Basic Last Names: Common and Meaningful Surnames

Looking for a basic last name that's both common and meaningful? You've come to the right place. This comprehensive list features popular surnames along with their detailed meanings, providing insight into their origins and significance. Whether you're searching for a surname for a fictional character, exploring your family history, or simply curious about the origins of names, this list has something for everyone.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker."
2. **Jones:** Derived from the Welsh "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Brown:** Meaning "brown" or "dark-haired," a descriptive surname based on appearance.
4. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a biblical name meaning "beloved."
5. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who ground grain into flour.
6. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of William," a popular name meaning "resolute protector."
7. **Moore:** Derived from the Old English word "moor," meaning "marsh" or "wetland."
8. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who makes or repairs clothes.
9. **Anderson:** Meaning "son of Andrew," a Greek name meaning "manly" or "strong."
10. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin," a Hebrew name with a long history.
11. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a diminutive form of "John."
12. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to light hair or skin color.
13. **Harris:** Meaning "son of Harry," a popular name meaning "home ruler."
14. **Martin:** Meaning "warlike," a Latin name with a strong, masculine connotation.
15. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," a popular name with a long history.
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "bear" or "warrior."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin," a name meaning "warlike."
18. **Robinson:** Meaning "son of Robin," a diminutive form of "Robert" meaning "bright fame."
19. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who served as a clerk or scribe.
20. **Lewis:** A French surname meaning "famous warrior" or "renowned fighter."
21. **Lee:** A Chinese surname meaning "plum tree," known for its longevity and beauty.
22. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walked or traveled on foot.
23. **Hall:** Derived from the Old English word "hall," meaning "large house" or "mansion."
24. **Allen:** Meaning "handsome" or "noble," a popular name with a positive connotation.
25. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who is young in age.
26. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a Germanic name meaning "brave warrior."
27. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who ruled as a king.
28. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who builds or repairs things.
29. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
30. **Hill:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived on or near a hill.
31. **Scott:** Meaning "Scot," a person from Scotland.
32. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green hair or green skin.
33. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
34. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread.
35. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "battle-strong."
36. **Nelson:** Meaning "son of Neil," a Gaelic name meaning "champion" or "bright one."
37. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who transported goods by cart.
38. **Mitchell:** Meaning "son of Michael," a Hebrew name meaning "who is like God?"
39. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro," a Spanish name meaning "rock."
40. **Roberts:** Meaning "son of Robert," a popular name meaning "bright fame."
41. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who turned wood or metal.
42. **Phillips:** Meaning "son of Philip," a Greek name meaning "lover of horses."
43. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth," but often associated with strength and loyalty.
44. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who kept or managed a park.
45. **Evans:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh name meaning "the Lord is gracious."
46. **Edwards:** Meaning "son of Edward," an English name meaning "wealthy guardian."
47. **Collins:** Meaning "son of Colin," a Scottish name meaning "little dog."
48. **Stewart:** A Scottish surname meaning "steward" or "caretaker."
49. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname meaning "holy" or "saint."
50. **Morris:** A Welsh surname meaning "sea warrior" or "defender of the sea."