Popular Last Names in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive list dives deep into the origins and meanings behind the most popular surnames, offering insights into American ancestry and cultural trends. Whether you're interested in family history or just seeking a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of American names, this guide provides a fascinating exploration of the most frequently encountered last names in the USA.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith," a skilled metalworker.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, meaning "having brown hair or complexion."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who grinds grain."
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "one who is from Galicia."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who lives on a moor."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who cuts cloth."
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname, meaning "having fair skin or hair."
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry."
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "one who is from Galicia."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname, meaning "scribe or scholar."
24. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis."
25. **Lee:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lee."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who walks or travels."
27. **Hall:** A topographic surname, meaning "one who lives by a hall."
28. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan."
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname, meaning "young."
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
31. **King:** An occupational surname, meaning "a ruler."
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname, meaning "craftsman."
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope."
34. **Hill:** A topographic surname, meaning "one who lives on a hill."
35. **Scott:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Scot."
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname, meaning "having green color."
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread."
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
41. **Carter:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who transports goods."
42. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael."
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro."
44. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."
45. **Turner:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who turns wood."
46. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip."
47. **Campbell:** A topographic surname, meaning "one who lives by a field."
48. **Parker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who keeps park."
49. **Evans:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan."
50. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward."