Most Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most prevalent surnames in the United States? This guide delves into the origins and meanings of the top 40 most common last names in America, providing insights into their history and cultural significance. From classic surnames like Smith and Johnson to lesser-known names like Miller and Williams, this list offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse tapestry of American heritage.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith" or "one who works with metal."
2. **Johnson:** Derived from the male given name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "young wolf," often associated with the Basque region.
7. **Miller:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who grinds grain," referring to a person who worked in a mill.
8. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David," derived from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," meaning "resolute protector."
11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person who lived near a moor, a large area of open wasteland.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who cuts cloth," referring to a person who worked as a tailor.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Anders," a variant of the Scandinavian name "Andreas," meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack," a diminutive form of the name "John."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person with white hair or complexion.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry," a diminutive form of the name "Henry."
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martius," meaning "dedicated to Mars."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas," derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," meaning "twin."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin," derived from the Latin name "Martius," meaning "dedicated to Mars."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin," a diminutive form of the name "Robert."
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname, meaning "scribe" or "secretary," referring to a person who worked as a clerk.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lewis," derived from the Germanic name "Ludwig," meaning "famous warrior."
24. **Lee:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person who lived near a meadow or clearing.
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who walks," referring to a person who worked as a messenger or traveler.
26. **Hall:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person who lived near a hall or manor house.
27. **Allen:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan," derived from the Celtic name "Alan," meaning "handsome."
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person who was young or youthful.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," a Germanic name meaning "army leader."
30. **King:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person who was a king or ruler.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who makes things," referring to a person who worked as a craftsman.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Lope," a diminutive form of the name "Leopoldo."
33. **Hill:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person who lived near a hill.
34. **Scott:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Scot," derived from the Gaelic word "Scot," meaning "Irishman."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname, referring to a person who lived near a green or grassy area.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam," derived from the Hebrew name "Adam," meaning "man."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread," referring to a person who worked as a baker.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," a Germanic name meaning "warrior who fights with zeal."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil," a Gaelic name meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who transports goods," referring to a person who worked as a carter.