Most Popular Last Names in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most popular last names in the United States? Understanding the prevalence of specific surnames can provide insights into cultural history, migration patterns, and even social dynamics. This comprehensive guide will explore the top surnames in the USA, delving into their origins and meanings.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname 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: Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
4. Brown: A descriptive surname, referring to someone 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."
6. Miller: An occupational surname for someone who grinds grain, derived from the Old English word "mylnere."
7. Davis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "young" or "youthful," derived from the Latin word "garcius."
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname, 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."
11. Moore: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a moor or marsh, derived from the Old English word "mōr."
12. Taylor: An occupational surname for someone who cuts cloth, derived from the Old English word "tæȝere."
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," derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," meaning "supplanter."
16. White: A descriptive surname, referring to someone with white hair or complexion, derived from the Old English word "hwit."
17. Harris: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry," derived from the Germanic name "Harig," meaning "army ruler."
18. Martin: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
19. Thompson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma."
20. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "young" or "youthful," derived from the Latin word "garcius."
21. Martinez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martinus."
22. Robinson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin," derived from the Old English name "Robyn," meaning "bright fame."
23. Clark: An occupational surname for someone who works as a clerk or scribe, derived from the Old English word "clerc."
24. Lewis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lewis," derived from the Germanic name "Ludwig," meaning "famous warrior."
25. Lee: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a clearing or meadow, derived from the Old English word "lēah."
26. Walker: An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels on foot, derived from the Old English word "wealcere."
27. Hall: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a hall or large house, derived from the Old English word "hæl."
28. Allen: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan," derived from the Gaelic name "Ailean," meaning "handsome."
29. Young: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young or youthful, derived from the Old English word "geong."
30. Hernandez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," derived from the Germanic name "Fernand," meaning "brave traveler."
31. King: An occupational surname for someone who is a king or ruler, derived from the Old English word "cyning."
32. Wright: An occupational surname for someone who works with wood, derived from the Old English word "wrihta."
33. Lopez: A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf," derived from the Latin word "lupus."
34. Hill: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a hill or elevated land, derived from the Old English word "hyll."
35. Scott: A descriptive surname, referring to someone from Scotland, derived from the Gaelic word "Sgota."
36. Green: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a green or grassy area, derived from the Old English word "grēne."
37. Adams: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name "Adam," meaning "man."
38. Baker: An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread, derived from the Old English word "bācere."
39. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "battle struggle."
40. Nelson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil," derived from the Gaelic name "Niall," meaning "champion."