Most Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings behind these surnames, providing insights into the diverse cultural tapestry of the nation. From classic Anglo-Saxon roots to more recent immigrant contributions, these names reveal the history and evolution of American society.
1. Smith: Meaning "blacksmith," a common occupation in medieval England.
2. Johnson: Meaning "son of John," a popular given name in the English-speaking world.
3. Williams: Meaning "son of William," another popular English given name.
4. Brown: Meaning "someone with brown hair or skin," a descriptive name common in many cultures.
5. Jones: Meaning "son of John," similar to Johnson but with a slightly different origin.
6. Miller: Meaning "someone who grinds grain," a traditional occupation in rural communities.
7. Davis: Meaning "son of David," a biblical name with deep historical significance.
8. Garcia: Meaning "son of Garcias," a common surname in Spain and Latin America.
9. Rodriguez: Meaning "son of Rodrigo," another common surname in Spain and Latin America.
10. Wilson: Meaning "son of William," similar to Williams but with a different spelling.
11. Moore: Meaning "moorland," a geographical term often used as a surname in England.
12. Taylor: Meaning "someone who cuts cloth," a traditional occupation in the textile industry.
13. Anderson: Meaning "son of Andrew," a popular given name in Scandinavia.
14. Thomas: Meaning "twin," a common surname in the English-speaking world.
15. Jackson: Meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
16. White: Meaning "someone with fair skin," a descriptive name similar to Brown.
17. Harris: Meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry.
18. Martin: Meaning "warlike," a name of Latin origin often used as a surname.
19. Thompson: Meaning "son of Thomas," another popular surname in the English-speaking world.
20. Martinez: Meaning "son of Martin," a common surname in Spain and Latin America.
21. Robinson: Meaning "son of Robin," a name of French origin.
22. Clark: Meaning "scribe," a profession that was highly respected in medieval times.
23. Lewis: Meaning "famous warrior," a name of Germanic origin.
24. Lee: Meaning "meadow," a geographical term often used as a surname.
25. Walker: Meaning "someone who travels on foot," a traditional occupation.
26. Hall: Meaning "large house," a term used to describe the residence of wealthy families.
27. Allen: Meaning "handsome," a name of Germanic origin.
28. Young: Meaning "young," a common surname in the English-speaking world.
29. Hernandez: Meaning "son of Hernando," a common surname in Spain and Latin America.
30. King: Meaning "ruler," a title often used as a surname.
31. Wright: Meaning "someone who makes things," a traditional occupation.
32. Lopez: Meaning "son of Lope," a common surname in Spain and Latin America.
33. Hill: Meaning "elevated land," a geographical term often used as a surname.
34. Scott: Meaning "someone from Scotland," a common surname in Scotland and England.
35. Green: Meaning "someone with green hair or skin," a descriptive name similar to Brown.
36. Adams: Meaning "son of Adam," a biblical name with deep historical significance.
37. Baker: Meaning "someone who bakes bread," a traditional occupation.
38. Gonzalez: Meaning "son of Gonzalo," a common surname in Spain and Latin America.
39. Nelson: Meaning "son of Neil," a common surname in Scandinavia.
40. Carter: Meaning "someone who transports goods," a traditional occupation.