Most Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Discovering the most common last names in the United States provides a fascinating glimpse into the country's diverse history and cultural tapestry. These surnames, passed down through generations, reflect the various origins and migrations that have shaped the American identity. From Anglo-Saxon roots to Irish heritage and beyond, each name carries a unique story and significance. Let's delve into the most prevalent last names in the US, exploring their origins and meanings.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith" or "worker in metal," this surname originated in England and is a common occupational name.

2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," this name is of English origin.

3. **Williams:** This name is of English origin, meaning "descendant of William" and is also a patronymic surname.

4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or complexion, this name is of English origin.

5. **Jones:** Another patronymic surname, "Jones" signifies "son of John" and is of Welsh origin.

6. **Miller:** A common occupational surname denoting someone who works as a miller, grinding grain into flour, this name is of English origin.

7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," this name is of Welsh origin.

8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcias," this name is a patronymic surname.

9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," this name is a patronymic surname.

10. **Wilson:** This surname is of English origin, meaning "son of William."

11. **Moore:** This name is of English origin, referring to a "moor" or "swampy area."

12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, "Taylor" refers to someone who works as a tailor, making or mending clothes.

13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," this name is of English origin.

14. **Thomas:** A name of Hebrew origin, "Thomas" meaning "twin" is also a given name.

15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," this name is of English origin.

16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with white or fair skin, this name is of English origin.

17. **Harris:** A surname of English origin, "Harris" meaning "son of Harry" is also a patronymic surname.

18. **Martin:** A name of Latin origin, "Martin" meaning "warlike" is also a given name.

19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," this name is of English origin.

20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," this name is a patronymic surname.

21. **Robinson:** A surname of English origin, "Robinson" meaning "son of Robin" is also a patronymic surname.

22. **Clark:** An occupational surname denoting someone who works as a clerk, a scribe, or a secretary, this name is of English origin.

23. **Lewis:** A surname of English origin, "Lewis" meaning "famous warrior" is also a given name.

24. **Lee:** This name is of English origin, referring to a "clearing in a forest."

25. **Walker:** An occupational surname referring to someone who works as a walker, often a shepherd or a traveler, this name is of English origin.

26. **Hall:** A surname of English origin, "Hall" referring to a large house or building.

27. **Allen:** A surname of English origin, "Allen" meaning "handsome" is also a given name.

28. **Young:** This surname is of English origin, referring to someone who is young or youthful.

29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," this name is a patronymic surname.

30. **King:** A surname of English origin, "King" referring to a monarch or ruler.

31. **Wright:** An occupational surname referring to someone who works as a wright, a craftsman or a builder, this name is of English origin.

32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," this name is a patronymic surname.

33. **Hill:** This name is of English origin, referring to a hill or mound.

34. **Scott:** This name is of English origin, referring to someone from Scotland.

35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green hair or living in a green area, this name is of English origin.

36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," this name is of English origin.

37. **Baker:** An occupational surname referring to someone who works as a baker, making bread or other baked goods, this name is of English origin.

38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," this name is a patronymic surname.

39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," this name is of English origin.

40. **Carter:** An occupational surname referring to someone who works as a carter, transporting goods by cart, this name is of English origin.