Cohen?

[Seagull94]

OH has been so set on Arlo and for him to suggest anything else is a miracle. His suggestion today was Cohen. I'm not sure what I think - I know it has Jewish connections, but after saying it aloud a lot it's sort of growing on me. There were over 160 Cohen's born in the UK last year.

Thoughts?

I really like it

I personally find it a bit inappropriate to use as a first name. It's a really important Jewish name and it's akin to naming your child "priest". I do see its appeal as a nice sounding word but still feel it's inappropriate

I'd find it a bit tasteless, to be honest.
Cohen is an honorary title, passed down through the generations, with a specific role in the synagogue prayers and respected within the Jewish community.

Would you name your child Archbishop? Hajji? Guru? It would be very similar to that.

Really tasteless and inappropriate
Arlo is lovely

It's a lovely sounding word/name, but I don't think it's appropriate without any connection to the faith.

I much prefer Cohen to all the Arlos out there. There's sooooooooo many!

I agree that it's inappropriate to use. I would add the that one carrying the name that many people view as insensitive is your child and not you. I don't think it's fair to put that burden on a child.

I wouldn't have known the religious connotations without the PPs.
It's a lovely sounding name but I'd probably avoid it if you live near a large Jewish community...or have any close friends who are Jewish.

Sorry didn't see all the connections just thought it was a nice name.

If you're Jewish it's good but otherwise not appropriate.

No. For the reasons above.

Totally inappropriate and culturally insensitive.

Obviously neither of you are fans of Terry Pratchett.

Thanks everyone! I showed this to OH and he agrees.

So that's back to square one! 😂 Arlo is SOOOOO popular now 😫

My faves are

Max
Jude
Isaac
Caspar
Elijah

So stressful 😂

Would it make a difference if it was spelt Coen? Genuine question - sorry if I’m being ignorant. I didn’t know about the connotations before reading the pp. I know a non-Jewish Coen.

From your list I really like Casper.

I love Jude, Isaac and Elijah. Not keen on Arlo - it seems too much like a nickname or a shortened version of something.

I met a woman with a little Coen - she told me she understood it was offensive to use the name Cohen, but apparently ok with the altered spelling. But I’ve not had this verified by a Jewish person, so certainly don’t take my word for it!

I’m afraid I am really not keen on Arlo, and can’t understand the recent widespread love for it. It just sounds so wet to me. I can’t imagine Arlo ripping off his shirt to reveal his bulging muscles, before winning the tug o’ war single handed, which is the sort of thing I’d want to be doing if I were a chap.

The Coen I know is Dutch, and it is pronounced like Koon, not Cohen. It's related to Conrad, and unrelated to Cohen. There may have been an upswing in Coens pronounced as Cohen to attempt to avoid cultural insensitivity.

I love the name Cohen but I only know it from the OC! Didn’t know about the cultural connotations, interesting.

If you like the sound of the word Cohen, what about Rowen (Rowan)?

Isaac is lovely.

@Seagull94 I like all of your other names! What about Rory, Oscar, Ezra, Finley, Asher

I like all your names except Caspar.
As a Jew, I wouldn't take offence to child being called Cohen. But it isn't used as a given name so I would find it weird tbh.
And, to add my unrequested opinion, I think Arlo will date really fast. Its having a monent and soon it will be totally over and naf.

Arlo is MUCH nicer. I like Jude and Casper from your suggestions

If you like Cohen what about Cole or Chester or Caleb?
Casper is lovely @Seagull94