Most Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of the top names and their meanings, offering insights into American heritage and genealogy. Whether you're curious about the origins of your own surname or simply interested in the prevalence of certain names across the country, this list will provide you with valuable information.
1. Smith: A common occupational name for a blacksmith. It is derived from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith."
2. Johnson: A patronymic name meaning "son of John." It is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries.
3. Williams: Another patronymic name, this one meaning "son of William." It is derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
4. Brown: An occupational name for someone who worked with or dyed leather with brown dye. It is derived from the Old English word "brūn," meaning "brown."
5. Jones: A patronymic name meaning "son of John." It is a common surname in Wales and England.
6. Miller: An occupational name for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour. It is derived from the Old English word "mylnere," meaning "miller."
7. Davis: A patronymic name meaning "son of David." It is derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname meaning "son of García." It is derived from the Germanic name "Gerhard," meaning "spear warrior."
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo." It is derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."
10. Wilson: A patronymic name meaning "son of William." It is a common surname in Scotland and England.
11. Moore: An occupational name for someone who lived near or worked on a moor, a type of open, often marshy, grassland.
12. Taylor: An occupational name for someone who worked as a tailor, making and mending clothes.
13. Anderson: A patronymic name meaning "son of Andrew." It is derived from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."
14. Thomas: A patronymic name meaning "son of Thomas." It is derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
15. Jackson: A patronymic name meaning "son of Jack." It is a common surname in England and the United States.
16. White: A descriptive name for someone with fair skin or light hair. It is derived from the Old English word "hwit," meaning "white."
17. Harris: An occupational name for someone who worked as a keeper or warden of a house or estate. It is derived from the Old English word "here," meaning "army."
18. Martin: A patronymic name meaning "son of Martin." It is derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
19. Thompson: A patronymic name meaning "son of Thomas." It is a common surname in England and the United States.
20. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." It is derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "brave in battle."
21. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope." It is derived from the Germanic name "Hlodowig," meaning "famous warrior."
22. Lee: A topographic name for someone who lived near a clearing or meadow. It is derived from the Old English word "lēah," meaning "clearing."
23. Allen: A topographic name for someone who lived near a rock or cliff. It is derived from the Old English word "allan," meaning "rock."
24. Hernandez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando." It is derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand," meaning "peaceful journey."
25. Walker: An occupational name for someone who worked as a walker, carrying goods or traveling on foot.
26. Hall: A topographic name for someone who lived near or in a hall. It is derived from the Old English word "hæl," meaning "hall."
27. Young: A descriptive name for someone who was young or youthful. It is derived from the Old English word "geong," meaning "young."
28. Hernandez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando." It is derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand," meaning "peaceful journey."
29. King: An occupational name for someone who ruled as a king. It is derived from the Old English word "cyning," meaning "king."
30. Wright: An occupational name for someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman. It is derived from the Old English word "wriht," meaning "craftsman."
31. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope." It is derived from the Germanic name "Hlodowig," meaning "famous warrior."
32. Hill: A topographic name for someone who lived near or on a hill. It is derived from the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill."
33. Scott: A topographic name for someone who lived in Scotland or near the Scottish border.
34. Green: A descriptive name for someone with green hair or who lived near a green meadow. It is derived from the Old English word "grēne," meaning "green."
35. Adams: A patronymic name meaning "son of Adam." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Adam," meaning "man."
36. Baker: An occupational name for someone who worked as a baker, making bread.
37. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." It is derived from the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "brave in battle."
38. Nelson: A patronymic name meaning "son of Neil." It is derived from the Gaelic name "Niall," meaning "champion."
39. Carter: An occupational name for someone who worked as a carter, transporting goods by cart.
40. Mitchell: A patronymic name meaning "son of Michael." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Michael," meaning "who is like God?"