Coen

Updated: January 27, 2022 by MomsWhoThink Staff

Coen is a popular international baby name for boys. Considered a classic in both Dutch and Jewish cultures, Coen has undergone a revival as a top baby name of the 21st century. Coen is the namesake of several landmarks in the Netherlands, and it is also the name of a main character in the Witcher series. Keep reading to learn more about this name.

Meaning of the name Coen:

Dutch, German: Bold counsel
Hebrew: Priest
Indigenous Australian: Thunder

Origin of the name Coen:

Coen is a given name with three possible origins. Foremost, Coen is a short form of the Dutch name Coenraad. This name derives from the Germanic elements kuoni (meaning “brave”) and rad (meaning “counsel”). The common Dutch pronunciation is the one-syllable “KOON.” Alternatively, Coen is a variation of the Jewish surname Cohen. This name derives from the Hebrew word kōhēn (meaning “priest”). While many European Jews pronounce the name in one syllable (as reflected in the surname variation Cohn), some use the two-syllable pronunciation of “KOH-ən.” Finally, Coen can also derive from the Indigenous Australian word coen (meaning “thunder”).

Symbolism of the name Coen:

Coen is a contracted form of the Dutch name Coenraad (meaning “bold counsel”). Historically, one of the most famous bearers of the name was Coen Cuser. This Coen was a 14th century knight and the founder of an orphanage for the poor. Symbols of Coen include the knight's cross and the golden lion.