Most Popular American Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common surnames in America? This comprehensive guide delves into the origins and meanings of the most popular American last names, providing a fascinating glimpse into the history and cultural influences that shaped the nation's demographics. From traditional family names to modern innovations, discover the stories behind these surnames and gain a deeper understanding of their significance in American society.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith, derived from the Old English word "smiþ."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who grinds grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Garcia."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname for someone who lives near or works with a moor.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who makes or repairs clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or hair.
17. **Harris:** An occupational surname for someone who works with a hare or rabbit.
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin."
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."
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scribe or clerk.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis."
24. **Lee:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lee."
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels.
26. **Hall:** A descriptive surname for someone who lives near or in a hall.
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname for someone who is young in age.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. **King:** An occupational surname for a monarch or ruler.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for a craftsman or builder.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname for someone who lives near or on a hill.
34. **Scott:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Scott."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lives near a green area.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transports goods.
41. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael."
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro."
43. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert."
44. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who turns wood or metal.
45. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip."
46. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth."
47. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who keeps or guards.
48. **Evans:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Evan."
49. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward."
50. **Collins:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Colin."