American Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of American last names, exploring their diverse origins and rich meanings. From traditional Anglo-Saxon surnames to unique immigrant contributions, this list offers a deep understanding of the history and heritage embedded within these common American last names.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith," a common occupation in medieval England.
2. **Johnson:** Meaning "son of John," a popular given name of biblical origin.
3. **Williams:** Meaning "son of William," another popular given name, derived from a Germanic word meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive name referring to a person with brown hair or skin.
5. **Jones:** Meaning "son of John," another variation on the popular given name.
6. **Miller:** Meaning "one who grinds grain," a common occupation in pre-industrial times.
7. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a biblical name meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf" or "warlike."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a name of Germanic origin.
10. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of William," a variation on the name "Williams."
11. **Moore:** Meaning "moor," a descriptive name referring to someone who lived near a moorland area.
12. **Taylor:** Meaning "one who cuts cloth," a common occupation in the textile industry.
13. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," a Greek name meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A name of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a diminutive form of the name "John."
16. **White:** A descriptive name referring to someone with fair skin or hair.
17. **Harris:** Meaning "son of Harry," a diminutive form of the name "Henry."
18. **Martin:** A name of Latin origin, meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," a common surname reflecting the popularity of the given name.
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf" or "warlike."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
22. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin," a popular nickname for the name "Robert."
23. **Clark:** Meaning "scribe," a common occupation in medieval times.
24. **Lewis:** A name of Germanic origin, meaning "famous warrior."
25. **Lee:** A descriptive name referring to someone who lived near a meadow or clearing.
26. **Walker:** Meaning "one who walks," a descriptive name referring to a person's occupation or lifestyle.
27. **Hall:** Meaning "dwelling place," a descriptive name referring to someone who lived near a hall or manor house.
28. **Allen:** A name of Germanic origin, meaning "nobleman."
29. **Young:** A descriptive name referring to someone who is young or youthful.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a name of Germanic origin.
31. **King:** A title of nobility, referring to a ruler.
32. **Wright:** Meaning "one who makes things," a descriptive name referring to a craftsman or artisan.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf" or "warlike," similar in origin to Garcia.
34. **Hill:** A descriptive name referring to someone who lived near a hill.
35. **Scott:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "from the Scots."
36. **Green:** A descriptive name referring to someone who lived near a green area or someone with green hair or eyes.
37. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
38. **Baker:** Meaning "one who bakes bread," a common occupation in pre-industrial times.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a name of Germanic origin.
40. **Nelson:** Meaning "son of Neil," a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
41. **Carter:** Meaning "one who transports goods by cart," a common occupation in the past.
42. **Mitchell:** Meaning "son of Michael," a Hebrew name meaning "who is like God?"
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," a Spanish name of Latin origin.
44. **Roberts:** Meaning "son of Robert," a popular given name of Germanic origin.
45. **Turner:** Meaning "one who turns wood or metal," a common occupation in the past.
46. **Phillips:** Meaning "son of Philip," a Greek name meaning "lover of horses."
47. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth," likely referring to a physical characteristic of an early ancestor.
48. **Parker:** Meaning "one who keeps the park," a descriptive name referring to an occupation.
49. **Evans:** Meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh name meaning "young warrior."
50. **Edwards:** Meaning "son of Edward," a Germanic name meaning "wealthy guardian."