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Coben

Boy name · 11 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Coben: 11 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2007.

Of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, Coben is a modern spelling variant of Cobhan, meaning “little victory” or “victorious.” This strength-focused name was likely derived from the Old Irish *cob*, related to triumph, combined with a diminutive suffix. While less widely known, its appeal echoes the style of trendier surnames-turned-first-names like Cohen, from which it is distinctly separate—Coben has no Hebrew priestly associations. In Scotland, the name has seen occasional use since the 2000s, reflecting a broader turn toward concise, bold names with a Celtic character. There are no widely famous bearers to date, though its resemblance to “Cobain” may spark associations with the late Nirvana frontman, Kurt Cobain, lending it an undercurrent of musical, creative cool.