Most Common Last Name in the U.S.: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide delves into the history and meaning behind the most prevalent surnames, revealing insights into American demographics and cultural heritage. Explore the origins and significance of these names, understanding their widespread presence in the U.S. population.
1. Smith: A common occupational name, derived from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith."

2. Johnson: Derived from the surname "John," meaning "God is gracious," this name reflects the popularity of the given name John.

3. Williams: An Anglicized version of the Welsh surname "Williams," meaning "descendant of William," a name of Germanic origin meaning "resolute protector."

4. Brown: A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.

5. Jones: A patronymic surname derived from "John," meaning "God is gracious."

6. Miller: An occupational name, referring to someone who grinds grain into flour.

7. Davis: A patronymic surname, derived from "David," meaning "beloved."

8. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of García," a popular given name of Germanic origin meaning "spear warrior."

9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," a given name of Germanic origin meaning "famous ruler."

10. Wilson: An occupational name, referring to someone who works with wool.

11. Moore: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a moor, a type of open, heathland.

12. Taylor: An occupational name, referring to someone who makes or repairs clothes.

13. Anderson: A patronymic surname, derived from "Andrew," meaning "manly."

14. Thomas: A biblical name, meaning "twin."

15. Jackson: A patronymic surname, derived from "Jack," a nickname for "John."

16. White: A descriptive surname, referring to someone with white hair or complexion.

17. Harris: A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "home guard" or "warrior."

18. Martin: A Latin name, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."

19. Thompson: A patronymic surname, derived from "Thomas," meaning "twin."

20. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," a given name of Germanic origin meaning "battle-strong."

21. Lopez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope," a given name of Germanic origin meaning "wolf cub."

22. Martin: A Latin name, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."

23. Lewis: A Welsh surname, meaning "famous warrior."

24. Lee: A surname of English origin, meaning "meadow" or "clearing."

25. Walker: An occupational name, referring to someone who walks or travels.

26. Hall: A surname of English origin, meaning "dwelling" or "large house."

27. Allen: A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "all" or "noble."

28. Young: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young.

29. Hernandez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," a given name of Germanic origin meaning "brave army."

30. King: A surname of English origin, referring to a ruler or sovereign.

31. Wright: An occupational name, referring to someone who works with wood.

32. Lopez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope," a given name of Germanic origin meaning "wolf cub."

33. Hill: A surname of English origin, referring to someone who lives near a hill.

34. Scott: A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "from Scotland."

35. Green: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a green area or has green hair.

36. Adams: A patronymic surname, derived from "Adam," meaning "man."

37. Baker: An occupational name, referring to someone who bakes bread.

38. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," a given name of Germanic origin meaning "battle-strong."

39. Nelson: A surname of English origin, meaning "son of Neil," a given name of Irish origin meaning "champion."

40. Carter: An occupational name, referring to someone who transports goods by cart.