Most Common Last Name in America: A Comprehensive List

Finding the most common last name in America can be a fascinating journey into the history and demographics of the nation. With a diverse population, the United States boasts a wide range of surnames, each with its own unique story. This comprehensive list explores the most common last names in America, uncovering their origins and meanings, providing valuable insights into the tapestry of American identity.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith," a skilled artisan who worked with metal.
2. **Johnson:** Derived from the common given name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Meaning "descendant of William," a popular given name of Germanic origin, meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to the color brown, perhaps indicating a profession related to tanning or a physical characteristic.
5. **Jones:** An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "John," meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname originating from the Basque word "garci," meaning "bear."
7. **Miller:** An occupational surname meaning "one who grinds grain."
8. **Davis:** An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Dafydd," meaning "beloved."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "descendant of Rodrigo," a popular given name of Germanic origin.
10. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of William," a popular given name of Germanic origin, meaning "resolute protector."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname meaning "moorland dweller."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname meaning "one who cuts cloth."
13. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," a given name of Greek origin, meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A given name of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John, meaning "God is gracious."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to the color white, possibly indicating a profession related to bleaching or a physical characteristic.
17. **Harris:** An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Harri," meaning "son of Harry."
18. **Martin:** A given name of Latin origin, meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," a given name of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname originating from the Basque word "garci," meaning "bear."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martín," a given name of Latin origin, meaning "warlike."
22. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert, meaning "bright fame."
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname meaning "scribe" or "secretary."
24. **Lewis:** A given name of Germanic origin, meaning "famous warrior."
25. **Lee:** A topographic surname meaning "clearing in a forest."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who walks."
27. **Hall:** A topographic surname meaning "dwelling place."
28. **Allen:** A given name of Germanic origin, meaning "noble."
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to a person's age.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a popular given name of Germanic origin.
31. **King:** An occupational surname referring to a ruler.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname meaning "craftsman."
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
34. **Hill:** A topographic surname meaning "hill."
35. **Scott:** A given name of Gaelic origin, meaning "Scotsman."
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to the color green, possibly indicating a place of residence or a physical characteristic.
37. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who bakes bread."
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "battle-eager."
40. **Nelson:** Meaning "son of Neil," a given name of Gaelic origin, meaning "champion."
41. **Carter:** An occupational surname meaning "one who transports goods by cart."
42. **Mitchell:** Meaning "son of Michael," a given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "who is like God?"
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," a given name of Latin origin, meaning "stone."
44. **Roberts:** Meaning "son of Robert," a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "bright fame."
45. **Turner:** An occupational surname meaning "one who turns wood."
46. **Phillips:** Meaning "son of Philip," a given name of Greek origin, meaning "lover of horses."
47. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth."
48. **Parker:** An occupational surname meaning "one who keeps a park."
49. **Evans:** An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Evan," meaning "God is gracious."
50. **Edwards:** Meaning "son of Edward," a given name of Old English origin, meaning "wealthy guardian."