Last Names in America: Discover the Stories Behind Your Family Name

Discover the rich tapestry of history woven into the last names of Americans. This comprehensive guide explores the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of some of the most common and intriguing surnames found across the United States. From traditional Anglo-Saxon roots to immigrant heritage, these names reveal the diverse backgrounds and journeys that have shaped the American identity. Explore the fascinating stories behind your family name and connect with the generations who came before you.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for someone who worked as a blacksmith.
2. **Johnson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname for someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller.
7. **Davis:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "García," meaning "bear."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish patronymic surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A Scottish patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An English topographic surname, meaning "moorland."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor.
13. **Anderson:** A Scandinavian patronymic surname, meaning "son of Anders."
14. **Thomas:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname for someone with white hair or complexion.
17. **Harris:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry."
18. **Martin:** A Latin name meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "García," meaning "bear."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Martín," meaning "warlike."
22. **Robinson:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a scribe.
24. **Lewis:** A Welsh patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lewis."
25. **Lee:** An English topographic surname, meaning "meadow."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker.
27. **Hall:** An English topographic surname, meaning "hall."
28. **Allen:** A Germanic surname meaning "noble."
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname for someone who is young.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Hernando," meaning "strong."
31. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a craftsman.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Lope," meaning "wolf."
34. **Hill:** An English topographic surname, meaning "hill."
35. **Scott:** A Scottish surname, meaning "from the Scottish Highlands."
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname for someone with green hair or complexion.
37. **Adams:** An English patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Gonzalo," meaning "warlike."
40. **Nelson:** A Scandinavian patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."