Changing Your Last Name: A Comprehensive Guide

Changing your last name can be a significant life decision, whether you're getting married, wanting to reflect a new identity, or simply seeking a change. This guide will walk you through the process of legally changing your last name, including the steps, required documentation, and important considerations.
1. **Smith:** From the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith." It was originally an occupational surname, indicating that the bearer worked as a blacksmith.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname derived from the English word "John," meaning "God is gracious." It indicates that the bearer was the son of John.
3. **Williams:** Derived from the Old English word "William," meaning "resolute protector" or "helmet of will."
4. **Brown:** An English surname that originated as a descriptive term for someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh word "John," meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain.
7. **Davis:** Derived from the Welsh word "Dafydd," meaning "beloved" or "friend."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the Basque word "garci," meaning "spear" or "lance."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname derived from the words "Rodrigue," meaning "famous ruler," and "ez," meaning "son of."
10. **Wilson:** Derived from the Old English word "William," meaning "resolute protector," and "son," indicating that the bearer was the son of William.
11. **Moore:** An English surname that originated as a descriptive term for someone who lived near a moor or bog.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making and repairing clothing.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname derived from the Scandinavian word "Anders," meaning "man" or "human."
14. **Thomas:** Derived from the Aramaic word "Thomas," meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname derived from the English word "Jack," meaning "God is gracious."
16. **White:** An English surname that originated as a descriptive term for someone with white hair or complexion.
17. **Harris:** Derived from the Old English word "hari," meaning "army" or "warrior."
18. **Martin:** Derived from the Latin word "Martinus," meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname derived from the English word "Thomas," meaning "twin."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the Basque word "garci," meaning "spear" or "lance."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Latin word "Martinus," meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
22. **Robinson:** Derived from the Old English word "Robin," meaning "bright fame," and "son," indicating that the bearer was the son of Robin.
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk.
24. **Lewis:** Derived from the French word "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
25. **Lee:** Derived from the Old English word "leah," meaning "meadow" or "clearing."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker or messenger.
27. **Hall:** An English surname that originated as a place name for someone who lived near a hall or large house.
28. **Allen:** Derived from the Old English word "Allanus," meaning "handsome" or "noble."
29. **Young:** An English surname that originated as a descriptive term for someone who was young.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Germanic word "Hernando," meaning "one who is brave."
31. **King:** An English surname that originated as an occupational term for someone who held the position of king.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright, meaning a craftsman or builder.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Latin word "Lupus," meaning "wolf."
34. **Hill:** An English surname that originated as a place name for someone who lived on a hill.
35. **Scott:** Derived from the Old English word "scolt," meaning "Scot" or "Irishman."
36. **Green:** An English surname that originated as a descriptive term for someone with green eyes or hair.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname derived from the English word "Adam," meaning "man."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, making and selling bread.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname derived from the Basque word "Gontzal," meaning "brave."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname derived from the Old Norse word "Njal," meaning "champion" or "victorious."