Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most frequent surnames in the United States? This comprehensive guide explores the origins and meanings behind the top last names in the US, providing insight into the diverse heritage of the American population. From classic names with deep historical roots to more modern surnames, discover the stories behind the names that make up the American landscape.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, originally from Old English "smiþ."
2. Johnson: Derived from the given name "John," a popular name throughout history.
3. Williams: Means "descendant of William," a common given name of Germanic origin.
4. Brown: A descriptive surname referring to people with brown hair or complexion.
5. Jones: An anglicized form of "John" or "son of John."
6. Miller: Occupational surname for a miller, someone who worked in a grain mill.
7. Davis: Means "son of David," a biblical name meaning "beloved."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcia," a popular given name in Spain.
9. Rodriguez: Derived from the given name "Rodrigo," meaning "famous ruler."
10. Wilson: Means "son of William," a common surname with Germanic roots.
11. Moore: A descriptive surname, often referring to a person who lived near a moor or marshland.
12. Taylor: Occupational surname for a tailor, someone who makes and repairs clothing.
13. Anderson: Means "son of Andrew," a common given name of Greek origin.
14. Thomas: Means "twin," derived from Aramaic "te'om."
15. Jackson: Means "son of Jack," a common nickname for John.
16. White: A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or hair.
17. Harris: Means "son of Harry," a common nickname for Henry.
18. Martin: Derived from the Latin name "Martius," meaning "warlike."
19. Thompson: Means "son of Thomas," a common surname with Germanic roots.
20. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a given name meaning "warfare."
21. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," a given name meaning "wolf."
22. Lee: A surname with various origins, including English, Chinese, and Korean.
23. Allen: Means "handsome," derived from the Old English name "Aethel."
24. Young: A descriptive surname for a young person or a descendant.
25. Hernandez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a given name meaning "brave warrior."
26. King: An occupational surname for a king or a person of royal lineage.
27. Wright: Occupational surname for a craftsman, especially a carpenter or wheelwright.
28. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," a given name meaning "wolf."
29. Hill: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a hill or on high ground.
30. Scott: A Scottish surname with various possible meanings, including "from the Scots."
31. Green: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a green field or meadow.
32. Adams: Means "son of Adam," the biblical first man.
33. Baker: Occupational surname for someone who bakes bread or pastries.
34. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a given name meaning "warfare."
35. Nelson: Means "son of Neil," a common given name of Gaelic origin.
36. Carter: Occupational surname for a person who transports goods by cart.
37. Mitchell: Means "son of Michael," a popular given name of Hebrew origin.
38. Perez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," a given name meaning "rock."
39. Roberts: Means "son of Robert," a popular given name of Germanic origin.
40. Turner: Occupational surname for someone who works with wood, often a wood turner.
41. Phillips: Means "son of Philip," a popular given name of Greek origin.
42. Campbell: A Scottish surname meaning "crooked field" or "twisted mouth."
43. Parker: Occupational surname for a park keeper or someone who works with parks.
44. Evans: Means "son of Evan," a Welsh name meaning "born at the yew tree."
45. Edwards: Means "son of Edward," a popular given name of English origin.
46. Collins: Means "son of Colin," a Scottish name meaning "victory."
47. Stewart: A Scottish surname meaning "steward" or "keeper."
48. Sanchez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Sancho," a given name meaning "holy."
49. Morris: A Welsh surname meaning "sea warrior" or "defender of the sea."
50. Rogers: Means "son of Roger," a popular given name of Germanic origin.