How to Change Your Last Name: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing your last name can be a significant life decision. Whether you're seeking to shed a past or embrace a new identity, understanding the process is crucial. This guide will provide you with the essential information on how to legally change your last name in various jurisdictions and scenarios.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith," a common surname of occupational origin, referring to a person who worked with metal.

2. **Johnson:** Derived from the English word "John," meaning "God is gracious," a patronymic surname meaning "son of John."

3. **Williams:** Originating from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector," a patronymic surname meaning "son of William."

4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion, or someone who lived near a brown object.

5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "John," meaning "God is gracious," meaning "son of John."

6. **Miller:** An occupational surname referring to a person who grinds grain into flour, derived from the Old English word "millere."

7. **Davis:** Derived from the Welsh name "David," meaning "beloved," a patronymic surname meaning "son of David."

8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the Basque word "garci," meaning "spear" or "lance," a common surname in Spain and Latin America.

9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish patronymic surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."

10. **Wilson:** An occupational surname meaning "son of the farmer," derived from the Old English words "wine" (wine) and "sunu" (son).

11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived near a moor, a type of open, uncultivated land.

12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, referring to a person who makes or repairs clothes, derived from the Old English word "tailleur."

13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."

14. **Thomas:** Derived from the Aramaic name "Thoma," meaning "twin," a common surname of biblical origin.

15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," derived from the English name "Jack," a diminutive of "John."

16. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with white hair or complexion, or someone who lived in a white house.

17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," derived from the Germanic name "Hari," meaning "army."

18. **Martin:** Derived from the Latin name "Martius," meaning "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war, a common surname of Roman origin.

19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "Thoma," meaning "twin."

20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "dedicated to Mars," the Roman god of war.

21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," derived from the English name "Robin," a diminutive of "Robert."

22. **Clark:** An occupational surname, referring to a person who worked as a scribe or secretary, derived from the Latin word "clericus."

23. **Lewis:** Derived from the Welsh name "Llewellyn," meaning "lion-like," a common surname of Welsh origin.

24. **Lee:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived near a meadow or clearing, derived from the Old English word "lēah."

25. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to a person who walks or travels, derived from the Old English word "wealcan."

26. **Hall:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived in or near a hall, a large building.

27. **Allen:** Derived from the Old English word "ælf," meaning "elf," a common surname of Germanic origin.

28. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to a young person, often used as a patronymic surname meaning "son of Young."

29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Germanic name "Hermann," meaning "army man."

30. **King:** An occupational surname, referring to a person who rules a kingdom, derived from the Old English word "cyning."

31. **Wright:** An occupational surname, referring to a person who builds or repairs things, derived from the Old English word "wyrhta."

32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Latin name "Lupus," meaning "wolf."

33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived on or near a hill.

34. **Scott:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived in or near Scotland, derived from the Gaelic word "sgotadh."

35. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived in or near a green area, or someone who had green hair or complexion.

36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the biblical name "Adam," meaning "man."

37. **Baker:** An occupational surname, referring to a person who bakes bread, derived from the Old English word "bācere."

38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Germanic name "Gonzalo," meaning "battle-worthy."

39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Neil," meaning "champion."

40. **Carter:** An occupational surname, referring to a person who transports goods by cart, derived from the Old English word "cart."