Most Common U.S. Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of the top surnames, exploring their origins, meanings, and historical significance. From the ubiquitous Smith to the less familiar but equally interesting names like Miller and Williams, this list covers a wide spectrum of popular surnames. Whether you're a genealogy enthusiast, a writer seeking authentic characters, or simply interested in the linguistic tapestry of the United States, delve into the fascinating world of American last names.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for someone who worked as a blacksmith. The name derives from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," a common given name in English-speaking countries.
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William." William is a popular given name with Germanic roots, meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David." David is a biblical name meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcia." Garcia is a common given name in Spain and Latin America.
9. **Rodriguez:** Another Spanish patronymic surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo." Rodrigo is a common given name in Spain and Latin America.
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname for someone who lived near or worked with a moor, a boggy or marshy area.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew." Andrew is a Greek name meaning "manly" or "strong."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." Thomas is a Hebrew name meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack." Jack is a nickname for John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with light skin or hair.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry. Henry is a German name meaning "ruler of the home."
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars." Mars was the Roman god of war.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** An occupational surname for someone who lived near or worked with a robin, a small bird.
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a clerk, a scribe or administrator.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis," a French name meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A surname with various origins, including Chinese, English, and Korean. In English, it can be a topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow or clearing.
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker, a messenger or traveler.
26. **Hall:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near or worked with a hall, a large building.
27. **Allen:** A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "noble" or "handsome."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who is young.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando." Hernando is a Spanish given name.
30. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king, a ruler.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright, a craftsman or builder.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope." Lope is a common given name in Spain and Latin America.
33. **Hill:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near or worked with a hill.
34. **Scott:** A surname with various origins, including Gaelic and English. In Gaelic, it can mean "Scot."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green hair or complexion.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam." Adam is a biblical name meaning "man."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, making bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." Gonzalo is a Spanish given name.
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil." Neil is a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter, a person who transported goods using a cart.
41. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael." Michael is a Hebrew name meaning "who is like God?"
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro." Pedro is a Spanish given name.
43. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert." Robert is a German name meaning "bright fame."
44. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a turner, a woodworker who turned wood on a lathe.
45. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip." Philip is a Greek name meaning "lover of horses."
46. **Campbell:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked mouth."
47. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a parker, a keeper of a park.
48. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan." Evan is a Welsh name meaning "the Lord is gracious."
49. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward." Edward is an English name meaning "wealthy guardian."
50. **Collins:** A surname of various origins, including Irish and English. In Irish, it can mean "young colt."