most popular last name in America: Most Common Surnames in the United States

Looking for the most popular last name in America? While the specific ranking can fluctuate slightly, several surnames consistently dominate the list. Discover the most prevalent family names across the US and delve into their origins and cultural significance.
1. Smith: Derived from an occupation, "smith," meaning a worker in metal, particularly a blacksmith. This name is abundant in English-speaking countries, reflecting the importance of blacksmithing in past centuries.
2. Johnson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," this name holds deep historical roots and is prevalent in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States.
3. Williams: Another patronymic surname, Williams means "son of William," a name of Germanic origin meaning "resolute protection" or "helmet." This name's popularity reflects the prevalence of the given name William throughout history.
4. Brown: A descriptive surname derived from the color brown, this name likely denoted someone with brown hair, eyes, or complexion.
5. Jones: A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," it shares origins with Johnson and represents a widespread family name in English-speaking countries.
6. Miller: Derived from the occupation of a miller, this name refers to someone who grinds grain into flour.
7. Davis: A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," David being a biblical name meaning "beloved."
8. Garcia: A common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, Garcia is a patronymic name meaning "son of Garcias."
9. Rodriguez: Another Spanish surname, Rodriguez means "son of Rodrigo," a name of Germanic origin.
10. Wilson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," it shares origins with Williams and signifies a widespread family name in English-speaking countries.
11. Moore: A descriptive surname meaning "moor," referring to a wetland or marshland.
12. Taylor: Derived from the occupation of a tailor, this name denotes someone who makes or repairs clothing.
13. Anderson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," Andrew being a name of Greek origin meaning "manly" or "strong."
14. Thomas: A name of Aramaic origin, Thomas means "twin," reflecting a historical association with the apostle Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples.
15. Jackson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," Jack being a nickname for John.
16. White: A descriptive surname denoting someone with fair skin, hair, or complexion.
17. Harris: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," Harry being a diminutive form of Henry, a name of Germanic origin meaning "ruler of the house."
18. Martin: A name of Latin origin, Martin means "warlike" or "belonging to Mars," the Roman god of war.
19. Thompson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," Thomas being a name of Aramaic origin meaning "twin."
20. Martinez: A common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, Martinez means "son of Martin," Martin being a name of Latin origin.
21. Robinson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," Robin being a name of Germanic origin meaning "bright fame."
22. Clark: Derived from the occupation of a clerk, this name refers to someone who works in an office, keeping records or accounts.
23. Lewis: A name of Germanic origin, Lewis means "famous warrior" or "renowned fighter."
24. Lee: A name of various origins, including English, Chinese, and Korean, Lee often represents a place name or a surname derived from a specific location.
25. Walker: Derived from the occupation of a walker, this name refers to someone who travels on foot.
26. Hall: Derived from the Old English word "hall," meaning a large building or dwelling.
27. Allen: A name of Germanic origin, Allen means "handsome" or "noble."
28. Young: A descriptive surname denoting youth or someone who is young.
29. Hernandez: A common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, Hernandez means "son of Hernando," Hernando being a name of Germanic origin.
30. King: Derived from the title of "king," this surname denotes someone who holds a position of royal authority.
31. Wright: Derived from the occupation of a wright, this name refers to someone who works with wood, such as a carpenter or wheelwright.
32. Lopez: A common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, Lopez means "son of Lope," Lope being a name of Germanic origin meaning "wolf."
33. Hill: Derived from the geographic feature of a hill, this surname denotes someone who lives near a hill.
34. Scott: A name of Gaelic origin, Scott means "from Scotland."
35. Green: A descriptive surname denoting someone with green eyes or hair, or someone who lives near a green field.
36. Adams: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," Adam being the first man in the biblical story of creation.
37. Baker: Derived from the occupation of a baker, this name refers to someone who makes or sells bread.
38. Gonzalez: A common surname in Spanish-speaking countries, Gonzalez means "son of Gonzalo," Gonzalo being a name of Germanic origin.
39. Nelson: A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," Neil being a name of Gaelic origin meaning "champion."
40. Carter: Derived from the occupation of a carter, this name refers to someone who drives a cart or wagon.