Most Common Last Names: A Comprehensive List

Finding the most common last names can be an interesting journey into the history and origins of surnames. These names, often passed down through generations, carry with them a rich tapestry of meanings and cultural significance. This list aims to explore some of the most prevalent last names across various cultures, offering insights into their origins, historical context, and potential interpretations.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, derived from the profession of blacksmithing.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John".
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William".
4. **Brown:** Derived from the color brown, possibly referring to hair color, complexion, or even the surname holder's profession.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John".
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works in a mill, typically a flour mill.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David".
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "garrison" or "fort".
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo".
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William".
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who lives near a moor or bog.
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:** Derived from the color white, possibly referring to hair color, complexion, or even the surname holder's profession.
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. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "garrison" or "fort".
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin".
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin".
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a scribe or clerk.
24. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis".
25. **Lee:** A surname with various origins, possibly from a place name or referring to a meadow.
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a walker, often a shepherd.
27. **Hall:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a keeper of a hall.
28. **Allen:** A surname with various origins, possibly from a place name or referring to a rock.
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando".
31. **King:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who is a ruler.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a craftsman.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf".
34. **Hill:** A topographical surname, referring to someone who lives on or near a hill.
35. **Scott:** A surname with various origins, possibly from a place name or referring to a person from Scotland.
36. **Green:** Derived from the color green, possibly referring to the surname holder's environment or profession.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam".
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a baker.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo".
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil".
41. **Carter:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a cart driver.
42. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael".
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "Peter".
44. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert".
45. **Turner:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a turner, often a woodworker.
46. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip".
47. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth".
48. **Parker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a park keeper.
49. **Evans:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan".
50. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward".