Most Common US Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the most prevalent last names in the United States, uncovering their fascinating origins and meanings. This comprehensive list reveals the rich tapestry of American ancestry, tracing the lineage of common surnames back to ancient roots. Whether you're curious about your own family history or seeking to delve into the demographic landscape of the nation, this guide provides insightful information about the most common last names in the US.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name, meaning "one who works with metal," particularly blacksmiths.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name John, meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, originating from the given name William, meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** An occupational name for someone who worked with or dyed materials brown, or a descriptive surname for someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name John, meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who ground grain in a mill.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name David, meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcia," derived from the Germanic name Gerhardt, meaning "spear-warrior."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** An occupational name for someone who farmed or lived near a meadow.
11. **Moore:** An occupational name for someone who lived near or worked with a moor (a marshy area).
12. **Taylor:** An occupational name for someone who cut or sewed cloth.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Anders, a Scandinavian variant of Andrew, meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Thomas, meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Jack, a diminutive of John, meaning "God is gracious."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname for someone with white hair or complexion.
17. **Harris:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a guardian or steward.
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Martin, meaning "war-like."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Thomas, meaning "twin."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name Martinus, meaning "war-like."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Robin, a diminutive of Robert, meaning "bright fame."
22. **Clark:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a scribe or scholar.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Louis, meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A surname of various origins, including English, Chinese, and Korean, with diverse meanings.
25. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who walked or travelled, often as a messenger or shepherd.
26. **Hall:** An occupational name for someone who lived near or worked at a hall.
27. **Allen:** A surname of various origins, including English, French, and Irish, with diverse meanings.
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname for someone who was young or youthful.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a Germanic name meaning "soldier's leader."
30. **King:** An occupational name for someone who ruled a kingdom or a descriptive surname for someone of high status.
31. **Wright:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a craftsman, particularly a carpenter or builder.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," a Germanic name meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname for someone who lived near or on a hill.
34. **Scott:** A surname of various origins, including Scottish, Irish, and English, with diverse meanings.
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname for someone with green hair or complexion or someone who lived near or worked with greenery.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Adam, meaning "man."
37. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who baked bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "war-like."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name Neil, a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational name for someone who transported goods by cart.