Most Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive List with Meanings

Looking for the most prevalent last names in the United States? This comprehensive list provides an in-depth look at the most common surnames in America, exploring their historical origins and rich meanings. Whether you're curious about family history, researching genealogy, or simply fascinated by the etymology of names, this guide offers a detailed exploration of the names that define the American landscape.
1. Smith: A common occupational name for a blacksmith, derived from the Old English word "smiþ."
2. Johnson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."
3. Williams: Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm."
4. Brown: A descriptive surname, referencing the color brown, often associated with hair color or skin tone.
5. Jones: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."
6. Miller: An occupational surname, meaning "one who grinds grain," derived from the Old English word "milere."
7. Davis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "garrison" or "fort," potentially referring to a place of residence or a family's occupation.
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric."
10. Wilson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm."
11. Moore: An occupational surname, meaning "one who lives near a moor," a type of open, treeless land.
12. Taylor: An occupational surname, referring to a tailor, a skilled craftsman who makes clothes.
13. Anderson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas."
14. Thomas: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma."
15. Jackson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack," a shortened form of the name John.
16. White: A descriptive surname, referring to the color white, often associated with hair color or complexion.
17. Harris: An occupational surname, meaning "keeper of horses" or "horse breeder," derived from the Old English word "hari."
18. Martin: A surname of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
19. Thompson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma."
20. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "garrison" or "fort," potentially referring to a place of residence or a family's occupation.
21. Martinez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus."
22. Robinson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin," a shortened form of the name Robert.
23. Clark: An occupational surname, meaning "scribe" or "secretary," derived from the Latin word "clericus."
24. Lewis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis," derived from the Germanic name "Hludwig."
25. Lee: A surname of Chinese origin, meaning "plum" or "willow," often associated with a place of origin or a family's occupation.
26. Walker: An occupational surname, meaning "one who walks," referring to a person's occupation or a place of residence.
27. Hall: A place-name surname, referring to a dwelling or a building.
28. Allen: A surname of Old English origin, meaning "rock" or "cliff."
29. Young: A descriptive surname, referring to youthfulness or a person's age.
30. Hernandez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," derived from the Germanic name "Herman."
31. King: An occupational surname, referring to a person of royal lineage or a person in a position of authority.
32. Wright: An occupational surname, meaning "craftsman" or "builder," derived from the Old English word "wyrhta."
33. Lopez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope," derived from the Germanic name "Hlodowig."
34. Hill: A place-name surname, referring to a hill or a place with a natural elevation.
35. Scott: A surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning "from Scotland."
36. Green: A descriptive surname, referring to the color green, often associated with vegetation or nature.
37. Adams: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name "Adam."
38. Baker: An occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread," referring to a person's profession.
39. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal."
40. Nelson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Niall."
41. Carter: An occupational surname, meaning "one who transports goods by cart," referring to a person's profession.
42. Mitchell: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael," derived from the Hebrew name "Micha'el."
43. Perez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro," derived from the Latin name "Petrus."
44. Roberts: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodberht."
45. Turner: An occupational surname, referring to a turner, a skilled craftsman who works with wood.
46. Phillips: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip," derived from the Greek name "Philippos."
47. Campbell: A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked mouth" or "bent mouth."
48. Parker: An occupational surname, referring to a park keeper or a person who manages a park.
49. Evans: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."
50. Edwards: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward," derived from the Old English name "Eadweard."
51. Collins: An occupational surname, meaning "one who makes coal" or "charcoal burner," referring to a person's profession.
52. Stewart: A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "steward" or "manager," referring to a position of authority.
53. Sanchez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Sancho," derived from the Germanic name "Sankto."
54. Morris: A surname of Welsh origin, meaning "sea warrior" or "defender of the sea."
55. Rogers: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Roger," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodgar."
56. Reed: A surname of Old English origin, meaning "reed" or "reed plant."
57. Cook: An occupational surname, meaning "one who prepares food," referring to a person's profession.
58. Morgan: A surname of Welsh origin, meaning "sea warrior" or "defender of the sea."
59. Bell: A surname of Old English origin, meaning "beautiful" or "handsome," referring to a person's appearance.
60. Murphy: A surname of Irish origin, meaning "sea warrior" or "defender of the sea."