Most Popular Last Names in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common surnames in the United States? This comprehensive guide explores the top last names, delving into their origins, meanings, and historical significance. Whether you're researching your family history, exploring the cultural landscape of the nation, or simply fascinated by names, this list provides valuable insights into the diverse tapestry of American surnames.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, originating from the Old English word "smiþ."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** Another 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 surname, referring to someone who works as a miller.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
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 lives near a moor.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works 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 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 surname, referring to someone who works as a scribe or clerk.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lewis."
24. **Lee:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives in a meadow or clearing.
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a walker.
26. **Hall:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a hall or manor house.
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. **King:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who is a king.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a craftsman.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives on a hill.
34. **Scott:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is from Scotland.
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives in a green place.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works 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 surname, referring to someone who works as a cart driver.
41. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael."
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro."
43. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."
44. **Turner:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a turner.
45. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip."
46. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked field."
47. **Parker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a park keeper.
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."