Common American Last Names: A Comprehensive List and Meanings

This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings behind some of the most common American last names. Discovering the history and etymology of your surname can offer a unique glimpse into your family's heritage and the cultural influences that have shaped your lineage. Whether you're curious about your own last name or simply interested in exploring the fascinating world of American surnames, this list provides valuable insights and helps you appreciate the diverse tapestry of American ancestry.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for a person who worked as a blacksmith.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "one who comes from the Basque region."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname for someone who lived near or worked with a moor (a marshy area).
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry."
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "one who comes from the Basque region."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a scribe or secretary.
24. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lewis."
25. **Lee:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Leo."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker or messenger.
27. **Hall:** A place name surname, referring to someone who lived near a hall or manor.
28. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan."
29. **Young:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who was young or youthful.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
31. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king or ruler.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright (a skilled craftsman).
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope."
34. **Hill:** A place name surname, referring to someone who lived near a hill.
35. **Scott:** A place name surname, referring to someone who came from Scotland.
36. **Green:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived in a green or verdant area.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
41. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a cart driver.
42. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael."
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro."
44. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."
45. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a turner (someone who shapes wood or metal).
46. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip."
47. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth."
48. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a park keeper.
49. **Evans:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan."
50. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward."