Cohen is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #314 in 2017 with 1,100 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 1,590 births ranking #225. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 4,682.6%. In 2017, approximately 1 in every 1,682 boys born was named Cohen. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Cohen comes from a Hebrew surname meaning "priest". As a modern first name it is chosen mainly for sound and style, but it also carries a strong and specific religious heritage.
In Jewish tradition, Cohen is an important hereditary priestly surname rather than a neutral historical first name. Because of that, its use as a given name can be viewed differently depending on cultural background.