Most common last names for black people: A List of Common Surnames

Exploring the most common last names for black people can provide insight into the rich history and diverse heritage of African Americans. This list includes surnames frequently found in Black communities, reflecting the unique cultural and demographic patterns of the African diaspora.
1. Williams: Derived from the Welsh name "William," meaning "resolute protector." It's a popular surname in both Black and white American communities, often attributed to historical patterns of migration and settlement.
2. Smith: This English surname, derived from the occupation of "smith," is one of the most common surnames in the United States, regardless of racial background. It reflects the widespread adoption of occupational names in the early days of English settlement.
3. Brown: A common English surname with origins in the color brown, often associated with a person's hair or complexion. It was a popular name for people who worked with leather or tanned hides.
4. Jones: A Welsh surname derived from the name "John," meaning "God is gracious." It is widely found across various ethnic backgrounds in the United States, signifying the influence of Welsh migration and the popularity of the name "John."
5. Johnson: This English surname is a patronymic form of "John," meaning "son of John." It's a widespread surname with roots in both English and Scandinavian cultures.
6. Davis: A Welsh surname derived from the name "David," meaning "beloved." It's a popular name in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage, possibly linked to the name's biblical significance.
7. Miller: A common English surname that refers to someone who grinds grain into flour. It's a popular surname across various ethnic groups, representing the historical importance of this occupation.
8. Wilson: An English surname meaning "son of William," it's a popular name in both Black and white communities, reflecting the prevalence of the given name "William."
9. Moore: An English surname derived from the word "moor," referring to a marshy area or heath. It's a popular surname in both Black and white communities, potentially linked to historical land ownership or geographic origins.
10. Taylor: An English surname derived from the occupation of "tailor." It's a common surname in the United States, signifying the importance of this trade in past centuries.
11. Jackson: An English surname derived from the name "Jack," a diminutive of "John." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage, possibly linked to its common usage in the South.
12. White: An English surname derived from the color white, possibly indicating a person's complexion or occupation. It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the importance of this descriptor in past societies.
13. Harris: An English surname with origins in the word "Harry," a diminutive of "Henry." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage.
14. Thompson: An English surname derived from the name "Thomas," meaning "twin." It's a common surname in the United States, representing the popularity of the given name "Thomas."
15. Clark: An English surname derived from the occupation of "clerk." It's a common surname in the United States, signifying the importance of literacy and administrative roles in past centuries.
16. Lewis: A French surname derived from the name "Louis," meaning "renowned warrior." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage, possibly linked to its common usage in the South.
17. Lee: A Chinese surname derived from the word "Lee," meaning "plum tree." It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Chinese immigration.
18. Walker: An English surname derived from the occupation of "walker." It's a popular surname in the United States, signifying the importance of this trade in past centuries.
19. Hall: An English surname derived from the word "hall," referring to a large house or building. It's a common surname in the United States, potentially linked to historical land ownership or geographic origins.
20. Allen: An English surname derived from the name "Alan," meaning "handsome." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage.
21. Young: An English surname derived from the word "young," indicating a person's age. It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the prevalence of this descriptor in past societies.
22. Hernandez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Hernando," meaning "traveler." It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Hispanic immigration.
23. King: An English surname derived from the title "king." It's a common surname in the United States, signifying the importance of royalty in past societies.
24. Wright: An English surname derived from the occupation of "wright," referring to a craftsman or builder. It's a popular surname in the United States, representing the historical importance of skilled labor.
25. Lopez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Lope," a diminutive of "Lupus," meaning "wolf." It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Hispanic immigration.
26. Hill: An English surname derived from the word "hill," referring to a natural elevation of land. It's a common surname in the United States, potentially linked to historical land ownership or geographic origins.
27. Scott: An English surname derived from the name "Scot," referring to someone from Scotland. It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Scottish migration.
28. Green: An English surname derived from the color green, possibly indicating a person's hair or complexion or a connection to the natural world. It's a popular surname in the United States, representing the prevalence of this descriptor in past societies.
