Liam Patel

By Liam Patel
Linguistics Researcher

Updated on September 03, 2024

Cohen

US Popularity Rank: 464

Origin: Gaelic

Meaning: Priest; WIld goose

Cohen is a gender-neutral name of Hebrew origin, meaning "priest." Primarily a surname, but Cohen has risen in popularity as a first name throughout the US in recent years. But this name and term is the priestly caste descended from the prophet and elder brother of Moses, Aaron, in Hebrew tradition. Cohen also has Gaelic roots. This is the Anglicized spelling of the Old Irish surname "O'Cadhain" (pronounced o-kyne) or "O'Comhdhain" (o-coyne), derived from the Gaelic word "cadhan," meaning "wild goose." However, the rambunctious energy in this little moniker couldn't possibly be contained to one spelling. Variations include "Cowan," "Cowen," and "Coen." So when it comes to variations, the Gaelic version or an homage to the Coen brothers could be your golden ticket—or egg!

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