Cohens

Cohens is an English-language plural form used to refer to people bearing the surname Cohen, or more broadly to the priestly lineage in Jewish tradition known as Kohanim. The surname Cohen derives from the Hebrew word kohen, meaning priest, and historically designated members of the priestly class descended from Aaron. In ancient Israel, Kohanim performed temple functions and laid hands for blessings; in modern practice, Kohanim may retain cultural identity associated with their heritage, though the priestly duties are not observed in the same way.

Cohen is a widely distributed surname among Jewish communities around the world. Variants include Cohn, Kohn, Kohan, Kohen, and Kogan. In Israel, Cohen is one of the most common surnames, and Cohens as a plural or anglicized form is used to refer to multiple individuals with that surname.

Notable individuals with the surname Cohen include Leonard Cohen, the Canadian singer-songwriter and poet, and Sacha Baron Cohen, the British-born actor and comedian known for Borat and Ali G. The surname has appeared across diverse fields, including literature, music, science, and politics, reflecting its broad diaspora presence.