Surname Cohagen - Meaning and Origin

Cohagen: What does the surname Cohagen mean?

The surname Cohagen is of German origin and is relatively rare. The precise meaning is not clear as it does not appear to directly translate from German to English. The surname is likely derived from a place, a profession, or a characteristic of the original bearer. It is quite common for surnames to have such origins. Like many surnames that originated from Germany, it might have been influenced by the local dialect and the regional characteristics of the bearer's location. As a result, without specific historical knowledge of the surname's origin, the exact meaning of Cohagen remains uncertain. Also, surnames can undergo significant alterations in spelling and pronunciation over generations, making it harder to determine their initial meaning. It is always beneficial to research more specific family history or consult professional genealogists for a more precise understanding of individual surnames.

Cohagen: Where does the name Cohagen come from?

The surname Cohagen likely has German or Dutch origins, though the exact lineage is not easily traceable. It's possible that the name is a variant of an occupational name associated with the craft such as a cooper, or originated from a geographic feature. In the German and Dutch languages, "kohagen" may mean "cabbage garden," suggesting the name could be tied to farming.

As of today, Cohagen is not a prevalent surname globally. It is relatively rare, with the most substantial concentrations in the United States, particularly in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Montana. According to the 2010 United States census, less than 150 instances of the Cohagen surname are reported, indicating it is a quite uncommon surname even within this region. Instances of Cohagen outside of the United States are infrequent.

Variations of the surname Cohagen

The surname Cohagen is of German origin. Variations of this surname can be due to the area of origin, differences in language, or even family preference. Several spelling variations of the surname Cohagen can be found in historical documents and modern use, including Cohagan, Cohan, Cohane, and Kohen. The spelling variations arise from phonetic spelling by clerical registrars and shifts in language over time. Surnames such as Kohagen, Kohagan or Kohane may also be related.

Due to the way in which languages change from region to region, people from different areas may have developed similar surnames independently, leading to the existence of a variety of similarly spelled names that may not have the same origin. In terms of related surnames, it is important to note the similarity with Cohen, which is a common Jewish name of different origin (it means 'priest' in Hebrew). A more comprehensive genealogical investigation is needed to emphatically establish the connections between these surnames. It's also beneficial to keep in mind that surname origins can be complex and multifaceted, often influenced by migration, cultural shifts, and regional practices.

Famous people with the name Cohagen

• Robert Cohagen: American actor and producer known for his roles in The Milky Way and Terminus.
• Ellen Cohagen: American stage and screen actress who starred in the television series Skirts and received a Golden Globe nomination for her work in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath.
• Dave Cohagen: American musician and songwriter from the band Tech N9ne.
• Ted Cohagen: American professional golfer who had five career wins on the PGA Tour.
• Gary Cohagen: American gangster and bootlegger from the Prohibition era.
• Joe Cohagen: American film director and screenwriter, best known for his work on The Killer Inside Me and the Academy Award-winning documentary Last Days in Vietnam.
• Bryan Cohagen: American professional ice hockey player and coach in the NHL.
• Richard Cohagen: American novelist and poet, best known for his work The Autobiography of an American Novelist.
• Mark Cohagen: American news anchor and host of the CBS Evening News.
• Jack Cohagen: American politician and three-term United States Senator from Montana.

Other surnames

Cohagan