Most Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most prevalent surnames in the United States? This comprehensive guide delves into the origins and meanings behind the most common last names in America, providing insights into the diverse heritage of the nation. From familiar family names to lesser-known origins, we'll explore the rich tapestry of surnames that make up the American landscape.
1. Smith: A common occupational name for blacksmiths, who were essential figures in medieval society.
2. Johnson: Meaning "son of John," a popular given name in English-speaking countries.
3. Williams: Derived from the given name "William," meaning "resolute protector."
4. Brown: An occupational name for someone who worked with or dyed materials brown.
5. Jones: Meaning "son of John," another common patronymic surname.
6. Miller: An occupational name for someone who ran a mill, typically a grain mill.
7. Davis: Meaning "son of David," a popular biblical name.
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname meaning "a warrior."
9. Rodriguez: Spanish for "son of Rodrigo," a given name of Germanic origin.
10. Wilson: Meaning "son of William," another example of a patronymic surname.
11. Moore: An occupational name for someone who lived near a moor or boggy area.
12. Taylor: An occupational name for someone who worked as a tailor, making clothes.
13. Anderson: Meaning "son of Andrew," a popular given name with Greek origins.
14. Thomas: A given name of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin."
15. Jackson: Meaning "son of Jack," a common nickname for John.
16. White: A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or light hair.
17. Harris: Derived from the given name "Harry," a Germanic name meaning "home ruler."
18. Martin: A Latin name meaning "warlike."
19. Thompson: Meaning "son of Thomas," a popular patronymic surname.
20. Martinez: Spanish for "son of Martín," a common patronymic surname.
21. Robinson: Meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert.
22. Clark: An occupational name for a clerk, a person who worked in a clerical position.
23. Lewis: Derived from the given name "Lewis," meaning "famous warrior."
24. Lee: A surname with multiple possible origins, including a place name in England and a Chinese surname.
25. Walker: An occupational name for someone who walked or traveled, often as a messenger.
26. Hall: A place name surname, referring to a large house or dwelling.
27. Allen: Derived from the given name "Alan," meaning "handsome."
28. Young: A descriptive surname for a youthful person, often used for a son or younger member of a family.
29. Hernandez: Spanish for "son of Hernando," a given name meaning "warrior."
30. King: An occupational name for someone who ruled as a king.
31. Wright: An occupational name for someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman.
32. Lopez: Spanish for "son of Lope," a given name meaning "wolf."
33. Hill: A place name surname, referring to a hill or elevated area.
34. Scott: Derived from the given name "Scott," meaning "from Scotland."
35. Green: A descriptive surname for someone who lived in a green area or who had green clothing.
36. Adams: Meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
37. Baker: An occupational name for someone who worked as a baker, making bread.
38. Gonzalez: Spanish for "son of Gonzalo," a given name meaning "warrior."
39. Nelson: Meaning "son of Neil," a popular given name in Scandinavia.
40. Carter: An occupational name for someone who transported goods by cart.
41. Mitchell: Meaning "son of Michael," a popular given name with Hebrew origins.
42. Perez: Spanish for "son of Pedro," a given name meaning "stone."
43. Roberts: Meaning "son of Robert," a popular given name of Germanic origin.
44. Turner: An occupational name for someone who worked as a turner, shaping wood or metal.
45. Phillips: Meaning "son of Philip," a given name meaning "lover of horses."
46. Campbell: A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth."
47. Parker: An occupational name for someone who worked as a park keeper.
48. Evans: Meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh given name meaning "young warrior."
49. Edwards: Meaning "son of Edward," a given name of Old English origin meaning "wealthy guardian."
50. Collins: Meaning "son of Colin," a Scottish given name meaning "victory."