Popular US Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings behind the most popular surnames, offering a glimpse into American history and cultural influences. Whether you're researching your family tree or simply interested in the fascinating world of names, this guide will provide valuable insights.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith," this name has its origins in Old English and signifies a person who worked with metal.
2. **Johnson:** Derived from the English word "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," which is of Germanic origin and means "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive name, it originated in Old English and refers to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** This patronymic surname means "son of John" and is of Welsh origin.
6. **Miller:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," which is of Hebrew origin and means "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "little warrior" or "bear."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," which is a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who lived near a spring or water source.
11. **Moore:** An English surname referring to someone who lived near a moor, a type of wetland.
12. **Taylor:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who was a tailor, a person who makes clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," which is of Greek origin and means "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A surname of Hebrew origin, meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," which is a shortened form of John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname, it refers to someone with white hair or fair complexion.
17. **Harris:** Derived from Old English, it means "son of Harry," which is a diminutive form of Henry.
18. **Martin:** A Latin surname meaning "warlike" or "devoted to Mars, the god of war."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who lived near a robin, a type of bird.
22. **Clark:** An Old English surname meaning "scribe" or "secretary."
23. **Lewis:** A surname of Welsh origin, meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A surname of English origin, meaning "meadow" or "clearing."
25. **Walker:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who worked as a walker, a person who walked to deliver goods or messages.
26. **Hall:** An Old English surname referring to someone who lived near a hall, a large house or building.
27. **Allen:** A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "handsome" or "noble."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname, it refers to someone who is young or youthful.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," which is a Germanic name meaning "brave leader."
30. **King:** A surname of English origin, referring to someone who was a king.
31. **Wright:** Derived from Old English, it means "artisan" or "craftsman."
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** An Old English surname referring to someone who lived near a hill.
34. **Scott:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "Scot."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname, it refers to someone who lived near a green area or had green hair.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who worked as a baker, a person who bakes bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," which is a Germanic name meaning "strong warrior."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," which is of Gaelic origin and means "champion."
40. **Carter:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who worked as a carter, a person who transported goods in a cart.
41. **Mitchell:** A surname of English origin, meaning "son of Michael," which is of Hebrew origin and means "who is like God?"
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Peter."
43. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert," which is of Germanic origin and means "bright fame."
44. **Turner:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who worked as a turner, a person who turned wood or metal on a lathe.
45. **Phillips:** A surname of Greek origin, meaning "lover of horses."
46. **Campbell:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked mouth."
47. **Parker:** Derived from Old English, it refers to someone who worked as a parker, a person who kept a park or enclosure.
48. **Evans:** A surname of Welsh origin, meaning "son of Evan," which is a Welsh form of John.
49. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward," which is of Old English origin and means "wealthy guardian."
50. **Collins:** A surname of English origin, meaning "son of Colin," which is a diminutive form of Nicholas.