29. Adams: An English surname derived from the name "Adam," the first man in the Bible. It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of biblical names and historical patterns of migration.
30. Baker: An English surname derived from the occupation of "baker." It's a common surname in the United States, signifying the importance of this trade in past centuries.
31. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Gonzalo," meaning "strong warrior." It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Hispanic immigration.
32. Nelson: An English surname derived from the name "Neil," meaning "champion." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with Scandinavian heritage.
33. Carter: An English surname derived from the occupation of "carter," referring to someone who drives a cart. It's a common surname in the United States, signifying the importance of transportation in past centuries.
34. Mitchell: An English surname derived from the name "Michael," meaning "who is like God." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the popularity of the given name "Michael."
35. Perez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Pedro," meaning "rock." It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Hispanic immigration.
36. Roberts: An English surname derived from the name "Robert," meaning "bright fame." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the popularity of the given name "Robert."
37. Turner: An English surname derived from the occupation of "turner," referring to someone who works with wood or metal. It's a common surname in the United States, signifying the importance of skilled labor in past centuries.
38. Phillips: An English surname derived from the name "Philip," meaning "lover of horses." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the popularity of the given name "Philip."
39. Campbell: A Scottish surname derived from the word "campbell," meaning "crooked mouth." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Scottish migration.
40. Parker: An English surname derived from the occupation of "parker," referring to someone who keeps or guards a park. It's a common surname in the United States, signifying the importance of land management in past centuries.
41. Evans: A Welsh surname derived from the name "Evan," a Welsh form of "John." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Welsh migration.
42. Edwards: A Welsh surname derived from the name "Edward," meaning "wealthy guardian." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage, possibly linked to its common usage in the South.
43. Collins: An English surname derived from the word "colin," meaning "victory of the people." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage.
44. Stewart: A Scottish surname derived from the word "steward," referring to a person who manages a household or estate. It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Scottish migration.
45. Sanchez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Sancho," meaning "holy." It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Hispanic immigration.
46. Robinson: An English surname derived from the name "Robin," a diminutive of "Robert." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the popularity of the given name "Robert."
47. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Rodrigo," meaning "famous ruler." It's a common surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Hispanic immigration.
48. Clark: An English surname derived from the occupation of "clerk." It's a common surname in the United States, signifying the importance of literacy and administrative roles in past centuries.
49. Lewis: A French surname derived from the name "Louis," meaning "renowned warrior." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage, possibly linked to its common usage in the South.
50. Reed: An English surname derived from the word "reed," referring to a tall, slender plant that grows in marshy areas. It's a common surname in the United States, potentially linked to historical land ownership or geographic origins.
51. Patterson: A Scottish surname derived from the name "Patrick," meaning "nobleman." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the influence of Scottish migration.
52. Bell: An English surname derived from the word "bell," referring to a metal object that produces a ringing sound. It's a common surname in the United States, potentially linked to historical occupations or place names.
53. Jackson: An English surname derived from the name "Jack," a diminutive of "John." It's a popular surname in the United States, with a strong association with African American heritage, possibly linked to its common usage in the South.
54. James: A biblical name meaning "supplanter" or "he who takes the place of another." It is widely found in Black communities, reflecting the name's historical and cultural significance.
55. Anderson: An English surname derived from the name "Andrew," meaning "manly." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the popularity of the given name "Andrew."
56. Thomas: A biblical name meaning "twin." It is widely found in Black communities, reflecting the name's historical and cultural significance.
57. Washington: An English surname derived from the place name "Washington," which is in turn derived from the surname "Washington," meaning "son of Walter." It is widely found in Black communities, reflecting the name's historical and cultural significance.
58. Robinson: An English surname derived from the name "Robin," a diminutive of "Robert." It's a popular surname in the United States, reflecting the popularity of the given name "Robert."
59. Martin: A Latin name meaning "war god." It is widely found in Black communities, reflecting the name's historical and cultural significance.
60. Gray: An English surname derived from the color gray, possibly indicating a person's hair or complexion or a connection to the natural world. It's a popular surname in the United States, representing the prevalence of this descriptor in past societies.