Most Common Last Names US: Top 100 Popular Surnames

Looking for the most common last names in the United States? This list compiles the top 100 popular surnames based on recent census data, offering a glimpse into the demographic landscape of the country. Explore the origins, meanings, and historical significance of these widespread surnames.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "smithe," meaning "blacksmith." It is a testament to the historical importance of blacksmithing in England and its subsequent spread to other countries.
2. Johnson: Another occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "Johannes," meaning "God is gracious." It signifies a connection to the biblical name John, highlighting its religious and cultural significance.
3. Williams: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "William," meaning "resolute protector." This name has been popular for centuries, often associated with strength, leadership, and unwavering protection.
4. Brown: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of brown hair or complexion, and occupational, referring to someone who tanned hides. It has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
5. Jones: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "John," meaning "God is gracious." It reflects the historical prevalence of the name John in Wales and its subsequent spread through migration.
6. Miller: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "millere," meaning "one who operates a mill." It signifies a connection to the milling industry, a vital part of pre-industrial society.
7. Davis: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "David," meaning "beloved." It is a name steeped in biblical and historical significance, often associated with strength, courage, and leadership.
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Garcias," meaning "graceful." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has become increasingly popular in the United States.
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Rodrigo," meaning "famous ruler." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish nobility and power.
10. Wilson: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English words "wi-l-sun," meaning "son of Will." It signifies a connection to the name William and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
11. Moore: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a moor or wasteland, and occupational, referring to someone who worked on a moor. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
12. Taylor: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "taillour," meaning "tailor." It signifies a connection to the tailoring industry, a vital craft in pre-industrial society.
13. Anderson: An anglicized form of the Scandinavian surname "Andersen," meaning "son of Anders." It reflects the historical influence of Scandinavian culture in certain parts of the United States.
14. Thomas: A name of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin." It is a name steeped in biblical significance, often associated with wisdom, faith, and courage.
15. Jackson: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "Jakke," meaning "Jack." It signifies a connection to the name John and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
16. White: A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair skin or hair. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
17. Harris: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Harry," meaning "home ruler." It is a name steeped in historical significance, often associated with leadership and strength.
18. Martin: A name of Latin origin, meaning "warlike." It is a name steeped in historical significance, often associated with strength, courage, and leadership.
19. Thompson: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "þomas," meaning "son of Thomas." It signifies a connection to the name Thomas and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
20. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Gonzalo," meaning "battle-ready." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish military prowess.
21. Lopez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Lope," meaning "wolf." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish folklore and mythology.
22. Lee: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a meadow or clearing, and occupational, referring to someone who lived near a meadow. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
23. Allen: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a handsome or noble person, and occupational, referring to someone who was a craftsman. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
24. King: An occupational surname, referring to someone who was a king or ruler. It signifies a connection to the monarchy and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
25. Wright: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "wrihte," meaning "craftsman." It signifies a connection to various crafts and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
26. Lewis: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Lewis," meaning "famous warrior." It is a name steeped in historical significance, often associated with strength, courage, and leadership.
27. Walker: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "walc-ere," meaning "one who walks." It signifies a connection to the act of walking and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
28. Hall: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a large house or hall, and occupational, referring to someone who lived in a hall. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
29. Allen: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a handsome or noble person, and occupational, referring to someone who was a craftsman. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
30. Young: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is young or youthful. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
31. Hernandez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Hernando," meaning "brave protector." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish military prowess.
32. Hill: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived near a hill. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
33. Sanchez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Sancho," meaning "consecrated." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish nobility and power.
34. Clark: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "clerc," meaning "scholar." It signifies a connection to education and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
35. Ramirez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Ramón," meaning "protector." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish military prowess.
36. Robinson: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "Robyn," meaning "bright fame." It signifies a connection to the name Robin and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
37. Morgan: A surname of Welsh origin, meaning "sea warrior." It is a name steeped in historical significance, often associated with strength, courage, and leadership.
38. Perez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Pedro," meaning "rock." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish folklore and mythology.
39. Stewart: A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "steward." It signifies a connection to the position of steward, a high-ranking official in the royal court.
40. Powell: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a hill or mound, and occupational, referring to someone who lived on a hill. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
41. Adams: An anglicized form of the biblical name "Adam," meaning "man" or "earth." It is a name steeped in religious significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
42. Baker: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "bakere," meaning "baker." It signifies a connection to the baking industry, a vital craft in pre-industrial society.
43. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Gonzalo," meaning "battle-ready." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish military prowess.
44. Parker: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "parcher," meaning "keeper." It signifies a connection to the role of a keeper and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
45. Mitchell: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "micel," meaning "great." It signifies a connection to a person of importance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
46. Hunter: An occupational surname, referring to someone who was a hunter. It signifies a connection to the hunting profession and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
47. Edwards: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Edward," meaning "wealthy guardian." It is a name steeped in historical significance, often associated with leadership and strength.
48. Collins: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "col," meaning "charcoal." It signifies a connection to the coal industry and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
49. Carter: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "carte," meaning "cart." It signifies a connection to the transportation industry and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
50. Murphy: A surname of Irish origin, meaning "sea warrior." It is a name steeped in historical significance, often associated with strength, courage, and leadership.
