Most Common Last Name in the U.S.: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This article provides a comprehensive list of the most frequent surnames, along with their detailed meanings and origins. Understanding the prevalence and history of last names can offer valuable insights into American demographics and family heritage. Let's delve into the fascinating world of surnames and explore their rich tapestry of cultural significance.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith or metalworker, derived from the Old English word "smið."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protection."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or skin, derived from the Old English word "brūn."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Garcia," a popular Spanish given name.
9. **Rodriguez:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Spanish given name meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protection."
11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a moor or marshland, derived from the Old English word "mōr."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John, derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or hair, derived from the Old English word "hwīt."
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry, derived from the Germanic name "Heimrich," meaning "home ruler."
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
20. **Martinez:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert, derived from the Germanic name "Hrodebert," meaning "bright fame."
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a clerk or scribe.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis," derived from the Germanic name "Ludwig," meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a clearing or meadow, derived from the Old English word "lēah."
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker, a type of messenger or courier.
26. **Hall:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a hall or manor house, derived from the Old English word "hāl."
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," derived from the Celtic name "Alan," meaning "handsome."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who was young or youthful, derived from the Old English word "geong."
29. **Hernandez:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Hernando," a Spanish given name meaning "brave and strong."
30. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king or ruler.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright, a craftsman or builder.
32. **Lopez:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lope," a Spanish given name meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived on or near a hill, derived from the Old English word "hyll."
34. **Scott:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived in Scotland, derived from the Gaelic word "Scots."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a green or meadow, derived from the Old English word "grēne."
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name "Adam," meaning "man."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, making bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Spanish given name meaning "warlike."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Neil," meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter, transporting goods by cart.