Most Popular Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most popular last names in the United States? This comprehensive list explores the origins, meanings, and historical significance of the most common surnames in America. Whether you're researching your family history, exploring your own heritage, or simply interested in the demographics of the country, this guide provides valuable insights into the surnames that shape the American landscape.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith," this surname is of occupational origin, reflecting the importance of metalworking in medieval times.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," reflecting the prevalence of the name John in medieval Europe.
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," reflecting the widespread use of the name William throughout history.
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," like Johnson, but with a slightly different origin and evolution.
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname referring to someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," referencing the biblical figure of King David.
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of García."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," similar to Williams but with a different evolution.
11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a moor, a type of boggy or marshy land.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname referring to someone who worked as a tailor, making and repairing clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," reflecting the use of the name Andrew in various cultures.
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the biblical figure of Thomas the Apostle.
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a common nickname for John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or hair.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry.
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Roman god of war, Mars.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," similar to Thomas but with a different evolution.
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Martín."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a common nickname for Robert.
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname referring to someone who worked as a clerk, a scribe or administrator.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis," derived from the name Louis.
24. **Lee:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived by a meadow or clearing.
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname referring to someone who worked as a walker, a person who delivered messages or goods.
26. **Hall:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived by or near a hall, a large house or building.
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," derived from the name Alan, meaning "handsome" in Celtic.
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who was young, a common name for a younger son or sibling.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. **King:** An occupational surname referring to someone who held the position of a king, a ruler of a country or kingdom.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname referring to someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman, typically in wood.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Lope."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived by or near a hill.
34. **Scott:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived by or near a thicket or wooded area.
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green hair or complexion, or who lived near green fields.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," referring to the biblical figure of Adam.
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname referring to someone who worked as a baker, making and selling bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname of patronymic origin, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," a name of Irish origin meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname referring to someone who worked as a carter, a person who transported goods by cart.