American Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Origins and Meanings

Are you curious about the origins and meanings behind American last names? This comprehensive list delves into the rich history and cultural significance of some of the most common and unique surnames found in the United States. From Anglo-Saxon roots to immigrant heritage, explore the diverse tapestry of American family names and discover the stories they tell.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith. It's derived from the Old English word "smiþ."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," originating from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, this one meaning "son of William," a popular given name of Germanic origin.
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname derived from the color brown, often referring to hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," like Johnson, but with a different spelling and origin.
6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who works in a mill, usually a grain mill.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," a biblical name known for its strength and courage.
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname of Iberian origin, meaning "bear" or "warrior."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a popular given name of Germanic origin.
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," similar to Williams but with a different spelling and origin.
11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname referring to a moor, an open area of uncultivated land.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who makes or repairs clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," a Greek name meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," a Hebrew name meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to the color white, often associated with complexion or hair color.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry.
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," a Latin name meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," similar to Thomas but with a different spelling and origin.
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname of Iberian origin, meaning "bear" or "warrior."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," similar to Martin but with a Spanish origin.
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert.
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scribe or secretary.
24. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis," a French name meaning "famous warrior."
25. **Lee:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lee," a Chinese surname meaning "plum tree."
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels.
27. **Hall:** A descriptive surname referring to a large house or mansion.
28. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," a Celtic name meaning "handsome."
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to youth or a young person.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a Spanish name meaning "brave" or "strong."
31. **King:** An occupational surname for a ruler or monarch.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who works with wood, such as a carpenter.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
34. **Hill:** A descriptive surname referring to a hill or elevated piece of land.
35. **Scott:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Scot," a Celtic name referring to someone from Scotland.
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to the color green, often associated with nature or vegetation.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," a biblical name meaning "man."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Spanish name meaning "battle."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
41. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transports goods by cart.
42. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael," a Hebrew name meaning "who is like God?"
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," a Spanish name meaning "stone."
44. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert," a German name meaning "bright fame."
45. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who works with wood or metal, specifically a lathe operator.
46. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip," a Greek name meaning "lover of horses."
47. **Campbell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Campbell," a Scottish name meaning "crooked mouth."
48. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who maintains a park or enclosure.
49. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh name meaning "young warrior."
50. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward," an English name meaning "wealthy guardian."