Common Last Names in the USA: A Comprehensive List with Meanings

Finding out the most common last names in the USA can be fascinating, offering insights into the country's historical and cultural tapestry. These surnames often reflect origins, occupations, or even physical characteristics of ancestors, making them a window into the past. This list explores the most prevalent last names in the United States, providing detailed meanings behind each one.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, who worked with metal.
2. Johnson: A patronymic surname derived from "John's son."
3. Williams: A patronymic surname derived from "William's son."
4. Brown: A descriptive surname for someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. Jones: A patronymic surname derived from "John's son."
6. Miller: An occupational surname for someone who worked in a mill, typically grinding grain.
7. Davis: A patronymic surname derived from "David's son."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname that originated from the Basque word "garci," meaning "brave" or "noble."
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish patronymic surname derived from "Rodríguez," meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. Wilson: A patronymic surname derived from "William's son."
11. Moore: An occupational surname for someone who lived on or worked with a moor, a type of open land.
12. Taylor: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor.
13. Anderson: A patronymic surname derived from "Andrew's son."
14. Thomas: A patronymic surname derived from "Thomas' son."
15. Jackson: A patronymic surname derived from "Jack's son."
16. White: A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. Harris: A patronymic surname derived from "Harry's son."
18. Martin: A patronymic surname derived from "Martin's son."
19. Thompson: A patronymic surname derived from "Thomas' son."
20. Martinez: A Spanish surname that originated from the place name "Martinez," which referred to someone from the town of Martinez.
21. Robinson: A patronymic surname derived from "Robin's son."
22. Clark: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk.
23. Lewis: A patronymic surname derived from "Louis' son."
24. Lee: A surname with various origins, including a topographic name for someone who lived near a clearing or meadow.
25. Walker: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker, often a shepherd or a carrier.
26. Hall: A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hall, a large house or building.
27. Allen: A surname with various origins, including a topographic name for someone who lived near a rock or hill.
28. Young: A descriptive surname for someone who was young, often a junior member of a family.
29. Hernandez: A Spanish surname that originated from the place name "Hernández," which referred to someone from the town of Hernández.
30. King: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king or ruler.
31. Wright: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright, a craftsman or builder.
32. Lopez: A Spanish surname that originated from the place name "Lopez," which referred to someone from the town of Lopez.
33. Hill: A topographic surname for someone who lived near a hill.
34. Scott: A surname with various origins, including a topographic name for someone who lived near a wooded area.
35. Green: A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a green field or meadow.
36. Adams: A patronymic surname derived from "Adam's son."
37. Baker: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker.
38. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname that originated from the place name "Gonzalez," which referred to someone from the town of Gonzalez.
39. Nelson: A patronymic surname derived from "Neil's son."
40. Carter: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter, a person who transported goods by cart.
41. Mitchell: A patronymic surname derived from "Michael's son."
42. Perez: A Spanish surname that originated from the place name "Perez," which referred to someone from the town of Perez.
43. Roberts: A patronymic surname derived from "Robert's son."
44. Turner: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a turner, a craftsman who shaped wood or metal on a lathe.
45. Phillips: A patronymic surname derived from "Philip's son."
46. Campbell: A surname with various origins, including a topographic name for someone who lived near a crooked field.
47. Parker: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a parker, a person who kept or guarded a park.
48. Evans: A patronymic surname derived from "Evan's son."
49. Edwards: A patronymic surname derived from "Edward's son."
50. Collins: A surname with various origins, including an occupational name for someone who worked as a coal miner.