Most Popular Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most prevalent surnames in the United States? Understanding the prevalence of last names can provide insights into the historical and cultural makeup of the nation. This comprehensive list explores the most popular last names in the US, delving into their origins and meanings. From traditional family names to modern variations, this guide offers a detailed overview of the surnames that define American identity.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for someone who worked with metal. It is derived from the Old English word "smið," meaning "blacksmith."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, this time meaning "son of William," a Germanic name meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname denoting a person with brown hair or complexion. It derives from the Old English word "brūn."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," similar to Johnson, but with a different origin.
6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain. It comes from the Old English word "milnere."
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," a Hebrew name meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcia," a Germanic name meaning "spear-man."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," with a slightly different spelling than Williams.
11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname meaning "moor," referring to a large expanse of open land, often covered in heather.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational name for someone who works as a tailor, making and mending clothes. It comes from the Old French word "tailleur."
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," a Greek name meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," a Hebrew name meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a diminutive form of the name John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname denoting a person with fair skin or hair. It comes from the Old English word "hwit."
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a diminutive form of the name Henry.
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," a Latin name meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," with a different spelling than Thomas.
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," similar to Martin, but with a different origin.
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a diminutive form of the name Robert.
22. **Clark:** An occupational name for someone who works as a clerk, a scribe or administrator. It comes from the Old English word "clerc."
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis," a French name meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A descriptive surname referring to a person who lives near a meadow or clearing. It comes from the Old English word "lēah."
25. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who works as a walker, traveling on foot. It comes from the Old English word "wealcere."
26. **Hall:** A descriptive surname referring to a person who lives near a large building or estate. It comes from the Old English word "hāl."
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," a Germanic name meaning "noble."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname denoting a person who is youthful or inexperienced. It comes from the Old English word "geong."
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a Germanic name meaning "strong ruler."
30. **King:** An occupational name for someone who works as a ruler, a king. It comes from the Old English word "cyning."
31. **Wright:** An occupational name for someone who works as a craftsman, typically a carpenter or wheelwright. It comes from the Old English word "wrihta."
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," a Germanic name meaning "wolf-cub."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname referring to a person who lives on or near a hill. It comes from the Old English word "hyll."
34. **Scott:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Scot," referring to someone from Scotland.
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname denoting a person with green eyes or a person who lives near green vegetation. It comes from the Old English word "grēne."
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
37. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who works as a baker, making bread and other pastries. It comes from the Old English word "bācere."
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "brave warrior."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational name for someone who works as a carter, transporting goods by cart. It comes from the Old English word "ceart."