United States Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Origins and Meanings

Are you curious about the origins and meanings behind some of the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide delves into the rich history and diverse cultural influences that shaped the surnames we see today. From Anglo-Saxon roots to European migrations, we explore the fascinating stories behind these names and the families that carry them.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "one who works with metal," particularly in the forging of iron or steel.
2. **Johnson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** Another English patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** An English surname derived from the color brown, likely referring to the person's hair color, complexion, or occupation.
5. **Jones:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who grinds grain into flour."
7. **Davis:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "bear."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** An English surname, meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An English surname, meaning "moor" or "heathland."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who cuts cloth."
13. **Anderson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** An English surname derived from the color white, likely referring to the person's hair color, complexion, or clothing.
17. **Harris:** An English surname, meaning "son of Harry."
18. **Martin:** A Latin surname, meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** An English surname, meaning "son of Robin."
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname, meaning "scribe" or "secretary."
23. **Lewis:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** An English surname, meaning "clearing in a wood."
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who walks or travels."
26. **Hall:** An English surname, meaning "dwelling place."
27. **Allen:** An English surname, meaning "handsome" or "noble."
28. **Young:** An English surname, meaning "young" or "youthful."
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. **King:** An English surname, meaning "ruler."
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname, meaning "craftsman" or "builder."
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** An English surname, meaning "elevated ground."
34. **Scott:** A Scottish surname, meaning "from Scotland."
35. **Green:** An English surname, meaning "green" or "grassy."
36. **Adams:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread."
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. **Nelson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who transports goods by cart."
41. **Mitchell:** An English surname, meaning "son of Michael."
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "pear."
43. **Roberts:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."
44. **Turner:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who turns wood."
45. **Phillips:** An English surname, meaning "son of Philip."
46. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth."
47. **Parker:** An occupational surname, meaning "keeper of a park."
48. **Evans:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan."
49. **Edwards:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward."
50. **Collins:** An English occupational surname, meaning "charcoal burner."