Most Common Last Name in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? Understanding the prevalence of certain surnames can be fascinating, offering insights into demographics, migration patterns, and cultural influences. This comprehensive list dives deep into the meanings and origins of the most frequently found last names in the US, providing a valuable resource for genealogy enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of American heritage.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, originally referring to a blacksmith or metalworker. The name is derived from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John." It's a common name in many countries, reflecting the popularity of the given name John.
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William." It has roots in Germanic and English origins.
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion. It's a common name across many cultures and languages.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John." It's a common name in Wales and England.
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who grinds grain into flour. It's a common name in many parts of the world.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David." It's a common name in many countries, reflecting the popularity of the given name David.
8. **Garcia:** A Hispanic surname, meaning "son of García." It's a common name in Spain and Latin America.
9. **Rodriguez:** A Hispanic surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo." It's a common name in Spain and Latin America.
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William." It's a common name in England and Scotland.
11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname, meaning "moor" or "marshland." It's a common name in England and Ireland.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who cuts cloth or makes clothes. It's a common name in many parts of the world.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Anders." It's a common name in Scandinavia and the United States.
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas." It's a common name in many parts of the world.
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack." It's a common name in England and the United States.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair skin or light hair. It's a common name in many cultures and languages.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry." It's a common name in England and the United States.
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin." It's a common name in many parts of the world.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas." It's a common name in England and the United States.
20. **Garcia:** A Hispanic surname, meaning "son of García." It's a common name in Spain and Latin America.
21. **Martinez:** A Hispanic surname, meaning "son of Martín." It's a common name in Spain and Latin America.
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin." It's a common name in England and the United States.
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who writes or copies documents. It's a common name in many parts of the world.
24. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis." It's a common name in many parts of the world.
25. **Lee:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Leó." It's a common name in Korea and China.
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who walks or travels. It's a common name in many parts of the world.
27. **Hall:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived near a hall or large building. It's a common name in England and the United States.
28. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan." It's a common name in England and the United States.
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is youthful or young. It's a common name in many cultures and languages.
30. **Hernandez:** A Hispanic surname, meaning "son of Hernando." It's a common name in Spain and Latin America.
31. **King:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is a monarch or ruler. It's a common name in many parts of the world.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works with wood or builds structures. It's a common name in many parts of the world.
33. **Lopez:** A Hispanic surname, meaning "son of Lope." It's a common name in Spain and Latin America.
34. **Hill:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives on or near a hill. It's a common name in England and the United States.
35. **Scott:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Scot." It's a common name in Scotland and England.
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a green space or has green hair or eyes. It's a common name in many cultures and languages.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam." It's a common name in many parts of the world.
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who bakes bread or other goods. It's a common name in many parts of the world.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Hispanic surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo." It's a common name in Spain and Latin America.
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil." It's a common name in Scandinavia and the United States.