Most Popular Last Name in the World: A Global Survey of Common Surnames

Determining the single "most popular" last name in the world is a tricky task, as surname distribution varies greatly across different countries and cultures. However, we can explore a list of the most frequently occurring last names globally, offering insight into the prevalence of certain names and their historical origins.
1. **Wang:** A Chinese surname meaning "king" or "royal," indicating its historical significance in Chinese society. It is the most common surname in China, and one of the most popular globally.
2. **Li:** Another prominent Chinese surname, meaning "plum" or "plum tree," symbolizing beauty and longevity. It is the second most common surname in China and ranks highly worldwide.
3. **Zhang:** A Chinese surname meaning "net" or "fishing net," representing a profession or skill. It is the third most common surname in China and a significant name globally.
4. **Liu:** A Chinese surname meaning "willow tree," associated with elegance and grace. It holds a prominent position in Chinese society and is a commonly found surname internationally.
5. **Chen:** A Chinese surname meaning "morning" or "dawn," signifying new beginnings and hope. It ranks highly in China and is a widespread surname globally.
6. **Yang:** A Chinese surname meaning "sun" or "sunshine," representing warmth and vitality. It is a prominent surname in China and a commonly encountered name worldwide.
7. **Huang:** A Chinese surname meaning "yellow" or "emperor," symbolizing authority and power. It holds a significant presence in China and is a widespread surname globally.
8. **Zhao:** A Chinese surname meaning "to summon" or "to call," representing leadership and influence. It is a prominent surname in China and a commonly found name worldwide.
9. **Wu:** A Chinese surname meaning "military" or "martial," signifying strength and courage. It is a significant surname in China and a commonly encountered name internationally.
10. **Zhou:** A Chinese surname meaning "week" or "cycle," representing time and change. It is a prominent surname in China and a widespread surname globally.
11. **Xu:** A Chinese surname meaning "to promise" or "to agree," signifying trustworthiness and commitment. It holds a significant presence in China and is a commonly found name worldwide.
12. **Sun:** A Chinese surname meaning "sun" or "sunshine," representing warmth and vitality. It is a prominent surname in China and a commonly encountered name internationally.
13. **Ma:** A Chinese surname meaning "horse," symbolizing speed and strength. It is a significant surname in China and a commonly found name worldwide.
14. **Zheng:** A Chinese surname meaning "correct" or "upright," representing justice and integrity. It holds a prominent position in Chinese society and is a widespread surname globally.
15. **Guo:** A Chinese surname meaning "country" or "nation," representing patriotism and loyalty. It is a significant surname in China and a commonly encountered name internationally.
16. **Dai:** A Chinese surname meaning "to wear" or "to carry," representing a responsibility or duty. It holds a prominent position in Chinese society and is a widespread surname globally.
17. **Lin:** A Chinese surname meaning "forest" or "woods," signifying nature and beauty. It is a significant surname in China and a commonly encountered name internationally.
18. **Zhang:** A Chinese surname meaning "to expand" or "to grow," representing prosperity and progress. It holds a prominent position in Chinese society and is a widespread surname globally.
19. **Jia:** A Chinese surname meaning "home" or "family," signifying warmth and unity. It is a significant surname in China and a commonly encountered name internationally.
20. **Yu:** A Chinese surname meaning "jade" or "precious stone," representing beauty and value. It holds a prominent position in Chinese society and is a widespread surname globally.
21. **He:** A Chinese surname meaning "harmony" or "peace," signifying balance and unity. It is a significant surname in China and a commonly encountered name internationally.
22. **Yi:** A Chinese surname meaning "easy" or "simple," representing ease and clarity. It holds a prominent position in Chinese society and is a widespread surname globally.
23. **Yi:** A Chinese surname meaning "one" or "unity," signifying wholeness and oneness. It is a significant surname in China and a commonly encountered name internationally.
24. **Fan:** A Chinese surname meaning "to spread" or "to fan," representing expansion and influence. It holds a prominent position in Chinese society and is a widespread surname globally.
25. **Chen:** A Chinese surname meaning "dust" or "earth," signifying humility and groundedness. It is a significant surname in China and a commonly encountered name internationally.
26. **Li:** A Korean surname meaning "plum" or "plum tree," symbolizing beauty and longevity. It is the most common surname in Korea and ranks highly worldwide.
27. **Kim:** A Korean surname meaning "gold" or "metal," signifying wealth and value. It is the second most common surname in Korea and ranks highly worldwide.
28. **Park:** A Korean surname meaning "field" or "park," representing nature and openness. It is the third most common surname in Korea and ranks highly worldwide.
29. **Choi:** A Korean surname meaning "best" or "excellent," signifying high quality and distinction. It is a significant surname in Korea and a commonly encountered name internationally.
30. **Lee:** A Korean surname meaning "plum" or "plum tree," symbolizing beauty and longevity. It is a significant surname in Korea and a commonly encountered name internationally.
31. **Lee:** A Vietnamese surname meaning "plum" or "plum tree," symbolizing beauty and longevity. It is the most common surname in Vietnam and ranks highly worldwide.
32. **Nguyen:** A Vietnamese surname meaning "origin" or "source," representing ancestry and lineage. It is the second most common surname in Vietnam and ranks highly worldwide.
33. **Tran:** A Vietnamese surname meaning "to cross" or "to pass," representing a journey or transition. It is the third most common surname in Vietnam and ranks highly worldwide.
34. **Pham:** A Vietnamese surname meaning "to spread" or "to expand," representing growth and influence. It is a significant surname in Vietnam and a commonly encountered name internationally.
35. **Hoang:** A Vietnamese surname meaning "king" or "emperor," symbolizing authority and power. It is a significant surname in Vietnam and a commonly encountered name internationally.
36. **Vu:** A Vietnamese surname meaning "dance" or "music," representing joy and creativity. It is a significant surname in Vietnam and a commonly encountered name internationally.
37. **Khan:** A surname common in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, meaning "ruler" or "king," signifying authority and leadership.
38. **Ali:** A surname common in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, meaning "noble" or "high-born," representing honor and stature.
39. **Mohamed:** A surname common in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh, meaning "praised" or "highly respected," representing religious devotion and reverence.
40. **Patel:** A surname common in India and Pakistan, meaning "village headman" or "chief," signifying leadership and authority.
41. **Sharma:** A surname common in India and Nepal, meaning "student" or "scholar," representing knowledge and wisdom.
42. **Singh:** A surname common in India and Nepal, meaning "lion" or "king," representing strength and leadership.
43. **Kumar:** A surname common in India and Nepal, meaning "prince" or "son," representing nobility and status.
44. **Gupta:** A surname common in India, meaning "hidden" or "secret," representing mystery and knowledge.
45. **Srivastava:** A surname common in India, meaning "belonging to the Sri," referring to a specific group or profession.
46. **Mishra:** A surname common in India, meaning "mixed" or "diverse," representing a blend of different cultures.
47. **Pandey:** A surname common in India, meaning "leader" or "chief," signifying authority and leadership.
48. **Trivedi:** A surname common in India, meaning "belonging to the three Vedas," representing spiritual and intellectual knowledge.
49. **Joshi:** A surname common in India, meaning "belonging to the sage," representing wisdom and spiritual guidance.
50. **Dutta:** A surname common in India and Bangladesh, meaning "given" or "bestowed," representing generosity and kindness.