Most Common Last Names in the United States: A Comprehensive List

Discover the most prevalent surnames in the United States, a fascinating reflection of our nation's diverse heritage. Explore the origins and meanings behind these common last names, gaining insight into the rich tapestry of American ancestry. From familiar classics to unique and intriguing entries, this comprehensive list offers a glimpse into the surnames that define our national identity.
1. **Smith:** Meaning "blacksmith" or "one who works with metal", it's a common occupational surname with roots in England.
2. **Johnson:** Derived from the name "John," it signifies "God is gracious" and is a popular patronymic surname.
3. **Williams:** Meaning "helmet protector" or "resolute protector," it's a common surname with a strong history in Wales.
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname indicating someone with brown hair or complexion, it's widely distributed across various cultures.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "John," signifying "God is gracious."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname indicating someone who works with grain, it's prevalent in areas with a strong agricultural history.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "David," meaning "beloved" or "friend."
8. **Garcia:** A common Hispanic surname originating from the Basque word "garci," meaning "spearman" or "warrior."
9. **Rodriguez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Rodrigo," meaning "famous ruler" or "renowned power."
10. **Wilson:** A surname that originated as a place name, likely referring to a settlement near a "willow tree."
11. **Martinez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Martin," meaning "war-like" or "devoted to Mars."
12. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Andrew," meaning "manly" or "strong."
13. **Taylor:** An occupational surname indicating someone who works with cloth, it's common in areas with a strong textile industry.
14. **Thomas:** A biblical name meaning "twin" or "adored by God," it's a popular surname with roots in Christianity.
15. **Hernandez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Hernando," meaning "bold ruler" or "brave warrior."
16. **Moore:** A surname that originally meant "moor" or "marshland," it's common in areas with a significant marshy terrain.
17. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Jack," which is a diminutive of "John."
18. **White:** A descriptive surname indicating someone with light hair or complexion, it's widely distributed across various cultures.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Thomas," meaning "twin" or "adored by God."
20. **Lopez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Lope," meaning "wolf" or "warrior."
21. **Martin:** A biblical name meaning "war-like" or "devoted to Mars," it's a popular surname with roots in Christianity.
22. **Lee:** A surname that originated as a place name, referring to a meadow or clearing in a forest.
23. **Walker:** An occupational surname indicating someone who walks or travels on foot, it's common in areas with a strong agricultural history.
24. **Hall:** A surname that originated as a place name, referring to a large building or dwelling.
25. **Allen:** A surname with a variety of possible origins, including "handsome" or "noble" or even a place name.
26. **Young:** A descriptive surname indicating someone who is youthful, it's widely distributed across various cultures.
27. **Hernandez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Hernando," meaning "bold ruler" or "brave warrior."
28. **King:** An occupational surname indicating someone who rules as a king, it's common in areas with a strong royal history.
29. **Wright:** An occupational surname indicating someone who works with wood, it's common in areas with a strong carpentry tradition.
30. **Lopez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Lope," meaning "wolf" or "warrior."
31. **Hill:** A surname that originated as a place name, referring to an elevated area of land.
32. **Scott:** A surname that originated as a place name, referring to a wooded area or forest.
33. **Green:** A descriptive surname indicating someone with green hair or complexion, it's widely distributed across various cultures.
34. **Adams:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Adam," meaning "man" or "earthly."
35. **Baker:** An occupational surname indicating someone who bakes bread, it's common in areas with a strong culinary tradition.
36. **Gonzalez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Gonzalo," meaning "battle-worthy" or "strong warrior."
37. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Neil," meaning "champion" or "bright one."
38. **Carter:** An occupational surname indicating someone who transports goods, it's common in areas with a strong trade industry.
39. **Mitchell:** A surname with a variety of possible origins, including "one who lives near the church" or "one who works with grain."
40. **Perez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Pedro," meaning "stone" or "rock."
41. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Robert," meaning "bright fame" or "famous in battle."
42. **Turner:** An occupational surname indicating someone who turns wood or metal, it's common in areas with a strong craftsmanship tradition.
43. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Philip," meaning "lover of horses" or "friend of horses."
44. **Campbell:** A surname with a variety of possible origins, including "crooked field" or "field of the twisted wood."
45. **Parker:** An occupational surname indicating someone who tends to a park or garden, it's common in areas with a strong horticultural tradition.
46. **Evans:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Evan," meaning "God is gracious."
47. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Edward," meaning "wealthy guardian."
48. **Collins:** A surname with a variety of possible origins, including "one who lives near a hill" or "one who works with coal."
49. **Stewart:** An occupational surname indicating someone who manages a household or estate, it's common in areas with a strong aristocratic tradition.
50. **Sanchez:** A patronymic surname derived from the name "Sancho," meaning "holy" or "consecrated."