Most Common Last Names in the USA: Discover the Origins and Meanings of America's Most Popular Surnames

Are you curious about the most common last names in the USA? This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings behind the surnames that dominate the American landscape. From classic family names to unique heritage, uncover the stories behind some of the most prevalent last names in the United States. Learn about their historical significance, cultural influences, and fascinating etymological roots.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, deriving from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith."
2. **Johnson:** Another occupational surname, meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** Derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** An occupational surname for someone who worked with or processed brown materials, like leather or wool.
5. **Jones:** Meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** Derived from the Welsh name "Dafydd," meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Garcias," derived from the Germanic name "Wulfgar."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname for someone who lived by a moor or heath.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making and mending clothes.
13. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A Biblical name, meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. **Harris:** A Germanic surname, meaning "hare" or "warrior."
18. **Martin:** A Latin name, meaning "warlike" or "belligerent."
19. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin."
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk.
23. **Lewis:** A Germanic name, meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A surname with multiple origins, including English, Irish, and Chinese.
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker, traveling on foot or delivering goods.
26. **Hall:** An occupational surname for someone who lived in or worked at a hall.
27. **Allen:** A Germanic surname, meaning "noble" or "handsome."
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 "strong ruler."
30. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who ruled as a king.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a craftsman or wright.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope," a Basque name meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname for someone who lived on or near a hill.
34. **Scott:** A Gaelic surname, meaning "from the Scots."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname for someone who lived in or near a green space.
36. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, making bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "war-eager."
39. **Nelson:** Meaning "son of Neil."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transported goods using a cart.
41. **Mitchell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "son of Michael."
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro," a Spanish name meaning "rock."
43. **Roberts:** Meaning "son of Robert."
44. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a turner, shaping wood or metal.
45. **Phillips:** A Greek surname, meaning "lover of horses."
46. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth."
47. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a park keeper or gamekeeper.
48. **Evans:** A Welsh surname, meaning "son of Evan."
49. **Edwards:** Meaning "son of Edward."
50. **Collins:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a charcoal burner.