My husband recently suggested [name_m]Cohen[/name_m] for a boy and I’m shocked because I really love it! (We rarely agree on names).
After looking it up here on NB, though, there was a note that it could be slightly offensive toward the Hebrew/Jewish communities because it means “priest” and/or is tied to a lineage of priesthood.
On paper, I think I prefer the [name_m]Cohen[/name_m] spelling, but being that this little red flag has risen, I’m wondering if [name_m]Coen[/name_m] would be a safer bet.
What do you think? Would you associate [name_m]Cohen[/name_m] in any sort of specific, religious, or offensive way? What spelling do you prefer? Does [name_m]Coen[/name_m] look wearable?
Side note: we are Christians and really hold the tenants and followers of Judaism in high regard so while I sort of love the nod to priesthood, I certainly don’t want to be tone-deaf if this is a widely understood “no-no” name (for lack of a better phrase).
Personally, as a Jew, I wouldn’t find anything offensive about it. We don’t consider this a first-name at all (though it’s a very common last name due to family heritage,) so it’s not like it’s an auspicious first-name choice only given to some people.
If I’d hear you call your son [name_m]Cohen[/name_m] in the park, or see it on paper I’d either assume:
You don’t know the Jewish significance, so it doesn’t make a difference
You didn’t realize that it’s not really given as a first-name
I’m also Jewish and I second pretty much everything that @flamingo said.
If I saw or heard someone call a child named [name_m]Cohen[/name_m] at the park or out and about I might roll my eyes a little and assume you hadn’t done any research, but I definitely wouldn’t be offended.
It’s closer to calling your kid Pharisee or Apostle.
I find it probably slightly weirder because you’re Christians. Because, as Flamingo said, it’s not at all a given first name in Judaism because of it’s important lineage meaning, so using it while still holding the Old Testament teachings seems a bit strange. The sons of [name_m]Aaron[/name_m] became the Cohenim if you like [name_m]Aaron[/name_m] with the priest link?
Another spelling is Cowen, if you’re not sold on [name_m]Coen[/name_m].
Overall, it’s not offensive, it’s just a bit strange because it’s just not at all a given first name within Judaism so it’s odd to see it being used that way. Strange but not culturally insensitive, in my opinion. All it really does is scream ‘we’re not Jewish’
Not religious and not super familiar with Judaism to speak on whether naming your child [name_m]Cohen[/name_m] would be offensive or in poor taste. I just wanted to say that [name_m]Coen[/name_m] personally seems a little incomplete, like a contraction. It reminds me of “co-op” for some reason. However, if I met a [name_m]Coen[/name_m], I probably wouldn’t think twice about the spelling now that it’s associated with a real person, especially because I know a Roen. I saw [name_m]Koen[/name_m] on the page for [name_m]Coen[/name_m], and I really like [name_m]Koen[/name_m]!
I know several Cohens and none have ever run into any problems regarding their name. A couple of them are from [name_m]Christian[/name_m] families, too.
I think [name_m]Kohen[/name_m] is the best alternative, personally.
(I am in Australia though, and I think it’s more common here)
