Last Names of Americans: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a list of common last names in America? This comprehensive guide explores the origins and meanings behind some of the most popular surnames in the United States. From traditional Anglo-Saxon names to more recent immigrant contributions, discover the rich history and cultural significance behind these ubiquitous last names.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, referring to a person who works with metal.

2. Johnson: Derived from the English given name John, meaning "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 for someone with brown hair or skin, or who lives near a brown area.

5. Jones: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," derived from the English given name John.

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 meaning "beloved."

8. Garcia: A Spanish surname meaning "little wolf," derived from the Latin word "garcius."

9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."

10. Wilson: An occupational surname for someone who works with wool, derived from the Old English word "wulfs," meaning "wool."

11. Moore: An occupational surname for someone who lives on or works with a moor, a piece of open land.

12. Taylor: An occupational surname for someone who makes clothes, derived from the Old French word "tailleur."

13. Anderson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name meaning "manly."

14. Thomas: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name meaning "twin."

15. Jackson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack," derived from the English name meaning "God is gracious."

16. White: A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or hair, or who lives in a white area.

17. Harris: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry," derived from the Germanic name meaning "home ruler."

18. Martin: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Roman name meaning "war god."

19. Thompson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name meaning "twin."

20. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "little wolf," derived from the Latin word "garcius."

21. Martinez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Roman name meaning "war god."

22. Robinson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin," derived from the English name meaning "bright fame."

23. Clark: An occupational surname for someone who works as a scribe or secretary.

24. Lewis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis," derived from the Germanic name meaning "famous warrior."

25. Lee: A topographic surname for someone who lives near a meadow or clearing.

26. Walker: An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels on foot.

27. Hall: A topographic surname for someone who lives near a large house or hall.

28. Allen: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan," derived from the Celtic name meaning "handsome."

29. Young: A descriptive surname for someone who is young or youthful.

30. Hernandez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," derived from the Germanic name meaning "brave warrior."

31. King: An occupational surname for someone who rules as a king.

32. Wright: An occupational surname for someone who works as a carpenter or craftsman.

33. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," derived from the Germanic name meaning "wolf cub."

34. Hill: A topographic surname for someone who lives on or near a hill.

35. Scott: A topographic surname for someone who lives in Scotland, or near a forest.

36. Green: A descriptive surname for someone with green hair or eyes, or who lives near a green area.

37. Adams: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name meaning "man."

38. Baker: An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread.

39. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name meaning "warriors' protector."

40. Nelson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name meaning "champion."

41. Carter: An occupational surname for someone who transports goods by cart.

42. Mitchell: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael," derived from the Hebrew name meaning "who is like God?"

43. Perez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," derived from the Latin name meaning "stone."

44. Roberts: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert," derived from the Germanic name meaning "bright fame."

45. Turner: An occupational surname for someone who works as a wood turner or potter.

46. Phillips: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip," derived from the Greek name meaning "lover of horses."

47. Campbell: A Gaelic surname meaning "crooked mouth," possibly referring to a geographic feature.

48. Parker: An occupational surname for someone who works as a park keeper or gamekeeper.

49. Evans: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan," derived from the Welsh name meaning "young warrior."

50. Edwards: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward," derived from the Old English name meaning "wealthy guardian."