Most Common US Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most prevalent last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide delves into the origins and meanings of the most common surnames, providing a fascinating glimpse into American genealogy and cultural history. From classic English names like Smith and Jones to unique Irish and German surnames, this list explores the diverse tapestry of American family names.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname for a blacksmith.
2. Jones: Derived from the given name John, meaning "God is gracious."
3. Brown: A descriptive surname for someone with brown hair or complexion.
4. Davis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David."
5. Miller: An occupational surname for someone who grinds grain.
6. Wilson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
7. Moore: A surname derived from the Old English word "mōr," meaning "moor" or "swamp."
8. Taylor: An occupational surname for someone who makes or repairs clothes.
9. Anderson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew."
10. Thomas: A biblical surname, meaning "twin."
11. Jackson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack."
12. White: A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or hair.
13. Harris: A surname derived from the Old English word "hari," meaning "hare."
14. Martin: A biblical surname, meaning "warlike."
15. Thompson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
16. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "little bear."
17. Martinez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
18. Robinson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin."
19. Clark: An occupational surname for a scribe or scholar.
20. Lewis: A biblical surname, meaning "famous warrior."
21. Lee: A surname derived from the Old English word "lēah," meaning "meadow."
22. Walker: An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels.
23. Hall: A surname derived from the Old English word "hēall," meaning "hall."
24. Allen: A surname derived from the Old English word "all," meaning "all" or "everything."
25. Young: A descriptive surname for someone who is young.
26. Hernandez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
27. King: An occupational surname for someone who ruled a kingdom.
28. Wright: An occupational surname for someone who builds or repairs.
29. Lopez: A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
30. Hill: A surname derived from the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill."
31. Scott: A surname derived from the Old English word "scōt," meaning "Scotland."
32. Green: A descriptive surname for someone with green skin or hair.
33. Adams: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam."
34. Baker: An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread.
35. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
36. Nelson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil."
37. Carter: An occupational surname for someone who transports goods.
38. Mitchell: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael."
39. Perez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro."
40. Roberts: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."
41. Turner: An occupational surname for someone who makes or repairs wood.
42. Phillips: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip."
43. Campbell: A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth."
44. Parker: An occupational surname for someone who keeps or guards a park.
45. Evans: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan."
46. Edwards: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward."
47. Collins: A surname derived from the Old English word "col," meaning "coal."
48. Stewart: A Scottish surname, meaning "steward."
49. Sanchez: A Spanish surname, meaning "holy."
50. Morris: A Welsh surname, meaning "sea warrior."