Most Common Last Names in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide

Wondering what the most common last names in the United States are? It's fascinating to see how surnames have evolved and reflect the diverse origins of the American population. From traditional Anglo-Saxon names to more recent arrivals, this list provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of American heritage. Discover the meanings and stories behind these widespread last names and see if yours makes the list!
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for blacksmiths, originally from Old English "smiþ."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," a name of Germanic origin meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** An occupational name for someone who tanned or worked with leather, derived from the Middle English word "brūn."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."
6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who ground grain, derived from the Middle English word "millere."
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David," a name of Hebrew origin meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "little boy" or "young boy."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** An occupational name for someone who made or sold wool, derived from the Middle English word "wul."
11. **Moore:** An occupational name for someone who lived near a moor or marsh, derived from the Middle English word "mor."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational name for someone who made or repaired clothes, derived from the Middle English word "tailour."
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew," a name of Greek origin meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
16. **White:** A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or light hair, derived from the Middle English word "whit."
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry.
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin," a name of Latin origin meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert.
22. **Clark:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk, derived from the Middle English word "clerk."
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis," a name of Germanic origin meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A topographical surname, meaning "meadow" or "clearing," derived from the Old English word "lēah."
25. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who walked or traveled, derived from the Middle English word "walkere."
26. **Hall:** A topographical surname, meaning "large house" or "dwelling," derived from the Old English word "hāl."
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan," a name of Celtic origin meaning "handsome" or "beautiful."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname, meaning "youthful" or "young," derived from the Middle English word "yong."
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," a name of Germanic origin meaning "brave army."
30. **King:** An occupational name for someone who ruled a kingdom, derived from the Old English word "cyning."
31. **Wright:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a carpenter or craftsman, derived from the Old English word "wrihta."
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf," derived from the Latin word "lupus."
33. **Hill:** A topographical surname, meaning "elevated area of land," derived from the Old English word "hyll."
34. **Scott:** A topographical surname, meaning "forest," derived from the Gaelic word "sgoth."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname for someone with green eyes or hair, derived from the Old English word "grēne."
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
37. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who baked bread, derived from the Middle English word "bakere."
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," a name of Germanic origin meaning "brave battle."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil," a name of Gaelic origin meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational name for someone who transported goods by cart, derived from the Middle English word "carter."