Most Common Last Name in America: Exploring the Top Surnames in the United States

Are you curious about the most common last names in America? This comprehensive list explores the prevalence and origins of the top surnames in the United States. Discover the rich history and diverse cultural influences that have shaped the American naming landscape. From traditional family names to modern adaptations, this exploration delves into the meanings behind these popular last names.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name, originally referring to a blacksmith. It denotes a person who works with metal.
2. **Johnson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** Derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational name, referring to someone who grinds grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** An English surname, meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An English surname, meaning "moor" or "marsh."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational name, referring to someone who cuts cloth.
13. **Anderson:** A Scandinavian patronymic surname, meaning "son of Anders."
14. **Thomas:** A biblical name, meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with light hair or complexion.
17. **Harris:** An English surname, meaning "son of Harry."
18. **Martin:** A Latin name, meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** An English surname, meaning "son of Robin."
22. **Clark:** An occupational name, referring to a scribe or secretary.
23. **Lewis:** A Germanic name, meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A Chinese surname, meaning "plum tree."
25. **Walker:** An occupational name, referring to someone who walks or travels.
26. **Hall:** An English surname, referring to a large house or manor.
27. **Allen:** A Germanic name, meaning "noble."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. **King:** An occupational name, referring to a ruler.
31. **Wright:** An occupational name, referring to a craftsman or artisan.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** An English surname, referring to a hill or elevated land.
34. **Scott:** An English surname, meaning "Scotsman."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with green hair or complexion.
36. **Adams:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** An occupational name, referring to someone who bakes bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. **Nelson:** A Scandinavian patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
40. **Carter:** An occupational name, referring to someone who transports goods.
41. **Mitchell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "son of Michael."
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro."
43. **Roberts:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."
44. **Turner:** An occupational name, referring to someone who turns wood or metal.
45. **Phillips:** An English surname, meaning "son of Philip."
46. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth."
47. **Parker:** An occupational name, referring to someone who keeps a park.
48. **Evans:** A Welsh surname, meaning "son of Evan."
49. **Edwards:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward."
50. **Collins:** An English surname, meaning "son of Colin."