Most Common Last Name in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed list of the top 40 most prevalent surnames, along with their fascinating origins and meanings. From traditional family names to more modern variations, this list offers an intriguing glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of America. So, let's dive in and discover the stories behind these enduring names.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for blacksmiths, derived from the Old English word "smyth."
2. **Johnson:** Derived from the surname "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic name meaning "son of William," which itself means "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** An occupational name for someone who worked with brown materials, like leather or wool.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic name meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who worked in a mill, often grinding grain.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic name meaning "son of David," which means "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "bear" or "wolf."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," which means "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An occupational name for someone who lived near a moor or marshland.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational name for someone who was a tailor.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Andrew," which means "manly" or "strong."
14. **Thomas:** A Biblical name meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Jack," a diminutive of John.
16. **White:** A descriptive name for someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. **Harris:** An occupational name for someone who worked with horses.
18. **Martin:** A Latin name meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Robin," which means "bright fame."
22. **Clark:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a scribe or secretary.
23. **Lewis:** A German name meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A surname with various origins, including a place name in England and a Chinese surname meaning "plum tree."
25. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a walker or messenger.
26. **Hall:** A place name for someone who lived near a hall or manor.
27. **Allen:** A surname with various origins, including a Germanic name meaning "handsome" and a Scottish surname meaning "rock."
28. **Young:** A descriptive name for someone who was young.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," which means "brave."
30. **King:** An occupational name for someone who was a king or ruler.
31. **Wright:** An occupational name for someone who was a craftsman or artisan.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** A place name for someone who lived on or near a hill.
34. **Scott:** A surname with various origins, including a Scottish clan name and a place name in England.
35. **Green:** A descriptive name for someone who lived near or worked with green things.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Adam," which means "mankind."
37. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who was a baker.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," which means "battle" or "war."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Neil," which means "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a cart driver.