Most Common Last Names in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last names in the United States? You've come to the right place! This list provides an in-depth look at the most prevalent surnames, exploring their origins and meanings. Whether you're researching your own family history, writing a fictional character, or simply curious about the demographics of the U.S., this information will be valuable. Let's dive into the fascinating world of surnames and uncover the stories behind some of the most popular names in America.
1. **Smith:** From the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith." This surname originated from the occupation of a blacksmith, a common profession in medieval England.
2. **Johnson:** Derived from the English given name "John," meaning "God is gracious." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of John.
3. **Williams:** From the English given name "William," meaning "resolute protector" or "helmet of will." This surname suggests that the original bearer was a son of William.
4. **Brown:** Derived from the Old English word "brūn," meaning "brown." This surname likely originated as a descriptive term for someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** Derived from the English given name "John," meaning "God is gracious." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of John.
6. **Miller:** From the Middle English word "miller," meaning "one who grinds grain." This surname reflects the occupation of a miller, a common profession in the Middle Ages.
7. **Davis:** Derived from the English given name "David," meaning "beloved" or "friend." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of David.
8. **Garcia:** From the Spanish word "García," meaning "spearman." This surname is of Spanish origin and is one of the most common Hispanic last names in the United States.
9. **Rodriguez:** Derived from the Spanish word "Rodríguez," meaning "son of Rodrigo," which in turn means "famous ruler." This surname is of Spanish origin and is one of the most common Hispanic last names in the United States.
10. **Wilson:** From the Old English word "wis," meaning "wise," and "sunu," meaning "son." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a wise son.
11. **Moore:** From the Old English word "mōr," meaning "moor" or "swamp." This surname was likely originally a place name, indicating that the original bearer lived near a moor or swamp.
12. **Taylor:** From the Old French word "tailleur," meaning "cutter." This surname refers to the occupation of a tailor, someone who makes or repairs clothes.
13. **Anderson:** Derived from the English given name "Andrew," meaning "manly" or "strong." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Andrew.
14. **Thomas:** Derived from the Aramaic name "Teoma," meaning "twin." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Thomas.
15. **Jackson:** Derived from the English given name "Jack," a diminutive of "John," meaning "God is gracious." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Jack.
16. **White:** From the Old English word "hwit," meaning "white." This surname likely originated as a descriptive term for someone with fair skin or hair.
17. **Harris:** Derived from the Old English word "hari," meaning "hare," a small mammal with long ears. This surname may have originated as a nickname for someone with a hare's swiftness or agility.
18. **Martin:** Derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Martin.
19. **Thompson:** Derived from the English given name "Thomas," meaning "twin." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Thomas.
20. **Martinez:** Derived from the Spanish word "Martínez," meaning "son of Martin," which in turn means "warlike." This surname is of Spanish origin and is one of the most common Hispanic last names in the United States.
21. **Robinson:** From the English given name "Robin," a diminutive of "Robert," meaning "bright fame." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Robin.
22. **Clark:** Derived from the Old English word "clerc," meaning "scholar" or "clergyman." This surname reflects the occupation of a cleric, a position of respect in medieval society.
23. **Lewis:** Derived from the French given name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Louis.
24. **Lee:** From the Old English word "lēah," meaning "meadow" or "clearing." This surname was likely originally a place name, indicating that the original bearer lived near a meadow or clearing.
25. **Walker:** From the Old English word "walc," meaning "to walk." This surname reflects the occupation of someone who traveled on foot, such as a messenger or peddler.
26. **Hall:** From the Old English word "hāl," meaning "hall" or "mansion." This surname was likely originally a place name, indicating that the original bearer lived near a hall or mansion.
27. **Allen:** Derived from the Old English word "alden," meaning "old" or "ancient." This surname was likely originally a place name, indicating that the original bearer lived near an old or ancient settlement.
28. **Young:** From the Old English word "geong," meaning "young." This surname likely originated as a descriptive term for a young person.
29. **Hernandez:** Derived from the Spanish word "Hernández," meaning "son of Hernando," which in turn means "strong warrior." This surname is of Spanish origin and is one of the most common Hispanic last names in the United States.
30. **King:** From the Old English word "cyning," meaning "king." This surname was likely originally a title of nobility, indicating that the original bearer was a king or someone associated with royalty.
31. **Wright:** From the Old English word "wriht," meaning "craftsman." This surname reflects the occupation of a skilled craftsman, such as a carpenter or blacksmith.
32. **Lopez:** Derived from the Spanish word "López," meaning "son of Lope," which in turn means "wolf." This surname is of Spanish origin and is one of the most common Hispanic last names in the United States.
33. **Hill:** From the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill." This surname was likely originally a place name, indicating that the original bearer lived near a hill.
34. **Scott:** From the Old English word "Scot," meaning "Scotsman." This surname indicates that the original bearer was of Scottish descent.
35. **Green:** From the Old English word "grēne," meaning "green." This surname likely originated as a descriptive term for someone who lived near a green field or had green hair or eyes.
36. **Adams:** Derived from the English given name "Adam," meaning "man" or "earth." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Adam.
37. **Baker:** From the Old English word "bācere," meaning "baker." This surname reflects the occupation of a baker, someone who makes bread and other baked goods.
38. **Gonzalez:** Derived from the Spanish word "González," meaning "son of Gonzalo," which in turn means "warlike" or "brave." This surname is of Spanish origin and is one of the most common Hispanic last names in the United States.
39. **Nelson:** Derived from the English given name "Neil," meaning "champion" or "bright." This surname indicates that the original bearer was a son of Neil.
40. **Carter:** From the Old French word "charretier," meaning "carter" or "wagoner." This surname reflects the occupation of someone who transports goods by wagon.