Most Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide explores the origins and meanings of the top 40 surnames, providing fascinating insights into American genealogy and cultural heritage. Discover the prevalence of names like Smith, Jones, and Brown, and learn about their historical roots and unique significance. From ancient Anglo-Saxon origins to more recent immigration patterns, this list offers a captivating journey through the tapestry of American surnames.
1. Smith: A common occupational name, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker." It originated from the Old English word "smiþ."
2. Johnson: Derived from the Old English "John," meaning "God is gracious." It's a patronymic name, meaning "son of John."
3. Williams: A patronymic name meaning "son of William." William comes from the Old German elements "wil" (will) and "helm" (helmet), meaning "resolute protector."
4. Brown: An occupational name, meaning "someone who works with brown materials." It could refer to a tanner, a farmer, or someone who lived near a brown hill.
5. Jones: Another patronymic name, meaning "son of John," derived from the biblical name John.
6. Miller: An occupational name meaning "someone who grinds grain into flour." It comes from the Old English word "mylnere."
7. Davis: A patronymic name meaning "son of David." David is a biblical name meaning "beloved."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname derived from the name "García." It means "bear" or "strong warrior."
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo." Rodrigo is derived from the Germanic name "Hrodric," meaning "famous ruler."
10. Wilson: A patronymic name meaning "son of William." William comes from the Old German elements "wil" (will) and "helm" (helmet), meaning "resolute protector."
11. Moore: An occupational name meaning "moorland dweller." It comes from the Old English word "mōr."
12. Taylor: An occupational name meaning "someone who cuts cloth." It derives from the Old French word "tailleur."
13. Anderson: A patronymic name meaning "son of Andrew." Andrew is a Greek name meaning "manly."
14. Thomas: A biblical name meaning "twin." It is derived from the Aramaic word "tawma."
15. Jackson: A patronymic name meaning "son of Jack." Jack is a diminutive form of the name John.
16. White: A descriptive name meaning "someone who is white-haired or fair-skinned." It comes from the Old English word "hwit."
17. Harris: An occupational name meaning "someone who guards or protects." It comes from the Old English word "here" (army).
18. Martin: A Latin name meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars." It is derived from the Roman god of war, Mars.
19. Thompson: A patronymic name meaning "son of Thomas." Thomas is a biblical name meaning "twin."
20. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." Gonzalo is a Spanish form of the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "battle struggle."
21. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope." Lope is a Spanish name meaning "wolf."
22. Lee: An English surname meaning "meadow" or "clearing." It comes from the Old English word "lēah."
23. Allen: An English surname meaning "handsome" or "noble." It comes from the Old French word "alain."
24. King: An occupational name meaning "someone who rules a kingdom." It comes from the Old English word "cyning."
25. Wright: An occupational name meaning "someone who makes things." It comes from the Old English word "wriht."
26. Lewis: A Welsh surname meaning "famous warrior." It comes from the Welsh word "llew," meaning "lion."
27. Walker: An occupational name meaning "someone who walks." It comes from the Old English word "wealcan."
28. Hall: An occupational name meaning "someone who works in a hall." It comes from the Old English word "hæl."
29. Allen: An English surname meaning "handsome" or "noble." It comes from the Old French word "alain."
30. Young: A descriptive name meaning "someone who is young." It comes from the Old English word "geong."
31. Hernandez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando." Hernando is a Spanish form of the Germanic name "Herman," meaning "army man."
32. King: An occupational name meaning "someone who rules a kingdom." It comes from the Old English word "cyning."
33. Wright: An occupational name meaning "someone who makes things." It comes from the Old English word "wriht."
34. Lopez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope." Lope is a Spanish name meaning "wolf."
35. Hill: A descriptive name meaning "someone who lives on a hill." It comes from the Old English word "hyll."
36. Scott: A Scottish surname meaning "someone from Scotland." It comes from the Gaelic word "Scotia."
37. Green: A descriptive name meaning "someone who lives near a green place." It comes from the Old English word "grēne."
38. Adams: A patronymic name meaning "son of Adam." Adam is a biblical name meaning "man."
39. Baker: An occupational name meaning "someone who bakes bread." It comes from the Old English word "bācere."
40. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." Gonzalo is a Spanish form of the Germanic name "Gundisal," meaning "battle struggle."