Most Common Last Names in America: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the most common last names in America, delving into their rich histories and diverse origins. This comprehensive guide explores the surnames that dominate the American landscape, providing insights into their meanings and cultural significance.
1. Smith: A common occupational name for a blacksmith. It is of Old English origin, meaning "one who works in metal."
2. Johnson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of John." It is a very common name, originating from the Hebrew name "John" meaning "God is gracious."
3. Williams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William." It is of Germanic origin, meaning "resolute protector."
4. Brown: A descriptive surname for someone with brown hair or complexion. It is of Old English origin, meaning "brown."
5. Jones: A patronymic surname meaning "son of John." It is a common name, originating from the Hebrew name "John" meaning "God is gracious."
6. Miller: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller. It is of Old English origin, meaning "one who grinds grain."
7. Davis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of David." It is of Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved."
8. Garcia: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Garcia." It is of Spanish origin, meaning "bear."
9. Rodriguez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Rodrigo." It is of Spanish origin, meaning "famous ruler."
10. Wilson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William." It is of Old English origin, meaning "resolute protector."
11. Moore: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a moor or wetland. It is of Old English origin, meaning "moor."
12. Taylor: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor. It is of Old English origin, meaning "one who cuts cloth."
13. Anderson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew." It is of Greek origin, meaning "manly."
14. Thomas: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." It is of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin."
15. Jackson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack." It is of English origin, meaning "God is gracious."
16. White: A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or hair. It is of Old English origin, meaning "white."
17. Harris: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry." It is of Germanic origin, meaning "home ruler."
18. Martin: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin." It is of Latin origin, meaning "warlike."
19. Thompson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." It is of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin."
20. Gonzalez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." It is of Spanish origin, meaning "warlike."
21. Lopez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lope." It is of Spanish origin, meaning "wolf."
22. Martin: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin." It is of Latin origin, meaning "warlike."
23. Lee: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a clearing or meadow. It is of Old English origin, meaning "meadow."
24. Walker: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker. It is of Old English origin, meaning "one who travels on foot."
25. Hall: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a hall or large house. It is of Old English origin, meaning "hall."
26. Allen: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a rock or cliff. It is of Old English origin, meaning "rock."
27. Young: A descriptive surname for someone who was young. It is of Old English origin, meaning "young."
28. Hernandez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Hernando." It is of Spanish origin, meaning "finder of land."
29. King: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king. It is of Old English origin, meaning "ruler."
30. Wright: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright. It is of Old English origin, meaning "one who works with wood."
31. Lopez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lope." It is of Spanish origin, meaning "wolf."
32. Hill: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a hill. It is of Old English origin, meaning "hill."
33. Scott: A descriptive surname for someone who lived in Scotland. It is of Scottish origin, meaning "Scot."
34. Green: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a green meadow or forest. It is of Old English origin, meaning "green."
35. Adams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam." It is of Hebrew origin, meaning "man."
36. Baker: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker. It is of Old English origin, meaning "one who bakes bread."
37. Gonzalez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." It is of Spanish origin, meaning "warlike."
38. Nelson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil." It is of Gaelic origin, meaning "champion."
39. Carter: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter. It is of Old English origin, meaning "one who drives a cart."
40. Mitchell: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael." It is of Hebrew origin, meaning "who is like God?"