Most Common Last Name in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most prevalent surnames in the United States? This comprehensive guide explores the top last names in the country, revealing their origins, meanings, and historical significance. Uncover the fascinating stories behind these common surnames, providing insights into the diverse tapestry of American heritage.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith."
2. Johnson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
3. Williams: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. Brown: A descriptive surname, referring to a person with brown hair or skin.
5. Jones: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
6. Miller: An occupational surname, meaning "one who grinds grain."
7. Davis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Garcia."
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. Wilson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
11. Moore: An occupational surname, meaning "one who lives by a moor."
12. Taylor: An occupational surname, meaning "one who cuts cloth."
13. Anderson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Anders."
14. Thomas: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
15. Jackson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
16. White: A descriptive surname, referring to a person with fair skin.
17. Harris: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry."
18. Martin: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin."
19. Thompson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. Garcia: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcia"
21. Martinez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin"
22. Robinson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin"
23. Clark: An occupational surname meaning "scribe"
24. Lewis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis"
25. Lee: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Leo"
26. Walker: An occupational surname meaning "one who walks or travels"
27. Hall: A topographical surname meaning "dwelling near a hall"
28. Allen: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan"
29. Young: A descriptive surname meaning "youthful"
30. Hernandez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando"
31. King: An occupational surname meaning "ruler"
32. Wright: An occupational surname meaning "craftsman"
33. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope"
34. Hill: A topographical surname meaning "one who lives near a hill"
35. Scott: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Scot"
36. Green: A descriptive surname meaning "one who lives near green land"
37. Adams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam"
38. Baker: An occupational surname meaning "one who bakes bread"
39. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo"
40. Nelson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil"
41. Carter: An occupational surname meaning "one who transports goods"
42. Mitchell: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael"
43. Perez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro"
44. Roberts: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert"
45. Turner: An occupational surname meaning "one who turns or shapes wood"
46. Phillips: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip"
47. Campbell: A topographical surname meaning "crooked field"
48. Parker: An occupational surname meaning "keeper of a park"
49. Evans: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan"
50. Edwards: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward"