Most Common Last Names in the U.S.: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide provides an extensive list of the most prevalent surnames in the country, along with their origins and meanings. Whether you're researching your family history or simply curious about the most popular surnames, this list will provide valuable insights into the diverse tapestry of American names.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for someone who worked with metal. It is derived from the Old English words "smiþ" or "smythe."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William." William is a popular given name with Germanic origins, meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** This surname is descriptive, referring to someone with brown hair or skin. It is derived from the Old English word "brūn."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John." It is a variant of Johnson.
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour. It is derived from the Old English word "milnere."
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David." David is a popular given name with Hebrew origins, meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Garcias." It is derived from the Basque name "Gartzea," meaning "bear."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo." Rodrigo is a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William." It is a variant of Williams.
11. **Moore:** An English surname, meaning "moor" or "marshland." It is derived from the Old English word "mōr."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making clothes. It is derived from the Old French word "tailleur."
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew." Andrew is a given name with Greek origins, meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas." Thomas is a given name with Aramaic origins, meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack." Jack is a diminutive form of John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with light hair or skin. It is derived from the Old English word "hwit."
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry." Harry is a diminutive form of Henry.
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "belonging to Mars."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Tom." Tom is a diminutive form of Thomas.
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin." It is a variant of Martin.
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin." Robin is a diminutive form of Robert.
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk. It is derived from the Old English word "clerc."
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis." Louis is a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A surname with various origins, including English, Chinese, and Korean. In English, it often refers to a meadow or clearing.
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker or messenger. It is derived from the Old English word "wealcan."
26. **Hall:** A surname referring to a large house or dwelling. It is derived from the Old English word "hāl."
27. **Allen:** A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "noble" or "handsome."
28. **Young:** A surname describing someone who is young or youthful. It is derived from the Old English word "geong."
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando." Hernando is a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "ruler of the army."
30. **King:** A surname referring to a monarch or ruler. It is derived from the Old English word "cyning."
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a craftsman or artisan. It is derived from the Old English word "wriht."
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope." Lope is a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "wolf cub."
33. **Hill:** A surname referring to a hill or elevated area. It is derived from the Old English word "hyll."
34. **Scott:** A surname of Celtic origin, meaning "Scotsman" or "from Scotland."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lives near a green area. It is derived from the Old English word "grēne."
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam." Adam is the first man in the Bible.
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, making bread. It is derived from the Old English word "bācere."
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo." Gonzalo is a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "warfare."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil." Neil is a given name of Gaelic origin, meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a cart driver. It is derived from the Old French word "cartaire."
41. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael." Michael is a given name with Hebrew origins, meaning "who is like God?"
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro." Pedro is a Spanish form of the name Peter.
43. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert." Robert is a given name of Germanic origin, meaning "bright fame."
44. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a turner, shaping wood or metal. It is derived from the Old English word "turnere."
45. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip." Philip is a given name with Greek origins, meaning "lover of horses."
46. **Campbell:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "crooked mouth." It is derived from the Gaelic words "cam" and "beul."
47. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a park keeper. It is derived from the Old French word "parc."
48. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan." Evan is a Welsh form of the name John.
49. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward." Edward is a given name of Old English origin, meaning "wealthy guardian."
50. **Collins:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Colin." Colin is a given name of Scottish origin, meaning "young puppy."