Most Common U.S. Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the most prevalent surnames in the United States, their fascinating origins, and the rich tapestry of meanings woven into their history. Explore the linguistic and cultural significance of these last names, offering a glimpse into the diverse heritage of America.
1. Smith: A common occupational name for blacksmiths, derived from the Old English word "smiþ."
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 protector."
4. Brown: A descriptive surname for people with brown hair or complexion, 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 grinds grain into flour, derived from the Middle English word "millere."
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," derived from the Basque name "Garci," meaning "spear."
9. Rodriguez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."
10. Wilson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
11. Moore: A descriptive surname for someone who lives near a moor or bog, derived from the Old English word "mōr."
12. Taylor: An occupational surname for someone who cuts and sews cloth, derived from the Middle English word "tailour."
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," derived from the Hebrew name "Jacob," meaning "supplanter."
16. White: A descriptive surname for someone with white hair or complexion, derived from the Old English word "hwīt."
17. Harris: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," derived from the Germanic name "Harimann," meaning "army man."
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. Garcia: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Garcia," derived from the Basque name "Garci," meaning "spear."
21. Martinez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
22. Robinson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodberht," meaning "bright fame."
23. Clark: An occupational surname for someone who serves as a clerk or scribe, derived from the Middle English word "clerk."
24. Lewis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis," derived from the French name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
25. Lee: A descriptive surname for someone who lives near a clearing in the forest or meadow, derived from the Old English word "lēah."
26. Walker: An occupational surname for someone who travels on foot, derived from the Old English word "wealcan."
27. Hall: A descriptive surname for someone who lives near a hall or large house, derived from the Old English word "hāl."
28. Allen: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," derived from the Gaelic name "Ailán," meaning "handsome."
29. Young: A descriptive surname for someone who is young in age, derived from the Old English word "geong."
30. Hernandez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Hernando," derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand," meaning "peaceful journey."
31. King: An occupational surname for someone who rules as a king, derived from the Old English word "cyning."
32. Wright: An occupational surname for someone who works as a carpenter or builder, derived from the Old English word "wrihta."
33. Lopez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lope," derived from the Basque name "Lope," meaning "wolf."
34. Hill: A descriptive surname for someone who lives on or near a hill, derived from the Old English word "hyll."
35. Scott: A descriptive surname for someone who comes from Scotland, derived from the Gaelic word "Sgota."
36. Green: A descriptive surname for someone who lives near a green area or field, derived from the Old English word "grēne."
37. Adams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name "Adam," meaning "man."
38. Baker: An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread, derived from the Old English word "bācere."
39. Gonzalez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gunthild," meaning "battle-strong."
40. Nelson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Niall," meaning "champion."