Common Last Names in America: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most prevalent last names in the United States? This guide provides an in-depth exploration of common American surnames, offering insights into their origins, meanings, and cultural significance. From classic staples like Smith and Johnson to lesser-known but equally interesting names, we'll delve into the rich tapestry of American genealogy. Discover the stories behind these surnames and gain a deeper understanding of the diverse heritage that shapes the nation.
1. Smith: A surname of occupational origin, referring to a blacksmith or metalworker.
2. Johnson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
3. Williams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," a name of Germanic origin meaning "resolute protector."
4. Brown: A surname of descriptive origin, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. Jones: A patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
6. Miller: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who ground grain into flour.
7. Davis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved."
8. Garcia: A surname of Spanish origin, meaning "little one" or "young one."
9. Rodriguez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous ruler."
10. Wilson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
11. Moore: A surname of topographic origin, referring to a bog or moorland.
12. Taylor: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who cuts and sews cloth.
13. Anderson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," a name of Greek origin meaning "manly."
14. Thomas: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin."
15. Jackson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
16. White: A surname of descriptive origin, referring to someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. Harris: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who guarded or protected.
18. Martin: A surname of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
19. Thompson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
20. Martinez: A surname of Spanish origin, meaning "son of Martin."
21. Robinson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a name of Germanic origin meaning "bright fame."
22. Clark: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who worked as a scribe or secretary.
23. Lewis: A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "famous warrior."
24. Lee: A surname of Chinese origin, meaning "plum tree."
25. Walker: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who walked or traveled.
26. Hall: A surname of topographic origin, referring to a large house or manor.
27. Allen: A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "noble" or "handsome."
28. Young: A surname of descriptive origin, referring to someone who is young or youthful.
29. Hernandez: A surname of Spanish origin, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. King: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who ruled a kingdom.
31. Wright: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who worked with wood or metal.
32. Lopez: A surname of Spanish origin, meaning "wolf."
33. Hill: A surname of topographic origin, referring to a hill or elevated land.
34. Scott: A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "from the Gaelic word "Scota" meaning "Scottish."
35. Green: A surname of descriptive origin, referring to someone with green hair or someone who lived near a green space.
36. Adams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
37. Baker: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who baked bread.
38. Gonzalez: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "strong battle."
39. Nelson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," a name of Gaelic origin meaning "champion."
40. Carter: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who transported goods by cart.
41. Mitchell: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "who is like God?"
42. Perez: A surname of Spanish origin, meaning "son of Pedro," a name of Spanish origin meaning "rock."
43. Roberts: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert," a name of Germanic origin meaning "bright fame."
44. Turner: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who worked as a lathe operator.
45. Phillips: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip," a name of Greek origin meaning "lover of horses."
46. Campbell: A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked mouth."
47. Parker: A surname of occupational origin, referring to someone who worked as a park keeper.
48. Evans: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan," a name of Welsh origin meaning "young warrior."
49. Edwards: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward," a name of Old English origin meaning "wealthy guardian."
50. Collins: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Colin," a name of Gaelic origin meaning "victory."