Typical American Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common surnames in America? This comprehensive guide delves into the origins and meanings of popular American last names, providing insights into their historical significance and cultural impact. Discover the stories behind these names, from their humble beginnings to their widespread adoption across the nation.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for a blacksmith.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** Occupational surname for a miller, someone who works with grain.
7. **Davis:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of García."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a moor.
12. **Taylor:** Occupational surname for a tailor.
13. **Anderson:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair skin or hair.
17. **Harris:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry."
18. **Martin:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin."
19. **Thompson:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martín."
21. **Robinson:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
22. **Clark:** Occupational surname for a scribe or clerk.
23. **Lewis:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis."
24. **Lee:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a clearing in a forest.
25. **Walker:** Occupational surname for someone who walks or travels.
26. **Hall:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a hall.
27. **Allen:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan."
28. **Young:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. **King:** Occupational surname for a ruler or king.
31. **Wright:** Occupational surname for a craftsman, particularly a carpenter.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope."
33. **Hill:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives on a hill.
34. **Scott:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Scot."
35. **Green:** Descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a green space.
36. **Adams:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** Occupational surname for a baker.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. **Nelson:** Patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
40. **Carter:** Occupational surname for a cart driver.