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Last Name Cohen-arazi

What is the origin of the last name Cohen-arazi?

The surname Cohen-Arazi is a combination of two Hebrew elements, "Cohen" and "Arazi." "Cohen" means priest in Hebrew and is one of the traditional Jewish patronymics derived from the tribe or caste to which an individual belonged. It was traditionally used by Jews of priestly descent. "Arazi," on the other hand, likely comes from the biblical name "Hori the Horite" (אֹרִי הוֹרִי in Hebrew), who is mentioned in the Book of Exodus as a prince of Edom. The surname might have been a geographical indication or a reference to this biblical figure. The combination Cohen-Arazi may represent someone with both priestly descent and geographical or familial connection to a specific region associated with Hori the Horite. However, it's important to note that the exact origin can vary based on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cohen-arazi

The meaning and origin of the last name Cohen-arazi

The surname Cohen-Arazi is of Hebrew origin, derived from two distinct elements: "Cohen" and "Arazi."

The word "Cohen" translates to "priest" in English, originating from the Old Testament where it was used to denote descendants of Aaron, who were the high priests of Israel. This surname, therefore, indicates a Jewish family lineage associated with the priesthood.

"Arazi," on the other hand, is an Arabic word meaning "fisherman." While the exact connection between the Cohen and Arazi lineages is unclear, it's possible that at some point, a Cohen may have adopted the name Arazi due to geographical or occupational reasons. The combination of these two elements creates the unique surname Cohen-Arazi, reflecting the blending of Hebrew and Arabic cultural influences in Jewish history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cohen-arazi

The surname Cohen-Arazi has its origins in Israel and is predominantly found among Jews of Sephardic and Mizrahi descent, originating from Middle Eastern and North African communities. Its distribution is concentrated primarily within Israel, with significant populations also found in the United States, France, Canada, and other countries with a substantial Jewish population. In Israel, Cohen-Arazi is most common among residents of cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jerusalem, and Ashdod, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Middle Eastern Jews. Globally, Cohen-Arazi ranks relatively low in frequency compared to other Jewish surnames, but within its regional communities, it holds a more prominent position. The name's popularity may be attributed to its Hebrew origins, meaning "priest of the lion," reflecting the biblical and religious significance often associated with Jewish names.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cohen-arazi

The surname Cohen-Arazí has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some common variants include:

1. Cohen-Arazi: This is the most standardized form, with hyphenated components that reflect its Hebrew origins. The first part, Cohen, means "priest" in Hebrew, while Arazi may refer to a "villager" or "inhabitant."

2. Cohan-Arazí: This variation omits the hyphens, which are not always used in Hebrew surnames but can be added for clarity when transliterated into other languages.

3. Cohen Arazi: In this version, the hyphens are replaced by a space between Cohen and Arazi, which is a common practice in some Middle Eastern cultures.

4. Cohan-Arazai: This form features an additional 'i' at the end of Arazi, which may reflect different transliteration conventions or personal preferences.

5. Cohen Arazi: Occasionally, Cohen-Arazi is written without a hyphen, although this spelling is less common compared to the other variations mentioned above.

Famous people with the last name Cohen-arazi

Cohen-Arai is a relatively uncommon surname, and its prominence is primarily associated with individuals from Israel and other Hebrew-speaking regions due to the name's Jewish origin. One notable figure with this last name is Avi Cohen-Arai, an Israeli former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. Another significant person is Oren Cohen-Arai, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he specializes in the field of political science, particularly focusing on Israeli politics and Middle Eastern affairs. Moreover, Dana Cohen-Arazi, an Israeli actress, gained recognition for her roles in several films and television shows, including "The Band's Visit" and "Fauda." These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements of people with the Cohen-Arai surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cohen-arazi

The Cohen-Arazis are a Sephardic Jewish family with origins traced back to the Iberian Peninsula before their displacement during the Spanish Inquisition in the late 15th century. The name Cohen-Arazi is a combination of two Hebrew elements: "Cohen," meaning priest, and "Arazi," indicating plowman or cultivator. Many Sephardic Jewish families, including the Cohen-Arazis, were forced to convert to Christianity or flee Spain and Portugal, eventually settling in the Ottoman Empire, North Africa, and the Mediterranean region. The Cohen-Arazis are believed to have resided primarily in Turkey, Greece, and Italy, with some branches migrating to Israel during the 20th century. Notable Cohen-Arazis include Yaakov Cohen-Arazi, an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset from 1949 to 1951, and Mordechai Cohen-Arazi, a prominent rabbi in Israel. Genealogical research on the Cohen-Arazis is ongoing, with family trees expanding as more records are uncovered and oral histories are preserved.

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 : 30 July 2025

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