What does the surname Kohn mean?

The surname Kohn means "Priest or a person of priestly descent.". It is of German/Yiddish origin.

How common is the Kohn surname?

There are approximately 20,000 people with the surname Kohn in the United States.

Are there Kohn soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 136 soldiers with the Kohn surname appear in Civil War records.

Kohn

Patronymic

Meaning

Priest or a person of priestly descent.

Etymology

Derived from Hebrew 'Kohen' (כהן) meaning priest, adopted into Yiddish and German-Jewish naming conventions. The surname indicates descent from the Jewish priestly class.

About the Kohn Surname

A Jewish surname indicating descent from the Kohanim (priestly class). The name was particularly common among Ashkenazi Jewish communities.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 20,000 bearers in the United States #842 most common surname

Rare Common

Widespread among Ashkenazi Jewish populations throughout Europe.

Kohn Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Kohn Surname

John Kohn

Quick Facts

Origin: German/Yiddish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 16th century
Estimated Bearers: 20,000

War Records

136 soldiers with the Kohn surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →