a common Jewish surname, with many individuals having patrilineal ancestors who were priests in the Temple of Jerusalem. Not all individuals with the surname are priests, but it often signifies a connection to the priestly lineage. The surname Cohen has various variants and derivations, such as Cahn, Coen, Cohan, and Kohn, reflecting its spread across different languages and regions.
YourRoots data reveals that the Cohen surname first appeared in records from Italy in the early 16th century. Over the centuries, it spread to countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, and the United States, indicating its global dispersion. By the 20th century, the United States had the highest frequency of the Cohen surname in YourRoots database, showcasing its widespread presence. This enduring surname signifies a connection to priestly ancestry and has a rich history that has transcended borders and cultures.
Cohen Last Name History: Where did the last name Cohen come from?
Origin of Cohen Surname: Where does the last name Cohen originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Cohen first appeared in records from Italy during the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Cohen” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Cohen: What does the Cohen surname history look like in the early days?
The “Cohen” surname remained closely associated with Italy in the 16th century. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of Cohen family records had grown in Germany, and by the 18th century, the Netherlands had the most records. This suggests a significant growth and spread of the Cohen surname during these centuries. Other countries that also have Cohen family records during this period include Russia and the United States, further indicating its global dispersion.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cohen surname today?
By the 19th century, the volume of records with the Cohen surname had grown significantly in Russia. The United States, however, had surpassed all other countries by the 20th century in the frequency of the Cohen surname in the YourRoots database. Despite the high volume in the United States, the surname Cohen is globally spread and can be found in countries like Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, and many others.
Explore Cohen last name heritage and Cohen surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cohen Surame?
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Norman Cohen (Sep 21, 1934 - Nov 7, 2016) was a Canadian songwriter, singer, poet, and novelist. Known for his exploration of themes like faith, love, and mortality, he was inducted into multiple music halls of fame and received prestigious awards for his literary work.
Lynn Cohen
Lynn Harriette Cohen (August 10, 1933 - February 14, 2020) was an American actress known for her roles in popular franchises like Sex and the City and The Hunger Games. She also appeared in Law & Order and various films, showcasing her talent for portraying powerful women.
Horace Cohen
Horace Joshua Cohen (born Oct 15, 1971) is an American-Dutch actor and comedian. He has starred in Dutch cinema hits like "Black Out" and "Amsterdam Vice." Cohen also appeared in TV shows like "Goede tijden, slechte tijden" and reality competitions such as "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!"
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