How Many People Have My Last Name: Finding Your Surname's Frequency

Are you curious about how many people share your last name? Finding the frequency of your surname can be a fascinating journey into your family history and ancestry. Understanding how common your last name is can provide insights into its origins, potential geographical distribution, and even reveal possible connections to other families with the same name. This guide will explore the various ways to discover the prevalence of your last name.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith" or "one who works with metal." It is derived from the Old English words "smið" and "smith," indicating a skilled craftsman.
2. **Johnson:** This patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," is one of the most frequent last names in English-speaking countries. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," which means "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, "Williams" signifies "son of William." William is a popular Germanic name meaning "resolute protector" or "strong-willed helmet."
4. **Brown:** This surname derives from the color "brown," and it may have been given to people with brown hair, brown eyes, or those who lived in a brown-colored house or near a brown landscape.
5. **Jones:** This patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," is another frequent name in English-speaking nations. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," which means "God is gracious."
6. **Miller:** This occupational surname signifies someone who works in a mill, particularly a grain mill. It stems from the Old English word "milnere," meaning "miller."
7. **Davis:** This patronymic surname, meaning "son of David," is widespread in English-speaking countries. David is a Hebrew name meaning "beloved" or "friend."
8. **Garcia:** This Spanish surname originates from a Basque word meaning "bear," symbolizing strength and courage. It is a common name in Spain, Latin America, and parts of the United States.
9. **Rodriguez:** This Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," is a patronymic name. Rodrigo is a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler" or "renowned power."
10. **Wilson:** This surname, a combination of "Will" and "son," is a patronymic name meaning "son of Will." Will is a short form of William, a Germanic name meaning "resolute protector" or "strong-willed helmet."
11. **Moore:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "mōr," means "moor" or "swampy land." It often refers to a geographical location or indicates someone who lived near such a place.
12. **Taylor:** This occupational surname, meaning "tailor," signifies someone who makes and repairs clothes. It derives from the Old French word "taillour," meaning "cutter."
13. **Anderson:** This patronymic surname, meaning "son of Anders," is a common name in Scandinavian countries. Anders is a Swedish form of the name Andrew, meaning "manly" or "brave."
14. **Thomas:** This name, meaning "twin" in Aramaic, is a popular surname derived from the biblical figure St. Thomas. It signifies a strong and faithful individual.
15. **Jackson:** This patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack," is a popular name in English-speaking countries. Jack is a nickname for John, a Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious."
16. **White:** This surname is derived from the color "white" and may have referred to someone with fair hair or skin, or someone who wore white clothing. It signifies purity and innocence.
17. **Harris:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "hār," means "hare," a small rabbit-like mammal. It may have been a descriptive name for someone with hare-like features or someone who lived near a hare-populated area.
18. **Martin:** This surname, derived from the Roman god Mars, signifies "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars." It is a popular name throughout Europe and the United States.
19. **Thompson:** This patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," is another popular name in English-speaking countries. Thomas is a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin."
20. **Martinez:** This Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin," is a patronymic name. Martin is a popular name throughout Europe and the United States, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
21. **Robinson:** This surname, a combination of "Robin" and "son," is a patronymic name meaning "son of Robin." Robin is a popular name of French origin, meaning "bright fame."
22. **Clark:** This occupational surname, meaning "clerk" or "scribe," signifies someone who was employed in an administrative or religious position. It stems from the Old French word "clerc."
23. **Lewis:** This surname, derived from the French name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior" or "renowned fighter," is a popular name throughout Europe and the United States.
24. **Lee:** This surname, of Korean origin, meaning "plum tree," symbolizes beauty, strength, and longevity. It is a popular surname in Korea and parts of the United States.
25. **Walker:** This occupational surname, meaning "one who walks," signifies someone who traveled on foot, often as a messenger or a peddler. It stems from the Old English word "wealcere," meaning "traveler."
26. **Hall:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "hāl," meaning "hall" or "large house," may have referred to someone who lived in a large house or worked in a hall.
27. **Allen:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "alene," meaning "alone" or "solitary," may have been given to someone who lived in a secluded location or was known for their independent nature.
28. **Young:** This surname, meaning "young" or "youthful," may have been given to a young person or someone who looked young for their age. It signifies a fresh start and new beginnings.
29. **Hernandez:** This Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," is a patronymic name. Hernando is a Spanish form of the name Ferdinand, meaning "brave journey" or "peacemaker."
30. **King:** This surname, meaning "ruler" or "monarch," may have been given to a member of royalty or someone who held a position of power. It signifies authority and leadership.
31. **Wright:** This occupational surname, meaning "wright" or "craftsman," signifies someone who worked with wood or other materials to create objects. It stems from the Old English word "wrihta," meaning "builder."
32. **Lopez:** This Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope," is a patronymic name. Lope is a Spanish name meaning "wolf" or "powerful."
33. **Hill:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill," may have referred to someone who lived on a hill or near a hilly terrain.
34. **Scott:** This surname, derived from the Old English word "sċēot," meaning "Scot" or "from Scotland," may have been given to someone of Scottish origin or someone who lived in a region inhabited by Scots.
35. **Green:** This surname is derived from the color "green" and may have referred to someone with green eyes or someone who lived in a green, grassy area.
36. **Adams:** This patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam," is a popular name in English-speaking countries. Adam is a Hebrew name meaning "man" or "earth."
37. **Baker:** This occupational surname, meaning "baker," signifies someone who bakes bread or other baked goods. It stems from the Old English word "bācere," meaning "baker."
38. **Gonzalez:** This Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," is a patronymic name. Gonzalo is a Spanish name of Germanic origin meaning "war-spirited" or "vigilant."
39. **Nelson:** This patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil," is a popular name in Scandinavian countries. Neil is a Gaelic name meaning "champion" or "bright one."
40. **Carter:** This occupational surname, meaning "one who transports goods," signifies someone who used a cart to move goods. It stems from the Old French word "charretier," meaning "cart driver."