Most Common Last Names in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed list of the top 40 most common surnames, along with their historical origins and meanings. Understanding the prevalence and etymology of these names can offer insight into American demographics, cultural influences, and family history.
1. **Smith:** From the Middle English word "smithe", meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker", originally an occupational name.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "John", meaning "God is gracious".
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "William", meaning "resolute protector".
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "John", 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 derived from the given name "David", meaning "beloved".
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the Basque word "garci", meaning "bear" or "wolf".
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Rodrigo", meaning "famous ruler".
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "William", meaning "resolute protector".
11. **Moore:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a moor, a tract of open, unforested land.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Anders", meaning "man of mankind".
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Thomas", meaning "twin".
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Jack", a shortened form of "John", meaning "God is gracious".
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Harry", a shortened form of "Henry", meaning "ruler of the house".
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Martin", meaning "warlike".
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Thomas", meaning "twin".
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Martin", meaning "warlike".
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Robin", a shortened form of "Robert", meaning "bright fame".
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a clerk, a scribe or administrator.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Lewis", meaning "famous warrior".
24. **Lee:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a clearing or meadow.
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker, a carrier or messenger.
26. **Hall:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hall, a large house or building.
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Alan", meaning "handsome".
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who is young in age.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Hernando", meaning "brave ruler".
30. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king, a ruler or monarch.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright, a craftsman or builder.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Lope", meaning "wolf".
33. **Hill:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hill.
34. **Scott:** A topographic surname for someone who lived near a thicket or wood.
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green hair or complexion.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Adam", meaning "mankind".
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, making bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Gonzalo", meaning "battle-ready".
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Neil", meaning "champion".
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter, a driver of a cart.