Origin & Meaning of the Cohen Surname
What does the last name Cohen mean?
The surname Cohen carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 89,091 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cohen ranks as the #351 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cohen come from?
The Cohen surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Cohen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cohen trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Cohen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #351 |
| US Count (2010) | 89,091 |
| Per 100K People | 30.2 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cohen
According to the US Census, the Cohen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 89,091 Americans with the Cohen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.89% |
| Black | 5.97% |
| Hispanic | 3.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.11% |
| Two or More Races | 1.08% |
Popularity of Cohen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cohen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cohen surname increased by 1,865 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Cohen Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cohen ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Cohen Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Cohen Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Cohen
- ✓ The Cohen coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Cohen families live today
- ✓ Notable Cohen bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Cohen
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cohen.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Cohen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cohen
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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