Most Popular Last Name in the World: A Comprehensive List

Determining the most popular last name in the world is a complex task, as there are various factors to consider, including population size, cultural diversity, and historical migrations. However, there are some last names that consistently rank highly in global popularity. This list presents a comprehensive overview of the most common last names across the world, accompanied by their detailed meanings and cultural significance.
1. **Wang**: A common Chinese surname meaning "king" or "ruler." It is believed to be of ancient origin and is often associated with royalty and power.
2. **Li**: Another prevalent Chinese surname meaning "plum tree" or "plum blossom." It represents prosperity and good fortune and is widely distributed across China.
3. **Zhang**: A common Chinese surname meaning "net" or "to extend." It symbolizes strength, connection, and a wide reach.
4. **Liu**: A Chinese surname meaning "willow tree" or "willow branch." It embodies grace, flexibility, and resilience.
5. **Chen**: A Chinese surname meaning "to hear" or "to listen." It represents wisdom, discernment, and the ability to understand.
6. **Yang**: A Chinese surname meaning "sun" or "sunshine." It symbolizes warmth, light, and positivity.
7. **Huang**: A Chinese surname meaning "yellow" or "emperor." It is associated with authority, prestige, and imperial lineage.
8. **Zhao**: A Chinese surname meaning "to summon" or "to invite." It represents leadership, guidance, and the ability to inspire.
9. **Wu**: A Chinese surname meaning "martial" or "military." It signifies strength, courage, and a warrior spirit.
10. **Zhou**: A Chinese surname meaning "week" or "cycle." It represents time, continuity, and the natural order of things.
11. **Xu**: A Chinese surname meaning "promise" or "guarantee." It embodies reliability, faithfulness, and the ability to fulfill commitments.
12. **Sun**: A Chinese surname meaning "sun" or "sunshine." It symbolizes warmth, light, and positivity.
13. **Ma**: A Chinese surname meaning "horse" or "equine." It represents power, freedom, and agility.
14. **Zheng**: A Chinese surname meaning "correct" or "upright." It signifies integrity, justice, and the pursuit of righteousness.
15. **Wang**: A Chinese surname meaning "king" or "ruler." It is believed to be of ancient origin and is often associated with royalty and power.
16. **Muhammad**: A common Arabic name meaning "praised" or "worthy of praise." It is the name of the Prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam.
17. **Ali**: A common Arabic name meaning "noble" or "exalted." It is a popular name in many Muslim-majority countries.
18. **Khan**: A common Arabic name meaning "lord" or "ruler." It is often used as a title of respect or authority in many cultures.
19. **Ahmed**: A common Arabic name meaning "highly praised" or "worthy of praise." It is a popular name in many Muslim-majority countries.
20. **Zhang**: A common Chinese surname meaning "net" or "to extend." It symbolizes strength, connection, and a wide reach.
21. **Li**: Another prevalent Chinese surname meaning "plum tree" or "plum blossom." It represents prosperity and good fortune and is widely distributed across China.
22. **Rodriguez**: A common Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from Rodrigo.
23. **Garcia**: A common Spanish surname meaning "son of García." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from García.
24. **Gonzalez**: A common Spanish surname meaning "son of González." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from González.
25. **Fernandez**: A common Spanish surname meaning "son of Fernando." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from Fernando.
26. **Lopez**: A common Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from Lope.
27. **Martínez**: A common Spanish surname meaning "son of Martín." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from Martín.
28. **Sanchez**: A common Spanish surname meaning "son of Sancho." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from Sancho.
29. **Perez**: A common Spanish surname meaning "son of Pedro." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from Pedro.
30. **Wilson**: A common English surname meaning "son of William." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from William.
31. **Smith**: A common English surname meaning "blacksmith." It is an occupational surname indicating that the original bearer worked as a blacksmith.
32. **Jones**: A common English surname meaning "son of John." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from John.
33. **Brown**: A common English surname meaning "someone with brown hair or complexion." It is a descriptive surname based on physical appearance.
34. **Davis**: A common English surname meaning "son of David." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from David.
35. **Miller**: A common English surname meaning "someone who grinds grain." It is an occupational surname indicating that the original bearer worked as a miller.
36. **Moore**: A common English surname meaning "someone who lives near a moor." It is a locative surname indicating that the original bearer lived near a moorland.
37. **Taylor**: A common English surname meaning "someone who cuts fabric." It is an occupational surname indicating that the original bearer worked as a tailor.
38. **Anderson**: A common English surname meaning "son of Andrew." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from Andrew.
39. **Thomas**: A common English surname meaning "twin." It is a personal name surname indicating that the original bearer was named Thomas.
40. **Jackson**: A common English surname meaning "son of Jack." It is a patronymic surname indicating descent from Jack.