Cohen

Cohen is a Jewish surname of biblical origin. It is a common Jewish surname, and it means "priest" in Hebrew. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "kohen", which refers to the priests of the Temple in Jerusalem. The descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, were designated as the priestly class, known as the Kohanim.

The surname Cohen is common among Ashkenazi Jews, who have a tradition of patrilineal descent. However, it is also found among Sephardic Jews and other Jewish communities around the world.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Cohen comes from the Hebrew word "kohen", which means "priest". This term was used to refer to the priests of the Temple in Jerusalem, who were descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses. According to the Torah, Aaron and his descendants were chosen by God to serve as the priests of the Israelites.

The Kohanim had special duties and privileges in the Temple, including performing sacrifices and other religious rituals. They also had a special status in the community and were subject to certain restrictions, such as not being allowed to marry a divorcee or a convert.

Distribution

Cohen is a common surname among Jews, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews. It is one of the most common Jewish surnames in the United States and Israel. However, it is also found among Sephardic Jews and other Jewish communities around the world.

Notable People

There are many notable people with the surname Cohen, including:

• Leonard Cohen, a Canadian singer-songwriter and poet.
• Sacha Baron Cohen, a British comedian and actor.
• William S. Cohen, a former U.S. Secretary of Defense.
• Eli Cohen, an Israeli spy.

See Also

• Kohen
• List of people with surname Cohen
• Jewish surnames

Cohen Resources
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