Most Common Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Popular Surnames

Are you curious about the most common last names in the world? Understanding the origins and meanings of these surnames can be a fascinating journey into genealogy and cultural history. This guide will explore the top 40 most common last names globally, providing a detailed breakdown of their meanings and origins. Get ready to uncover the stories behind these familiar surnames!
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith or metalworker.
2. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, indicating a person with brown hair or skin.
4. **Davis:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
5. **Miller:** An occupational surname for a person who grinds grain.
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
7. **Moore:** An occupational surname for someone who lived by or worked on a moor.
8. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for a person who cuts and sews cloth.
9. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew."
10. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
11. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
12. **White:** A descriptive surname, indicating a person with fair skin or light hair.
13. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry."
14. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin."
15. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "little warrior" or "bear."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
18. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
19. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a person who worked as a scribe or clerk.
20. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis."
21. **Lee:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Leo."
22. **Walker:** An occupational surname for a person who traveled from place to place.
23. **Hall:** An occupational surname for a person who lived in a hall or manor house.
24. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan."
25. **Young:** A descriptive surname, indicating a person who is young or youthful.
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando."
27. **King:** An occupational surname for a person who served as a king or ruler.
28. **Wright:** An occupational surname for a person who worked as a craftsman or builder.
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
30. **Hill:** A descriptive surname, indicating a person who lived on a hill.
31. **Scott:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Scot."
32. **Green:** A descriptive surname, indicating a person who lived near a green field or grove.
33. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
34. **Baker:** An occupational surname for a person who baked bread.
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo."
36. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
37. **Carter:** An occupational surname for a person who transported goods by cart.
38. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael."
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Peter."
40. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."