Common Last Names for African Americans: A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide explores the most common last names among African Americans in the United States. It delves into the origins and meanings of these surnames, offering insights into the cultural and historical context that shaped their prevalence within the Black community. The list is compiled based on extensive research and data analysis, providing a valuable resource for genealogists, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the evolution of Black surnames.
1. **Smith**: A common occupational name for a blacksmith, reflecting the prevalence of this trade in earlier times.

2. **Johnson**: Derived from the English surname "John" and its various forms, it signifies a common personal name.

3. **Williams**: Another common English surname, often derived from "William," a popular given name with historical significance.

4. **Brown**: A descriptive surname referring to the color of hair, skin, or clothing.

5. **Jones**: A common English surname with several origins, including a place name or a patronymic derived from "John."

6. **Davis**: A common English surname, often referring to a person who lived near a davies (a "small valley").

7. **Miller**: An occupational surname for someone who ground grain into flour.

8. **Wilson**: A common English surname with various origins, including a place name or a patronymic derived from "William."

9. **Moore**: A common English surname derived from the word "moor," signifying a marshland or an open area of land.

10. **Taylor**: An occupational surname for someone who cuts cloth and makes garments.

11. **Anderson**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Andrew."

12. **Thomas**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from the given name "Thomas."

13. **Jackson**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Jack" or "John."

14. **White**: A descriptive surname referring to a person with white skin or clothing.

15. **Harris**: A common English surname with various origins, including a place name or an occupational name.

16. **Martin**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Martin," a popular given name with religious connotations.

17. **Thompson**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Thomas."

18. **Garcia**: A common Spanish surname, often derived from the given name "García."

19. **Martinez**: A common Spanish surname, often a patronymic derived from "Martín."

20. **Robinson**: A common English surname, often derived from "Robin," a common nickname for "Robert."

21. **Clark**: An occupational surname for someone who works as a clerk or scribe.

22. **Lewis**: A common English surname with various origins, including a place name or a patronymic derived from "Louis."

23. **Lee**: A common English surname with various origins, including a place name or a patronymic derived from "Leo."

24. **Walker**: An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels.

25. **Hall**: A common English surname, often referring to a person who lives near a hall or large house.

26. **Allen**: A common English surname with various origins, including a place name or a patronymic derived from "Alan."

27. **Young**: A descriptive surname referring to a person who is young in age.

28. **Hernandez**: A common Spanish surname, often derived from the given name "Hernando."

29. **King**: An occupational surname for someone who is a king or ruler.

30. **Wright**: An occupational surname for someone who works as a carpenter or builder.

31. **Lopez**: A common Spanish surname, often derived from the given name "Lope."

32. **Hill**: A common English surname, often referring to a person who lives on or near a hill.

33. **Scott**: A common English surname with various origins, including a place name or a patronymic derived from "Scott."

34. **Green**: A descriptive surname referring to a person with green eyes or clothing.

35. **Adams**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Adam."

36. **Baker**: An occupational surname for someone who makes bread or pastries.

37. **Gonzalez**: A common Spanish surname, often derived from the given name "Gonzalo."

38. **Nelson**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Neil" or "Nigel."

39. **Carter**: An occupational surname for someone who transports goods by cart.

40. **Mitchell**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Michael."

41. **Perez**: A common Spanish surname, often derived from the given name "Pedro."

42. **Roberts**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Robert."

43. **Turner**: An occupational surname for someone who turns wood or other materials.

44. **Phillips**: A common English surname, often derived from "Philip," a popular given name with religious connotations.

45. **Campbell**: A common Scottish surname, often derived from the Gaelic word "cam," meaning "crooked" or "bent."

46. **Parker**: An occupational surname for someone who keeps or guards a park or enclosure.

47. **Evans**: A common Welsh surname, often a patronymic derived from "Evan."

48. **Edwards**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Edward."

49. **Collins**: A common English surname, often a patronymic derived from "Colin."

50. **Stewart**: A common Scottish surname, often derived from the word "steward," signifying a manager or caretaker.