Common US Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive list delves into the origins and meanings behind some of the most popular surnames, offering insights into their historical significance and cultural impact. Whether you're researching your family history, exploring American demographics, or simply curious about the origins of these widespread names, this guide provides a detailed overview of the most common US last names.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith or metalworker, derived from the Old English word "smiþ".
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John", derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan", meaning "God is gracious".
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William", derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm", meaning "resolute protector".
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to a person with brown hair or complexion, derived from the Old English word "brūn".
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John", derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan", meaning "God is gracious".
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David", derived from the Hebrew name "David", meaning "beloved".
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname of Hispanic origin, meaning "son of Garcia", derived from the Germanic name "Gerhard", meaning "spear-warrior".
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname of Hispanic origin, meaning "son of Rodrigo", derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric", meaning "famous ruler".
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William", derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm", meaning "resolute protector".
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname for someone who lived near or worked with a moor, a swamp or wetland.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making or repairing clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew", derived from the Greek name "Andreas", meaning "manly".
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas", derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma", meaning "twin".
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack", a nickname for John, derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan", meaning "God is gracious".
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to a person with fair skin or hair, derived from the Old English word "hwīt".
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry", a nickname for Henry, derived from the Germanic name "Heimrich", meaning "home ruler".
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin", derived from the Roman name "Martinus", meaning "warlike".
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas", derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma", meaning "twin".
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname of Hispanic origin, meaning "son of Martin", derived from the Roman name "Martinus", meaning "warlike".
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin", a nickname for Robert, derived from the Germanic name "Hrodberht", meaning "bright fame".
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scribe or clerk, derived from the Old French word "clerc".
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis", derived from the French name "Louis", meaning "famous warrior".
24. **Lee:** A topographic surname referring to a meadow or clearing in a forest, derived from the Old English word "lēah".
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker, a person who walked goods or people.
26. **Hall:** A topographic surname referring to a large building or dwelling, derived from the Old English word "hæl".
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan", derived from the Celtic name "Alan", meaning "handsome".
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to a young person, derived from the Old English word "geong".
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname of Hispanic origin, meaning "son of Hernando", derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand", meaning "bold traveler".
30. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king, a ruler of a country or region.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright, a craftsman or builder.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname of Hispanic origin, meaning "son of Lope", a nickname for a wolf.
33. **Hill:** A topographic surname referring to a hill or elevated area, derived from the Old English word "hyll".
34. **Scott:** A topographic surname referring to a woodland area, derived from the Old English word "sċēot".
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to a person with green hair or eyes, derived from the Old English word "grēne".
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam", derived from the Hebrew name "Adam", meaning "man".
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, making bread and pastries.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname of Hispanic origin, meaning "son of Gonzalo", derived from the Germanic name "Gunthram", meaning "warrior of the people".
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil", derived from the Gaelic name "Niall", meaning "champion".
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter, a person who transported goods by cart.