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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Cohen - appropriate first name?

83 replies

Happygolucky233 · 20/01/2023 20:14

Love the sound and look of Cohen as a name. A quick google search suggests it’s a popular jewish surname.

Would it be disrespectful or have any negative connotations if we use Cohen as a first name, especially when we are not Jewish?

I’m not concerned about it being a surname - just like Taylor, Harvey, Mason etc - but wouldn’t want to offend.

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Original poster
Happygolucky233 · 20/01/2023 21:18

Thanks all. Will avoid.

The hunt for a name continues… 😁

OP posts:
maryberryslayers · 20/01/2023 21:19

Just change it to Cohan?

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 20/01/2023 21:19

Coen with no h is a Dutch form of Conrad and is unproblematic!

opencheese · 20/01/2023 21:25

yes, it's a Jewish surname

So not suitable

noodlezoodle · 20/01/2023 21:25

Is it the look or the sound you like? Because if it's the sound you could for Rowan?

Luredbyapomegranate · 20/01/2023 21:26

Find something else

AngelDelightUK · 20/01/2023 21:30

I know one but it’s spelt Coen

midsomermurderess · 20/01/2023 21:34

Isn't the Dutch name pronounced more like Koon?

LifeIsGreatForUnicorns · 20/01/2023 21:57

My godson is Named Cohan (it’s an Irish name)

Cinnamonandcoal · 20/01/2023 22:10

No please don't! Inappropriate. Coen sounds the same and is ok in my opinion. I'm Jewish.

GlassBunion · 20/01/2023 22:46

Cohen ( spelt that way) is a Jewish surname.

Find another name.

PaulRobinsonsSeventhWife · 20/01/2023 23:04

midsomermurderess · 20/01/2023 21:34

Isn't the Dutch name pronounced more like Koon?

Yup, which could also be problematic.

Can also be spelt Koen.

midsomermurderess · 20/01/2023 23:18

Yes, that could indeed be problematic.

Outfor150 · 20/01/2023 23:26

No, you can’t use Cohen. It’s really inappropriate. Coen does not sound the same either, as Pp have said. That’s more like coon, I think, so even worse.

Outfor150 · 20/01/2023 23:35

The Irish boy name Cian sounds somewhat similar, if you’ve any Irish links.

EveSix · 20/01/2023 23:58

How about Koan? It's term used in Zen Buddhism to describe a paradoxical anecdote or riddle without a solution, to demonstrate the inadequacy of logical reasoning and provoke enlightenment; such as "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" for instance.

pleaseandthankyou45 · 21/01/2023 00:08

Bizarre name to me

LakeTiticaca · 21/01/2023 00:13

There is no law forbidding you from calling a child whatever you choose.

I have a friend whose surname is Cohen. She lives in a Jewish area but is not Jewish.

Nobody cares, they just mind their own business and get on with their lives

dustydewdrop · 21/01/2023 00:15

When I first seen this thread I thought it seemed a very American name for some reason.

villamariavintrapp · 21/01/2023 00:22

Yes its disrespectful and inappropriate.

browlow · 21/01/2023 01:07

i think it is fine to use. People in South america are called Jesus, We know Mohammed is popular, God knows the folk called Krishna or Ram.

Stichintime · 21/01/2023 01:10

Why?

CallieQ · 21/01/2023 01:17

No!

Parentandteacher · 21/01/2023 01:50

I would assume they were Jewish and be confused/think it was odd if they weren’t.

It’s a bit like calling your baby Mohamed if you aren’t Muslim.

lifeinthehills · 21/01/2023 02:39

Cowan or Rowan?