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Last Name Cogen

What is the origin of the last name Cogen?

The surname "Cogen" is of French origin and is derived from the Old French word "cognement," which means "from the corner." It may have been used to identify someone who lived near a corner or a crossroads. Alternatively, it could have been an occupational name for a builder of corners in a building or fortification, such as a carpenter or mason. In some instances, the name could also be a nickname for someone with a round face or a stout build. The French Huguenots often spelled the surname as "Cognat" or "Cognot." It is most common today in France and among French-speaking communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cogen

The meaning and origin of the last name Cogen

The surname Cogen is of French origin and has its roots in Normandy. It derives from the Old French "cogne," meaning "axle" or "spindle." This name was likely given to someone who worked with these objects, perhaps a blacksmith or carpenter. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have evolved due to linguistic changes and migration patterns. The surname Cogen can be found in various countries today, particularly in France and its former colonies, as well as in the United States, where it was brought by French immigrants. Despite its historical roots, the distribution of this surname is relatively low compared to other common French surnames, making it a unique family name for many of those who bear it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cogen

The surname Cogen has its origins primarily in France, where it is most densely concentrated in regions such as Normandy and Brittany. Historically, it was common among Jewish families in these areas, with many bearing the name Cohen, which means "priest" in Hebrew. Over time, variations of the name, including Cogen, have been adopted by some families. Today, smaller communities of individuals with this surname can be found in other parts of Western Europe, as well as in North and South America, particularly among descendants of French or Sephardic Jewish immigrants. In general, the distribution of the Cogen surname reflects the historical migration patterns of these groups.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cogen

The surname "Cogen" has several variations and spellings, some of which include: Cogan, Coogan, Cogin, Coggan, Coeghan, Cogean, Coygen, Coghan, and Coggins. These differences in spelling may be due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors during migration or assimilation into a new culture. It is important to note that while the variations may seem significant, they all stem from the original name which has an Old French origin, derived from the word "cogne," meaning "wedge" or "key." This indicates that the Cogen/Cogan family may have originated from a place where a wedge-shaped rock or key feature was prominent.

Famous people with the last name Cogen

Notable individuals with the surname Cogen include:

1. Marc Cogan (born 1942), an American film and television editor known for his work on films such as "Fiddler on the Roof," "Midnight Cowboy," and "Jaws."

2. David M. Cogen (born 1953), an American lawyer and businessman who is a partner at Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman LLP, a New York-based law firm. He has represented clients such as Donald Trump and Harvey Weinstein.

3. Rachel Cogen (born 1987), an American screenwriter and producer known for her work on "Pitch Perfect" and its sequel. She was also a staff writer on the television series "Gilmore Girls" and "UnREAL."

4. Richard Cogen (1933-2015), an American lawyer and legal scholar. He served as a professor at Yale Law School for over three decades, teaching courses in civil procedure and federal jurisdiction.

Genealogical research on the last name Cogen

The surname Cogen is primarily of Jewish origin, originating from the medieval Jewish communities in France and Germany. The name is thought to be derived from the occupational name "Kögen" or "Cougen", which referred to someone who was a cook or baker. The first recorded use of the name dates back to the Middle Ages, with notable bearers such as Rabbi Isaac Cogen (12th century), a prominent Talmudic scholar, and Judah Cogen (16th century), a rabbi in Worms, Germany. In modern times, the family can be found in various parts of Europe, North America, and Israel, having dispersed during the Jewish Diaspora and the expulsions from Spain and Portugal in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Notable contemporary Cogens include Alan Cogen, a renowned American screenwriter, and Lior Cogen, an Israeli author.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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