Taking the name back of Cohen

I want to change my name. The surname I’m using is not mine but the name of my mothers husband as she didn’t want the world to know I was not his daughter. I don’t want to take my birth name as my father was never around. I’d like to take my maternal grandfathers name cohen but I’m uncertain of the possibility of proving his name. When he came from Iraq to Israel in 50s, they asked him, where are your family and what is your name?. He pointed to his family and said shama (there) and they recorded that as his name. From that point they all lost their name Cohen. I’d like to take it back for the family line. So two questions, do I need to prove the lineage to change to that name? And secondly if I change to Cohen does that restrict me ever marrying a convert?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

A last name/family name has little relevance in halacha, though, as you note, a family name could be a “hint” into different issues of lineage.

You are not a Kohen, and changing your name to “Cohen” will not give you any Kohanic status. As such, you would be permitted to marry a convert even though you would be using the name “Cohen.”

That being said, it is very unadvised to change your name to Kohen. This is because, as mentioned, even though a family name has no halachic status, it is indeed used as a starting point to determine various issues.

Using the name “Cohen” would give the impression to those in the community that you are a Kohen when you are not. This could raise eyebrows and cause discomfort when attending funerals or if you decide to marry a convert or divorcee. You would be doing nothing wrong, yet it will appear to onlookers that you are doing something very wrong.

As such, we recommend that you do not change your name to Kohen. It is reasonable to use the family name of one’s adopted parents or of one’s biological parents. To take the family name of a maternal grandfather is virtually unheard of and will only complicate your social status as just mentioned.

Should your adopted last name or your biological last name not be an option for you, you are ultimately entitled to choose a different name, but don’t choose one that could give onlookers the wrong impression

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