common u.s. surnames: List of Common Last Names in America

Looking for a comprehensive list of common U.S. surnames? This list will provide you with some of the most frequent last names found in America, offering a glimpse into the country's diverse heritage and historical patterns. These names have been chosen based on their widespread usage across various demographics and regions within the United States.
1. Smith: A common surname with origins in Old English, "smith" refers to a person who works with metals, particularly blacksmiths.
2. Johnson: Derived from the English "John," this name reflects the prevalence of the name John throughout history.
3. Williams: Another English origin, "Williams" is a patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
4. Brown: This surname can have multiple origins, including descriptive names like "someone with brown hair" or "someone who lives near a brown object."
5. Jones: Derived from the Welsh "John," this surname indicates a connection to the name John, similar to "Johnson."
6. Miller: This occupational surname refers to a person who grinds grain, a vital role in agriculture.
7. Davis: An English patronymic surname meaning "son of David."
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname with roots in Basque, "Garcia" is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Garcia."
9. Rodriguez: Another Spanish surname, "Rodriguez" also has a Basque origin and signifies "son of Rodrigo."
10. Wilson: Derived from "son of Will," this English patronymic surname indicates a lineage connected to the name William.
11. Moore: This English surname can have multiple origins, referring to a person who lives by a moorland, someone who works with moorland, or a person who has brown hair.
12. Taylor: An occupational surname referring to someone who works with cloth, particularly tailors.
13. Anderson: This Scandinavian surname is a patronymic meaning "son of Anders," a variant of the name Andrew.
14. Thomas: An English surname derived from the name Thomas, a biblical figure known for his faith and resilience.
15. Jackson: An English patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
16. White: This descriptive surname refers to someone who has fair skin or a person who is associated with the color white.
17. Harris: Derived from the Old English "Harry," a nickname for Henry, this surname can be both patronymic and occupational, referring to a person who works with hawks.
18. Martin: A Latin surname derived from the Roman god Mars, associated with war and strength.
19. Thompson: An English patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
20. Garcia: A Spanish surname with roots in Basque, "Garcia" is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Garcia."
21. Martinez: This Spanish surname is also of Basque origin, signifying "son of Martin."
22. Robinson: An English surname derived from "Robin," a diminutive of Robert, and "son," making it a patronymic.
23. Clark: An English occupational surname referring to a person who works as a scribe or scholar.
24. Lewis: This English surname has multiple origins, potentially referring to a place name or a person who is a descendant of the Germanic tribe known as the "Lewi."
25. Lee: A surname that can have various origins, including a place name, a descriptive name (referring to a meadow), or a patronymic.
26. Walker: An occupational surname indicating someone who works as a walker or traveler.
27. Hall: This English surname can be derived from a place name or a descriptive name referring to a person who lives near a hall or manor.
28. Allen: A surname that can have various origins, potentially referring to a place name, a descriptive name referring to a person who lives near a "hazel tree," or a patronymic.
29. Young: This surname can be a descriptive name referring to a young person or a patronymic surname meaning "son of Young."
30. Hernandez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Hernando," a variant of Ferdinand.
31. King: This surname is an occupational name referring to someone who holds the position of a king.
32. Wright: This English surname has multiple origins, potentially referring to a person who works with wood, someone who is a skilled craftsman, or a person who is right-handed.
33. Lopez: A Spanish surname derived from "Lope," a shortened form of the name "Roderigo."
34. Hill: This surname can have multiple origins, potentially referring to a person who lives near a hill, someone who works with hills, or a person who has a hill-shaped forehead.
35. Scott: This Scottish surname has multiple origins, potentially referring to a place name, a descriptive name meaning "Scottish," or a patronymic.
36. Green: This surname can have multiple origins, potentially referring to a person who lives near a green space, someone who works with greenery, or a person who has a green complexion.
37. Adams: An English patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam."
38. Baker: This occupational surname refers to a person who makes bread.
39. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname derived from the name "Gonsalvo," a variant of "Gonzalo."
40. Nelson: This Scandinavian surname is a patronymic meaning "son of Neil," a variant of the name "Nigel."