Most Popular Last Names in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive list delves into the top 40 most popular surnames, revealing their origins, historical significance, and intriguing meanings. Whether you're researching your family history, writing a fictional character, or simply interested in the fascinating world of names, this guide offers valuable insights into the prevalence and origins of these enduring surnames.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, denoting a person who worked as a blacksmith.
2. **Johnson:** Another occupational surname, derived from the English word "John" and meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** An occupational surname, referring to someone with brown hair, skin, or clothing.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname, denoting a person who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Garcia."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** An occupational surname, meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname, denoting someone who lived near a moor or marsh.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, meaning a person who cuts and sews cloth.
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 light hair.
17. **Harris:** An occupational surname, meaning "son of Harry" or "guard."
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname, meaning "scribe" or "secretary."
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis."
24. **Lee:** A topographic surname, denoting someone who lived near a meadow or clearing.
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname, referring to someone who works as a walker or messenger.
26. **Hall:** A topographic surname, meaning "dwelling near a hall."
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is youthful.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. **King:** An occupational surname, meaning someone who is a ruler.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname, meaning someone who works as a craftsman or builder.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope."
33. **Hill:** A topographic surname, meaning someone who lives on or near a hill.
34. **Scott:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Scot."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname, meaning someone with green hair or who lives near a green area.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname, meaning someone who bakes bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname, meaning someone who transports goods by cart.