51. Rogers: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "Roger," meaning "famous spearman." It signifies a connection to the name Roger and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
52. Reed: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a reed plant, and occupational, referring to someone who worked with reeds. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
53. Evans: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Evan," meaning "the Lord is gracious." It is a name steeped in biblical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
54. Diaz: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Diego," meaning "wealthy." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish nobility and power.
55. Peterson: An anglicized form of the Scandinavian surname "Petersen," meaning "son of Peter." It reflects the historical influence of Scandinavian culture in certain parts of the United States.
56. Kelly: A surname of Irish origin, meaning "bright-haired." It is a name steeped in historical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
57. Howard: A surname of English origin, meaning "brave warrior." It is a name steeped in historical significance, often associated with strength, courage, and leadership.
58. Ward: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a guardian or protector, and occupational, referring to someone who worked as a guardian. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
59. Cox: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a small hill, and occupational, referring to someone who lived on a small hill. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
60. Diaz: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Diego," meaning "wealthy." It is a common surname in Spanish-speaking countries and has a rich history associated with Spanish nobility and power.
61. Richardson: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "Richard," meaning "strong ruler." It signifies a connection to the name Richard and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
62. Green: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lived near a green space. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
63. Long: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who was tall or long. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
64. Patterson: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "Patrick," meaning "nobleman." It signifies a connection to the name Patrick and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
65. Drake: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a drake (male duck), and occupational, referring to someone who worked with drakes. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
66. Bennet: A surname of English origin, meaning "blessed." It is a name steeped in religious significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
67. Gray: A descriptive surname, referring to someone with gray hair or complexion. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
68. James: A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "supplanter." It is a name steeped in biblical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
69. Cooper: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "coppere," meaning "cooper." It signifies a connection to the coopering industry, a vital craft in pre-industrial society.
70. Reynolds: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "Reynold," meaning "wise ruler." It signifies a connection to the name Reynold and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
71. Stanley: A surname of English origin, meaning "stone meadow." It is a name steeped in historical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
72. Turner: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "turnere," meaning "turner." It signifies a connection to the turning industry, a vital craft in pre-industrial society.
73. Weaver: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "weavere," meaning "weaver." It signifies a connection to the weaving industry, a vital craft in pre-industrial society.
74. Burns: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a person with red hair or complexion, and occupational, referring to someone who worked with burns. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
75. Ross: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a moor or heath, and occupational, referring to someone who lived on a moor. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
76. Hamilton: A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "high hill." It is a name steeped in historical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
77. Henderson: An occupational surname, derived from the Old English word "Hendre," meaning "old home." It signifies a connection to a place of origin and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
78. Coleman: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of someone who lives near a coal mine, and occupational, referring to someone who worked in a coal mine. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
79. Jenkins: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Jenkin," meaning "little John." It signifies a connection to the name John and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
80. Perry: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a pear tree, and occupational, referring to someone who lived near a pear tree. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
81. Lewis: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "Lewis," meaning "famous warrior." It is a name steeped in historical significance, often associated with strength, courage, and leadership.
82. Butler: An occupational surname, derived from the Old French word "boteillier," meaning "butler." It signifies a connection to the position of butler, a high-ranking official in the royal court.
83. Barnes: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a person who lives near a barn, and occupational, referring to someone who worked in a barn. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
84. Fisher: An occupational surname, referring to someone who was a fisher. It signifies a connection to the fishing profession and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
85. Kelsey: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a person who lives near a spring or well, and occupational, referring to someone who worked with springs or wells. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
86. Chapman: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "chapman," meaning "merchant." It signifies a connection to the merchant profession and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
87. Bryant: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a person who lives near a briar patch, and occupational, referring to someone who worked with briars. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
88. Adams: An anglicized form of the biblical name "Adam," meaning "man" or "earth." It is a name steeped in religious significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
89. Mason: An occupational surname, derived from the Middle English word "masson," meaning "mason." It signifies a connection to the masonry industry, a vital craft in pre-industrial society.
90. Wood: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near a wood or forest. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
91. Washington: A surname of English origin, meaning "dweller near a spring." It is a name steeped in historical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
92. Daniel: A name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my judge." It is a name steeped in biblical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
93. Rice: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a person who lives near a rice field, and occupational, referring to someone who worked with rice. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
94. Scott: A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "Gael." It is a name steeped in historical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
95. Williams: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "William," meaning "resolute protector." This name has been popular for centuries, often associated with strength, leadership, and unwavering protection.
96. Charles: A name of German origin, meaning "free man." It is a name steeped in historical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
97. Oliver: A name of Latin origin, meaning "olive tree." It is a name steeped in historical significance and has become a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
98. Jones: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "John," meaning "God is gracious." It reflects the historical prevalence of the name John in Wales and its subsequent spread through migration.
99. Griffin: A surname with various origins, including descriptive of a griffin, and occupational, referring to someone who worked with griffins. It is a common surname in many English-speaking countries.
100. Davis: An anglicized form of the Welsh surname "David," meaning "beloved." It is a name steeped in biblical and historical significance, often associated with strength, courage, and leadership.