Most Common Last Names in the United States: Exploring the Roots and Meanings

Looking for the most prevalent surnames in the United States? This comprehensive list explores the top names, delving into their fascinating origins and meanings. Whether you're curious about your own family history or simply interested in the cultural tapestry of the nation, this exploration of the most common last names will provide valuable insights.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, originally from Old English "smithe."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protection."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname for people with brown hair or complexion, derived from Old English "brūn."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who grinds grain into flour, derived from Middle English "millere."
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, possibly derived from the Basque word "garci," meaning "noble" or "gentle."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protection."
11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname, possibly referring to a person who lived near a moor or marsh, or someone with dark skin.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who cuts and sews cloth, derived from Old French "tailleur."
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," derived from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a common nickname for John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or hair, derived from Old English "hwit."
17. **Harris:** A surname of uncertain origin, possibly derived from a personal name or an occupational term for someone who guards a hare.
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, possibly derived from the Roman god Mars, or a personal name meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martín," derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a common nickname for Robert.
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scribe or scholar, derived from Old English "clerc."
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis," derived from the French name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A surname of various origins, possibly from a place name meaning "meadow" or "clearing," or a personal name meaning "lion."
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walks or transports goods, derived from Old English "wealcan."
26. **Hall:** A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a hall or large building, derived from Old English "hæl."
27. **Allen:** A surname of various origins, possibly from a personal name meaning "handsome," or a place name meaning "rock."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname for someone who is young or youthful, derived from Old English "geong."
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," derived from the Germanic name "Heriman," meaning "army man."
30. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who ruled as a king, derived from Old English "cyning."
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who builds or repairs things, derived from Old English "wrihta."
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," derived from the Basque name "Lope," meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname for someone who lived on or near a hill, derived from Old English "hyll."
34. **Scott:** A surname of various origins, possibly from a place name meaning "forest clearing" or a personal name meaning "Scottish."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname for someone with green hair or eyes, or someone who lived near a green area, derived from Old English "grēne."
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name "Adam," meaning "man."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread, derived from Old English "bacere."
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gunthild," meaning "battle-strong."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Niall," meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transports goods by cart, derived from Old French "charretier."