America Last Names: Exploring the Roots of American Surnames

Are you curious about the origins of common American last names? This comprehensive list delves into the meanings and historical significance of surnames prevalent in the United States. From Anglo-Saxon roots to immigrant traditions, explore the fascinating stories behind some of the most popular last names in America.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, derived from the Old English word "smiþ."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yohanan" which means "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm" meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," similar to Johnson but with a different spelling.
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who grinds grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David" meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "little one" or "young one."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric" meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," similar to Williams but with a different spelling.
11. **Moore:** A surname meaning "moorland" or "swamp," derived from the Old English word "mōr."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who makes or repairs clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas" meaning "manly."
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 referring to someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. **Harris:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hār" meaning "hare" or "gray."
18. **Martin:** A surname derived from the Latin name "Martinus" meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," similar to Thomas but with a different spelling.
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert.
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who writes or copies documents.
23. **Lewis:** A surname derived from the French name "Louis" meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A surname derived from the Old English word "lēah" meaning "clearing" or "meadow."
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walks or carries goods.
26. **Hall:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hāl" meaning "hall" or "mansion."
27. **Allen:** A surname derived from the Old English word "alen" meaning "handsome" or "noble."
28. **Young:** A surname meaning "young," often used as a patronymic or descriptive term.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," derived from the Germanic name "Herman" meaning "army man."
30. **King:** A surname referring to someone of royal lineage or holding a position of power.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who makes or repairs things.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf," derived from the Latin word "lupus."
33. **Hill:** A surname meaning "hill," often used as a descriptive term for someone who lived near a hill.
34. **Scott:** A surname derived from the Gaelic word "sgòt" meaning "Scottish."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green hair or a complexion associated with nature.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the biblical figure Adam.
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread or pastries.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal" meaning "battle protector."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Niall" meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transports goods by cart.
41. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael," derived from the Hebrew name "Michael" meaning "who is like God."
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," derived from the Latin name "Petrus."
43. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodebert" meaning "bright fame."
44. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who turns wood or metal.
45. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip," derived from the Greek name "Philippos" meaning "lover of horses."
46. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth," derived from the Gaelic word "cam."
47. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a park keeper.
48. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan," derived from the Welsh name "Ifan" meaning "God is gracious."
49. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward," derived from the Old English name "Eadweard" meaning "wealthy guardian."
50. **Collins:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Colin," derived from the French name "Nicolas."