MallowbyNames

Kohen

KOH-hen · Priest, or one of priestly descent in Judaism.

2025 rank (boys)
#295
Babies named in 2025
1,143
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 1,494 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1998

Rising since 1998, #295 for boys today.

Popularity of Kohen since 1996

Babies named Kohen per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3817621.1k200020102020Most births 2025Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1990s12
2000s845
2010s2,945
2020s4,605

Meaning & origin

Kohen is a modern given name derived from the Hebrew word for "priest." It first appeared in U.S. records in 1996 and has steadily risen in popularity, reaching rank 295 by 2025, its peak year so far. The name's 1-in-1,494 frequency reflects its growing appeal, especially in states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Kohen follows a trajectory of rising usage since 1998, aligning with the broader trend of biblical and Hebrew-inspired names. While its religious significance is clear, parents may choose it for its strong sound and spiritual resonance.

Kohen is the Hebrew word for 'priest,' specifically a descendant of Aaron. In Jewish tradition, the status of kohen is hereditary. The name began to be used as a given name in the late 20th century, influenced by the surname Cohen and a broader trend of using biblical or Hebrew words as first names.

Where Kohen is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Koh, Ko

Variants: Cohen, Koen, Cohan

Sibling names for Kohen

Names that share Kohen's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Levi, Noa, Maya, Shira, Talia, Brixtyn

Brothers: Ezra, Asher, Levi, Jonah, Micah

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kohen, our favorite little boy.

K is for Kohen…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kohen's letter becomes Kohen's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kohen's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kohen mean?
Kohen means 'priest' in Hebrew, specifically referring to a Jewish priest or descendant of Aaron.
How popular is the name Kohen?
As of 2025, Kohen ranked 295th among boys' names in the U.S., with about 1 in every 1,494 boys given the name.
Is Kohen a boy's name or a girl's name?
Kohen is almost exclusively used as a boy's name.