Most Common Last Name: Discover the Most Popular Surnames Worldwide

Finding out the most common last name can be a fascinating journey into global demographics and cultural history. While the answer might vary depending on the specific region or country, certain surnames consistently appear among the most frequent worldwide. Let's explore some of these common last names and delve into their intriguing meanings.
1. **Wang:** This ubiquitous surname, primarily found in China, translates to "king" or "royal" and symbolizes power and authority.
2. **Li:** Another widespread Chinese surname, "Li" means "plum" or "apricot" and is associated with beauty, longevity, and prosperity.
3. **Zhang:** Often translated as "net" or "long," this surname holds the meaning of "spreading" or "extending" in Chinese culture.
4. **Liu:** Originating in China, "Liu" signifies "flow" or "stream" and often symbolizes a smooth and prosperous life.
5. **Chen:** This popular Chinese surname can mean "morning" or "dawn," symbolizing new beginnings and hope.
6. **Yang:** "Yang" translates to "sun" in Chinese and often symbolizes warmth, light, and positive energy.
7. **Huang:** Meaning "yellow" or "emperor," this surname holds a sense of power and prestige within Chinese culture.
8. **Zhao:** "Zhao" translates to "to invite" or "to summon" in Chinese, often signifying a welcoming and hospitable nature.
9. **Wu:** This Chinese surname can be interpreted as "martial" or "military" and often symbolizes strength and courage.
10. **Zhou:** "Zhou" translates to "week" in Chinese and signifies cycles, time, and the passage of life.
11. **Xu:** "Xu" signifies "promise" or "vow" in Chinese, often embodying a sense of trust and commitment.
12. **Sun:** As the English translation suggests, this Chinese surname means "sun" and symbolizes warmth and light.
13. **Ma:** This Chinese surname means "horse" and often symbolizes strength, speed, and endurance.
14. **Zheng:** "Zheng" signifies "correct" or "upright" in Chinese, often representing honesty and integrity.
15. **Guo:** "Guo" translates to "country" or "nation" in Chinese and symbolizes a sense of belonging and community.
16. **Lin:** "Lin" means "forest" in Chinese and often represents nature, peace, and tranquility.
17. **He:** "He" translates to "river" in Chinese and signifies flow, movement, and harmony.
18. **Zhang:** This Chinese surname can be interpreted as "net" or "long," representing a sense of expansion and connection.
19. **Cao:** "Cao" signifies "grass" in Chinese and often symbolizes resilience and growth.
20. **Wang:** This popular Vietnamese surname translates to "king" or "royal," symbolizing authority and power.
21. **Nguyen:** The most common surname in Vietnam, "Nguyen" has a complex meaning associated with royalty and noble lineage.
22. **Tran:** This Vietnamese surname signifies "tranquility" or "peace," reflecting a sense of serenity and calmness.
23. **Le:** "Le" translates to "ritual" or "ceremony" in Vietnamese and symbolizes tradition and formality.
24. **Pham:** This Vietnamese surname signifies "crime" or "offense" but can also be interpreted as "courage" or "boldness."
25. **Hoang:** "Hoang" translates to "wild" or "untamed" in Vietnamese and symbolizes a strong and independent spirit.
26. **Phan:** This Vietnamese surname means "to divide" or "to separate" and can also be interpreted as "different" or "unique."
27. **Vo:** "Vo" translates to "martial arts" in Vietnamese and symbolizes strength, skill, and discipline.
28. **Doan:** This Vietnamese surname signifies "unity" or "togetherness" and represents a sense of community and belonging.
29. **Dang:** "Dang" means "party" or "group" in Vietnamese and often signifies a collective spirit and shared purpose.
30. **Nguyen:** As mentioned previously, this is the most common surname in Vietnam, carrying deep cultural significance.
31. **Smith:** Originating from an occupational term, this surname signifies a person who works with metal, particularly iron.
32. **Jones:** Derived from a place name, this surname signifies a person from a particular geographical location.
33. **Brown:** This surname originates from a color, likely referring to hair or skin tone.
34. **Davis:** Derived from a place name, this surname signifies a person from a specific geographical location.
35. **Miller:** This surname originated from an occupational term, referring to a person who grinds grain into flour.
36. **Wilson:** Derived from a place name, this surname signifies a person from a specific geographical location.
37. **Moore:** This surname originated from a place name, referring to a person living near a moor or open heathland.
38. **Taylor:** This surname originated from an occupational term, referring to a person who cuts and sews cloth.
39. **Anderson:** Derived from a place name, this surname signifies a person from a specific geographical location.
40. **Thomas:** This surname has Hebrew origins, meaning "twin" or "a twin."