Common American Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

This article explores the most common American last names, providing insights into their origins and meanings. Understanding the prevalence and history of these surnames can offer fascinating glimpses into American genealogy and cultural heritage. Whether you're curious about your own family name or simply interested in the linguistic tapestry of the United States, this guide provides a detailed exploration of the most frequently encountered last names in the country.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith.

2. **Johnson:** Son of John.

3. **Williams:** Son of William.

4. **Brown:** Descriptive of brown hair or complexion.

5. **Jones:** Son of John.

6. **Miller:** A person who grinds grain into flour.

7. **Davis:** Son of David.

8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcia."

9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo."

10. **Wilson:** Son of William.

11. **Moore:** A descriptive name meaning "moorland" or "dark-skinned."

12. **Taylor:** A person who makes or repairs clothes.

13. **Anderson:** Son of Andrew.

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

15. **Jackson:** Son of Jack.

16. **White:** Descriptive of white hair or complexion.

17. **Harris:** Son of Harry.

18. **Martin:** A Latin name meaning "warlike."

19. **Thompson:** Son of Thomas.

20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."

21. **Robinson:** Son of Robin.

22. **Clark:** A person who works as a clerk or scribe.

23. **Lewis:** A German name meaning "famous warrior."

24. **Lee:** A Chinese surname meaning "plum tree."

25. **Walker:** A person who walks or travels on foot.

26. **Hall:** A descriptive name for someone who lives near a hall or large building.

27. **Allen:** A German name meaning "noble."

28. **Young:** Descriptive of a young person.

29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando."

30. **King:** A person of royal status.

31. **Wright:** A person who makes or repairs things.

32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope."

33. **Hill:** A descriptive name for someone who lives near a hill.

34. **Scott:** A Scottish surname meaning "from the Scots."

35. **Green:** Descriptive of green color.

36. **Adams:** Son of Adam.

37. **Baker:** A person who bakes bread.

38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo."

39. **Nelson:** Son of Neil.

40. **Carter:** A person who transports goods by cart.

41. **Mitchell:** Son of Michael.

42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro."

43. **Roberts:** Son of Robert.

44. **Turner:** A person who turns wood or metal.

45. **Phillips:** Son of Philip.

46. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "bent mouth."

47. **Parker:** A person who works as a park keeper.

48. **Evans:** Son of Evan.

49. **Edwards:** Son of Edward.

50. **Collins:** Son of Colin.