Most Common Last Names in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive list provides a detailed breakdown of the most prevalent surnames, including their origins and meanings. From the classic Smiths and Johnsons to less familiar names like Miller and Davis, discover the fascinating history behind these ubiquitous surnames and their impact on American identity.
1. Smith: A common occupational name for someone who worked with metal, particularly blacksmiths.
2. Johnson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
3. Williams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
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 name for someone who worked in a mill, particularly a grain mill.
7. Davis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of David."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname meaning "warrior" or "nobleman."
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. Wilson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
11. Moore: A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a moor or marshland.
12. Taylor: An occupational name for someone who worked as a tailor.
13. Anderson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew."
14. Thomas: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
15. Jackson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack."
16. White: A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or white hair.
17. Harris: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry."
18. Martin: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin."
19. Thompson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
20. Martinez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
21. Robinson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin."
22. Clark: An occupational name for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk.
23. Lewis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis."
24. Lee: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lee."
25. Walker: An occupational name for someone who worked as a walker or traveler.
26. Hall: A topographic surname referring to someone who lived near a hall or manor house.
27. Allen: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan."
28. Young: A descriptive surname referring to someone who was young or youthful.
29. Hernandez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando."
30. King: An occupational name for someone who worked as a king or ruler.
31. Wright: An occupational name for someone who worked as a craftsman or artisan.
32. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
33. Hill: A topographic surname referring to someone who lived near a hill.
34. Scott: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Scot."
35. Green: A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a green or meadow.
36. Adams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam."
37. Baker: An occupational name for someone who worked as a baker.
38. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. Nelson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil."
40. Carter: An occupational name for someone who worked as a carter or wagon driver.
41. Mitchell: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael."
42. Perez: A Spanish surname meaning "Peter."
43. Roberts: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert."
44. Turner: An occupational name for someone who worked as a turner or lathe operator.
45. Phillips: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip."
46. Campbell: A Scottish surname meaning "crooked field."
47. Parker: An occupational name for someone who worked as a park keeper or guardian.
48. Evans: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan."
49. Edwards: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward."
50. Collins: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Colin."