Most Popular Last Names in America: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in America? This list delves into the origins and meanings of the most popular surnames, offering insights into the rich tapestry of American ancestry. From classic Anglo-Saxon roots to diverse cultural influences, this comprehensive guide reveals the stories behind the names that shape our nation's identity.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, originating from the Old English word "smið."
2. **Johnson:** Derived from the English word "John," meaning "God is gracious," often used as a patronymic surname.
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** An occupational surname for those who worked with or tanned animal hides, derived from the Old English word "brūn."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," popular in Wales and England.
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who operated a mill, derived from the Middle English word "miller."
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the name "García," meaning "bear," popular in Hispanic communities.
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** An English surname meaning "son of William," often used as a patronymic.
11. **Moore:** A topographic surname derived from the Old English word "mōr," meaning "moor" or "marshland."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a tailor, derived from the Old French word "tailleur."
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Anders," a variant of the name "Andrew," meaning "manly" or "courageous."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or light hair, derived from the Old English word "hwīt."
17. **Harris:** An English surname derived from the Old English word "hār," meaning "hare."
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," popular in England.
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martín," a variant of the name "Martin."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert.
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scholar or scribe, derived from the Old English word "clerc."
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis," derived from the French name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A topographic surname meaning "clearing" or "meadow," derived from the Old English word "lēah."
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels, derived from the Old English word "wealcan."
26. **Hall:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hall or large house, derived from the Old English word "hāl."
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," a name derived from the Breton word "alen," meaning "harmony."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname for a young person, derived from the Old English word "geong."
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a variant of the name "Ferdinand," meaning "brave protector."
30. **King:** An occupational surname for a ruler or sovereign, derived from the Old English word "cyning."
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for a craftsman or builder, derived from the Old English word "wrihta."
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf," derived from the Latin word "lupus."
33. **Hill:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hill, derived from the Old English word "hyll."
34. **Scott:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a wooded area, derived from the Old English word "sċēot."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname for someone who lived in a green or verdant area, derived from the Old English word "grēne."
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Biblical name "Adam," meaning "man."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread, derived from the Old English word "bācere."
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "warfare."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," a name derived from the Gaelic word "niall," meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transported goods by cart, derived from the Old French word "charrette."