American Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a unique and meaningful American last name? This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings of popular and lesser-known American surnames, providing insights into their history and cultural significance. From traditional family names to more modern choices, discover the perfect last name that reflects your heritage, values, and individuality.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith," this occupational name is the most common last name in the United States, reflecting the importance of blacksmithing in early American society.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of John," it's a testament to the popularity of the name John in English-speaking countries.
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic name, meaning "son of William," highlighting the prevalence of the name William in early American history.
4. **Brown:** This name originates from the color brown, possibly referring to someone with brown hair or skin, or someone who worked with brown materials like leather or wool.
5. **Jones:** Derived from the Hebrew name "Jonah," meaning "dove," it's a popular name throughout the English-speaking world.
6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a biblical name associated with kingship and leadership.
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcias," a popular name throughout the Hispanic world.
9. **Rodriguez:** Another Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," a common name in Spain and Latin America.
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Will," a common name in England and the United States.
11. **Moore:** A topographic name meaning "moor," a large area of open, undeveloped land, often covered with heather.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a tailor, making and repairing clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Anders," a common name in Scandinavian countries.
14. **Thomas:** A biblical name meaning "twin," popular in both England and the United States.
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Jack," a common name in England and the United States.
16. **White:** A descriptive name for someone with white hair or skin, possibly referring to a person's complexion or their occupation (e.g., a baker who worked with white flour).
17. **Harris:** Derived from the Old English word "hari," meaning "hare," it's a popular name in England and the United States.
18. **Martin:** A Latin name meaning "warlike," popular in both Europe and the United States.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Thomas," a common name in England and the United States.
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," a popular name throughout the Hispanic world.
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Robin," a common name in England and the United States.
22. **Clark:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a clerk, a position that often involved writing and keeping records.
23. **Lewis:** A German name meaning "famous warrior," popular in England and the United States.
24. **Lee:** A topographic name meaning "meadow," referring to an area of open, grassy land.
25. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a walker, often a messenger or someone who traveled on foot.
26. **Hall:** A topographic name meaning "hall," referring to a large house or building.
27. **Allen:** Derived from the Old English word "alen," meaning "rock," it's a popular name in England and the United States.
28. **Young:** A descriptive name for someone who was young, often used to distinguish a younger son from an older son.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a popular name throughout the Hispanic world.
30. **King:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a king, a position of great power and authority.
31. **Wright:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman, often specializing in building or carpentry.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," a common name in Spain and Latin America.
33. **Hill:** A topographic name meaning "hill," referring to a raised area of land.
34. **Scott:** Derived from the Gaelic word "sgeith," meaning "warrior," it's a popular name in Scotland and the United States.
35. **Green:** A descriptive name for someone with green hair or eyes, possibly referring to a person's complexion or their occupation (e.g., a gardener).
36. **Adams:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Adam," a name of biblical significance, referring to the first human.
37. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a baker, making and selling bread and pastries.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a popular name throughout the Hispanic world.
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Neil," a common name in Scandinavian countries.
40. **Carter:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a carter, transporting goods by cart.
41. **Mitchell:** Derived from the Gaelic word "maol," meaning "bald," it's a popular name in Ireland and the United States.
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," a popular name throughout the Hispanic world.
43. **Roberts:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Robert," a common name in England and the United States.
44. **Turner:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a turner, a craftsman who shaped wood or metal using a lathe.
45. **Phillips:** Derived from the Greek word "philos," meaning "lover," it's a popular name in England and the United States.
46. **Campbell:** Derived from the Gaelic word "cam," meaning "crooked," it's a popular name in Scotland and the United States.
47. **Parker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a parker, someone who cared for a park or protected an area.
48. **Evans:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Evan," a common name in Wales and the United States.
49. **Edwards:** A patronymic name meaning "son of Edward," a common name in England and the United States.
50. **Collins:** Derived from the Latin word "columbus," meaning "dove," it's a popular name in England and the United States.