Most Common Last Names in America: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in America? This list delves into the origins and meanings behind some of the most prevalent surnames in the United States. From classic Anglo-Saxon roots to more recent immigrant influences, explore the rich history and diverse cultural tapestry reflected in these last names.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for blacksmiths, derived from the Old English word "smiþ."

2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious."

3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," which is a Germanic name meaning "resolute protector."

4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with brown hair or complexion, from the Old English word "brūn."

5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."

6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who grinds grain into flour, from the Middle English word "millere."

7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," from the Hebrew name "David," meaning "beloved."

8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of García," which is a Germanic name meaning "spearman."

9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," which is a Germanic name meaning "famous ruler."

10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," which is a Germanic name meaning "resolute protector."

11. **Moore:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a moor, a type of open, often marshy, area.

12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who makes or repairs clothes, from the Old French word "tailleur."

13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," from the Greek name "Andreas," meaning "manly."

14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," which is an Aramaic name meaning "twin."

15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John, from the Hebrew name "Yochanan."

16. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or hair, from the Old English word "hwit."

17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry, from the Germanic name "Heimrich."

18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin," which is a Latin name meaning "warlike."

19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," which is an Aramaic name meaning "twin."

20. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," which is a Germanic name meaning "warrior."

21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martín," which is a Latin name meaning "warlike."

22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert, from the Germanic name "Hrodebert."

23. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scribe or secretary, from the Middle English word "clerk."

24. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Lewis," from the French name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."

25. **Lee:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a clearing or meadow, from the Old English word "lēah."

26. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who walks or travels, from the Old English word "wealcan."

27. **Hall:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a hall, a large house or building.

28. **Allen:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Alan," from the Gaelic name "Ailean," meaning "handsome."

29. **Young:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who is young or youthful, from the Old English word "geong."

30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," which is a Germanic name meaning "army leader."

31. **King:** A descriptive surname referring to a person of royal status, from the Old English word "cyning."

32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who builds or makes things, from the Old English word "wriht."

33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope," which is a Germanic name meaning "wolf cub."

34. **Hill:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lived near a hill, from the Old English word "hyll."

35. **Scott:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who came from Scotland, from the Gaelic word "Sgota."

36. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green eyes or hair, or who lived near a green area, from the Old English word "grēne."

37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," from the Hebrew name "Adam," meaning "man."

38. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who bakes bread, from the Old English word "bācere."

39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," which is a Germanic name meaning "warrior."

40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil," from the Gaelic name "Neil," meaning "champion."