Apostrophe 's' for Last Names: A Guide to Correct Usage

Using an apostrophe 's' to denote possession for last names is a common grammatical point of confusion. This guide will explore the rules and exceptions for using the apostrophe 's' with surnames, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your writing.
1. **Smith's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Smith. Example: "Smith's house is on the corner."
2. **Jones's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Jones. However, when a last name ends in "s," it's often acceptable to use just an apostrophe. Example: "Jones' house is on the corner."
3. **Williams'**: This indicates possession belonging to one Williams. Similar to "Jones," using just an apostrophe is often acceptable.
4. **Brown's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Brown. Example: "Brown's car is in the driveway."
5. **Davis's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Davis. However, using just an apostrophe ("Davis'") is common in modern usage.
6. **Garcia's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Garcia.
7. **Rodriguez's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Rodriguez. The use of just an apostrophe ("Rodriguez'") is becoming more frequent.
8. **Miller's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Miller.
9. **Wilson's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Wilson.
10. **Moore's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Moore.
11. **Taylor's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Taylor.
12. **Anderson's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Anderson.
13. **Thomas's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Thomas. Using "Thomas'" is also acceptable.
14. **Jackson's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Jackson.
15. **White's**: This indicates possession belonging to one White.
16. **Harris's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Harris. Using "Harris'" is also common.
17. **Martin's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Martin.
18. **Thompson's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Thompson. Using "Thompson'" is also acceptable.
19. **Garcia's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Garcia.
20. **Martinez's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Martinez.
21. **Robinson's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Robinson.
22. **Clark's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Clark.
23. **Lewis's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Lewis.
24. **Lee's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Lee.
25. **Walker's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Walker.
26. **Hall's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Hall.
27. **Allen's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Allen.
28. **Young's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Young.
29. **Hernandez's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Hernandez. Using "Hernandez'" is also acceptable.
30. **King's**: This indicates possession belonging to one King.
31. **Wright's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Wright.
32. **Lopez's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Lopez.
33. **Hill's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Hill.
34. **Scott's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Scott.
35. **Green's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Green.
36. **Adams's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Adams. Using "Adams'" is also acceptable.
37. **Baker's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Baker.
38. **Gonzalez's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Gonzalez.
39. **Nelson's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Nelson.
40. **Carter's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Carter.
41. **Mitchell's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Mitchell.
42. **Perez's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Perez.
43. **Roberts's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Roberts. Using "Roberts'" is also common.
44. **Turner's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Turner.
45. **Phillips's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Phillips. Using "Phillips'" is also common.
46. **Campbell's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Campbell.
47. **Parker's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Parker.
48. **Evans's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Evans. Using "Evans'" is also acceptable.
49. **Edwards's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Edwards. Using "Edwards'" is also acceptable.
50. **Collins's**: This indicates possession belonging to one Collins. Using "Collins'" is also acceptable.