Cohen - appropriate first name?

[Happygolucky233]

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.

My understanding is that it's a very special name in Judaism, so may be more of an issue than an Old Testament name.

It would be like naming someone Priest or Vicar or Pope. So could be problematic.

I wouldn't because I believe that it's a particular honour surname linked to priest groups/branches of Judaism.

Cohen wouldn't be used by many observant Jewish people and a culturally significant surname on a non-jewish person would seen odd to me.

It was and still is one of my favourite names ♥️♥️ it x

Don’t. As you’ve said it has significance in a culture that’s not yours. At best it’ll lead to a lifetime of explaining, worse offensive.
Conrad
Caelen
Coltyn (bit check the meaning)

There was a child in my dds class whose name I thought was Cohen but turned out to be a Turkish name that sounded very similar but was spelled differently. Might that work? I’ll try and find out what it was (dd is asleep).

Boy or girl?

Coen is a Dutch name I believe. Sounds the same but without the meaning.

It is lovely.

But in context.

I've taught 5 Cohens in secondary over the last 6 years. I've only heard it in this specific school (huge comp in East Central Scotland). So not unusual here, and I can't assume, but the children did not appear outwardly religious.

I have a Cohen. I became obsessed with the name early on and then after almost losing him and spending lots of time talking to him ( whilst pregnant) I couldn’t bear to change it after he came through.

it’s not commonly found outside of the Jewish community and I’m always aware that some may find it offensive.

We do get a lot of compliments from people that are unaware of its origin

No, it’s absolutely a common Jewish name and your child will forever be assumed to be Jewish. That may bother them when they’re older, even if you don’t care.

I know a few families who have a Cohen. Their siblings are very much of the Jayden/Kayden/Lacey type vibe.

It's inappropriate. Don't do it.

If you must, calm him Coen

Perhaps another spelling would help? I have a friend with a Coen. (They are a Jewish family).

As I understand it calling a child Cohen is considered disrespectful by the Jewish community.

I know a Cowan which is pronounced the same way.

Just no. It isn't "a popular Jewish surname", it is the surname of people believed in Judaism to be the descendants of Aaron, the priestly family. It has a special and particular ritual significance.

Totally inappropriate. Please don’t

My neighbour’s boy is a Coen. The dad is a traveller/ gypsy.

As a first name?!

Yes as a first name. I wondered if it was a Gaelic name.

I don’t think it’s appropriate. I have taught a child called Cohen before though.

I know a Coen. It's a German name, the family being of German heritage (and not Jewish).

It’s a strange choice if you have no Jewish heritage, and if you are Jewish you would be very unlikely to use it as a given name as it’s a patrilineal surname. If you like Hebrew names there are lots of lovely options which don’t have the same religious significance.