Common US Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide delves into the most frequently encountered last names in the United States, providing a comprehensive look at their origins, meanings, and cultural significance. Discover the rich history behind these common names and explore the diverse linguistic influences that have shaped the American surname landscape. From the origins of classic Anglo-Saxon surnames to the influx of European immigrants, this list offers insights into the fascinating evolution of American last names.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith," indicating a person who worked with metal. This was a common occupational name in medieval England.
2. **Johnson:** Meaning "son of John," a very common patronymic surname, reflecting the practice of naming children after their fathers.
3. **Williams:** Meaning "son of William," another popular patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** Meaning "someone with brown hair or complexion," indicating physical characteristics. This surname was widespread in medieval England.
5. **Jones:** Meaning "son of John," a common Welsh patronymic surname, similar to the English "Johnson."
6. **Miller:** Meaning "someone who works as a miller," an occupational surname indicating someone who ground grain.
7. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a biblical name meaning "beloved," often used as a patronymic surname.
8. **Garcia:** Meaning "son of Garcias," a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "spearman."
9. **Rodriguez:** Meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of William," a common patronymic surname, similar to "Williams."
11. **Moore:** Meaning "moor," indicating someone who lived near a moor or marshland. This was a common topographical surname.
12. **Taylor:** Meaning "someone who works as a tailor," an occupational surname, referring to someone who makes clothing.
13. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," a patronymic surname, derived from a Greek name meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin," a biblical name, often used as a patronymic surname.
15. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a patronymic surname, derived from a diminutive form of the name John.
16. **White:** Meaning "someone with fair skin or hair," indicating physical characteristics. This was a common surname in medieval England.
17. **Harris:** Meaning "son of Harry," a patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "home ruler."
18. **Martin:** Meaning "warlike," a Latin name, often used as a patronymic surname.
19. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," a patronymic surname, derived from the biblical name meaning "twin."
20. **Garcia:** Meaning "son of Garcias," a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "spearman."
21. **Martinez:** Meaning "son of Martin," a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from a Latin name meaning "warlike."
22. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin," a patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "bright fame."
23. **Clark:** Meaning "someone who works as a scribe or secretary," an occupational surname, indicating someone who could read and write.
24. **Lewis:** Meaning "famous warrior," a Welsh name, often used as a patronymic surname.
25. **Lee:** Meaning "meadow," indicating someone who lived near a meadow or pasture. This was a common topographical surname.
26. **Walker:** Meaning "someone who works as a walker," an occupational surname, indicating someone who walked on foot or delivered goods.
27. **Hall:** Meaning "someone who lives in a hall," a topographical surname, indicating someone who lived in a large house.
28. **Allen:** Meaning "handsome" or "noble," a Germanic name, often used as a patronymic surname.
29. **Young:** Meaning "someone who is young," indicating age or perhaps someone who was a junior member of a family.
30. **Hernandez:** Meaning "son of Hernando," a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "strong ruler."
31. **King:** Meaning "someone who rules as a king," a surname indicating status or nobility.
32. **Wright:** Meaning "someone who works as a craftsman," an occupational surname, indicating someone who skilled in building or carpentry.
33. **Lopez:** Meaning "son of Lope," a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "wolf."
34. **Hill:** Meaning "someone who lives on a hill," a topographical surname, indicating someone who lived on elevated land.
35. **Scott:** Meaning "someone from Scotland," a geographical surname, indicating someone who came from Scotland.
36. **Green:** Meaning "someone with green hair or eyes," indicating physical characteristics. This was a common surname in medieval England.
37. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," a biblical name meaning "mankind," often used as a patronymic surname.
38. **Baker:** Meaning "someone who works as a baker," an occupational surname, indicating someone who makes bread.
39. **Gonzalez:** Meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "battle-spirited."
40. **Nelson:** Meaning "son of Neil," a patronymic surname, derived from a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
41. **Carter:** Meaning "someone who transports goods by cart," an occupational surname, indicating someone who was involved in transportation.
42. **Mitchell:** Meaning "son of Michael," a patronymic surname, derived from a Hebrew name meaning "who is like God?"
43. **Perez:** Meaning "son of Pedro," a Spanish patronymic surname, derived from a Greek name meaning "rock."
44. **Roberts:** Meaning "son of Robert," a patronymic surname, derived from a Germanic name meaning "bright fame."
45. **Turner:** Meaning "someone who works as a turner," an occupational surname, indicating someone who worked with wood or metal on a lathe.
46. **Phillips:** Meaning "son of Philip," a patronymic surname, derived from a Greek name meaning "lover of horses."
47. **Campbell:** Meaning "crooked mouth," a Scottish surname, derived from a Gaelic name describing a physical characteristic.
48. **Parker:** Meaning "someone who works as a park keeper," an occupational surname, indicating someone who maintained a park or enclosure.
49. **Evans:** Meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh patronymic surname, derived from a Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious."
50. **Edwards:** Meaning "son of Edward," a patronymic surname, derived from an Old English name meaning "wealthy guardian."