Basic Last Names: Common and Simple Surnames

Looking for a simple and classic last name? You've come to the right place! This list features basic last names that are both common and easy to remember. Whether you're exploring genealogy, writing a fictional character, or simply curious about the origins of surnames, this comprehensive guide provides detailed meanings and origins for a wide range of basic last names. Dive in and discover the rich history behind these enduring surnames.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith," this name is derived from the common occupation of working with metal.
2. **Jones:** Derived from the Welsh word "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Brown:** Relating to the color brown, likely referring to a person's hair or complexion, or perhaps their occupation as a tanner.
4. **Davis:** Derived from the Welsh word "David," meaning "beloved."
5. **Miller:** A surname that reflects the occupation of a person who grinds grain into flour.
6. **Wilson:** A combination of the words "son" and "William," meaning "son of William."
7. **Moore:** Derived from the Old English word "mor," meaning "moor" or "swamp."
8. **Taylor:** A surname that refers to a person who makes or repairs clothes.
9. **Anderson:** A combination of the words "son" and "Andrew," meaning "son of Andrew."
10. **Thomas:** A surname derived from the Hebrew name "Thomas," meaning "twin."
11. **Jackson:** Derived from the name "Jack," a nickname for "John," meaning "God is gracious."
12. **White:** A surname that refers to the color white, possibly describing a person's complexion or hair.
13. **Harris:** Derived from the Germanic word "hari," meaning "army" or "warrior."
14. **Martin:** A surname derived from the Roman god Mars, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
15. **Thompson:** A combination of the words "son" and "Thomas," meaning "son of Thomas."
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "warrior" or "nobleman."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname derived from the name "Martin," meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
18. **Robinson:** A combination of the words "son" and "Robin," meaning "son of Robin."
19. **Clark:** A surname derived from the Old English word "clerc," meaning "scholar" or "clerk."
20. **Lewis:** A surname derived from the French word "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
21. **Lee:** A surname derived from the English word "lea," meaning "meadow" or "clearing."
22. **Walker:** A surname that refers to a person who walks or travels on foot.
23. **Hall:** A surname derived from the Old English word "hāl," meaning "holy" or "sacred."
24. **Allen:** A surname derived from the Old English word "ællen," meaning "all" or "entire."
25. **Young:** A surname that refers to a person who is young or youthful.
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a Germanic name meaning "strong army."
27. **King:** A surname that refers to a person of royal lineage or who holds a position of power.
28. **Wright:** A surname that refers to a person who is skilled in a particular craft, especially carpentry.
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
30. **Hill:** A surname derived from the English word "hill," meaning "raised ground."
31. **Scott:** A surname derived from the Old English word "scot," meaning "a person from Scotland."
32. **Green:** A surname that refers to the color green, possibly describing a person's complexion or a place where they lived.
33. **Adams:** A surname derived from the name "Adam," the first man in the Bible.
34. **Baker:** A surname that refers to a person who makes or sells bread.
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "warrior."
36. **Nelson:** A combination of the words "son" and "Neil," meaning "son of Neil."
37. **Carter:** A surname that refers to a person who transports goods by cart.
38. **Mitchell:** A surname derived from the Greek name "Michael," meaning "who is like God?"
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Peter" or "rock."
40. **Roberts:** A combination of the words "son" and "Robert," meaning "son of Robert."
41. **Turner:** A surname that refers to a person who works with wood or other materials.
42. **Phillips:** A surname derived from the Greek word "Philippos," meaning "lover of horses."
43. **Campbell:** A surname derived from the Scottish Gaelic words "cam" and "bell," meaning "crooked mouth."
44. **Parker:** A surname that refers to a person who keeps or guards a park.
45. **Evans:** A surname derived from the Welsh word "Evan," meaning "God is gracious."
46. **Edwards:** A surname derived from the name "Edward," meaning "wealthy guardian."
47. **Collins:** A surname derived from the French word "colin," meaning "young wolf."
48. **Stewart:** A surname derived from the Old English word "steward," meaning "one who manages property."
49. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Saint John."
50. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."