Most Common Last Names in the United States: A Comprehensive List

Curious about the most common last names in the United States? This list offers a fascinating glimpse into the demographic landscape of the country, highlighting names that have been passed down through generations and revealing the diverse origins of American families. Let's delve into the top last names in the US and explore their history and significance.
1. Smith: An occupational name for someone who worked with metal, specifically as a blacksmith. It’s of English origin and remains one of the most prevalent surnames in the world.
2. Johnson: An English occupational name, this surname signifies a son of John. The name John itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is gracious."
3. Williams: Another English surname, derived from the given name William, meaning "resolute protector." This name has been historically popular throughout England and its colonies.
4. Brown: An English surname that designates someone with brown hair, complexion, or clothing.
5. Jones: Derived from the given name John, this English surname signifies a son of John.
6. Miller: An English occupational name, this surname signifies someone who worked as a miller.
7. Davis: Derived from the given name David, this English surname signifies a son of David. The name David is of Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname that comes from the name Garcias, a variant of the given name Garcia. It is widely used in Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries.
9. Rodriguez: This Spanish surname means “son of Rodrigo,” derived from the name Rodrigo, meaning "famous ruler."
10. Wilson: An English surname that can be interpreted in several ways. One theory suggests it comes from the given name William. Another possibility is that it signifies someone living near a willow tree.
11. Moore: An English surname of topographic origin, it signifies someone living near a moorland area.
12. Taylor: An English occupational surname, it signifies someone who worked as a tailor.
13. Anderson: An English surname, it signifies a son of Andrew. The name Andrew is of Greek origin, meaning "manly" or "strong."
14. Thomas: A surname of Hebrew origin, derived from the given name Thomas, meaning "twin."
15. Jackson: An English surname that is a patronymic, meaning "son of Jack," a common nickname for John.
16. White: This English surname designates someone with light skin, complexion, or clothing.
17. Harris: An English surname of occupational origin, it signifies someone who worked as a keeper of horses.
18. Martin: A surname of Latin origin, derived from the given name Martin, meaning "warlike" or "devoted to Mars."
19. Thompson: An English surname, it signifies a son of Thomas.
20. Martinez: A Spanish surname, it signifies a son of Martin, a given name of Latin origin.
21. Robinson: An English surname, it signifies a son of Robin, a common nickname for Robert.
22. Clark: An English occupational surname, it signifies someone who worked as a scribe or clerk.
23. Lewis: An English surname, it signifies someone from the area known as Leys in Leicestershire, England.
24. Lee: An English surname of topographic origin, it signifies someone living near a clearing or meadow.
25. Walker: An English occupational surname, it signifies someone who worked as a walker.
26. Hall: An English surname of topographic origin, it signifies someone living near a hall or large house.
27. Allen: An English surname, it signifies someone who was a foreigner, or of alien origin.
28. Young: An English surname, it signifies someone who was youthful or unmarried.
29. Hernandez: A Spanish surname, it signifies a son of Hernando, a given name of German origin.
30. King: An English surname, it signifies someone who held a royal title.
31. Wright: An English occupational surname, it signifies someone who worked as a wright, a craftsman.
32. Lopez: A Spanish surname, it signifies a son of Lope, a given name of Basque origin.
33. Hill: An English surname of topographic origin, it signifies someone living near a hill.
34. Scott: An English surname of topographic origin, it signifies someone living near a wooded area.
35. Green: An English surname, it signifies someone who lived in an area with green vegetation or someone who had green clothing.
36. Adams: An English surname, it signifies a son of Adam. The name Adam is of Hebrew origin, meaning "man" or "mankind."
37. Baker: An English occupational surname, it signifies someone who worked as a baker.
38. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname, it signifies a son of Gonzalo, a given name of Germanic origin.
39. Nelson: An English surname, it signifies a son of Neil or Nigel. The name Neil is of Irish origin, meaning "champion" or "bright."
40. Carter: An English occupational surname, it signifies someone who worked as a carter, a driver of a cart.
41. Mitchell: An English surname, it signifies someone who lived near a clearing in a forest.
42. Perez: A Spanish surname, it signifies a son of Pedro, a given name of Latin origin.
43. Roberts: An English surname, it signifies a son of Robert. The name Robert is of Germanic origin, meaning "bright fame."
44. Turner: An English occupational surname, it signifies someone who worked as a turner, a craftsman who shaped wood or metal.
45. Phillips: An English surname, it signifies a son of Philip. The name Philip is of Greek origin, meaning "lover of horses."
46. Campbell: A Scottish surname, it signifies someone from the area known as Campbeltown.
47. Parker: An English occupational surname, it signifies someone who worked as a park keeper.
48. Evans: An English surname, it signifies a son of Evan, a Welsh given name meaning "young warrior."
49. Edwards: An English surname, it signifies a son of Edward. The name Edward is of Old English origin, meaning "wealthy guardian."
50. Collins: An English surname, it signifies someone who lived near a hill or a wooded area.