Most Common Last Name in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover the most prevalent surnames in the United States! This comprehensive guide explores the origins and meanings behind the top names, providing insights into their history and cultural significance. Explore the intriguing stories behind these last names and understand their enduring popularity.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name, meaning "one who works with metal," particularly blacksmiths.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** Descriptive of someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," often found in Wales.
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who works in a mill.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the Basque word "garci," meaning "noble" or "powerful."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** A topographic surname meaning "moor," a type of open, marshy land.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a tailor.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or hair.
17. **Harris:** An occupational surname for someone who works with horses.
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin meaning "warlike" or "belonging to Mars."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname derived from the Basque word "garci," meaning "noble" or "powerful."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin."
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a clerk or scribe.
24. **Lewis:** A surname of Germanic origin meaning "famous warrior."
25. **Lee:** A surname of English origin, possibly derived from the word "lea," meaning "meadow."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels.
27. **Hall:** A topographic surname meaning "hall" or "manor."
28. **Allen:** A surname of Germanic origin meaning "all" or "noble."
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who is youthful.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando."
31. **King:** A surname derived from the title "king."
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who works with wood.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope."
34. **Hill:** A topographic surname meaning "hill."
35. **Scott:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "Scotsman."
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green skin or complexion.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil."
41. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transports goods.
42. **Mitchell:** A surname of Scottish origin, possibly meaning "son of Michael."
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro."
44. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert."
45. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a turner or woodworker.
46. **Phillips:** A surname of Greek origin meaning "lover of horses."
47. **Campbell:** A surname of Scottish origin meaning "crooked mouth."
48. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a park keeper.
49. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan."
50. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward."