Most Common U.S. Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of the most prevalent surnames, exploring their origins, meanings, and historical significance. Whether you're researching genealogy, crafting a fictional character, or simply curious about the cultural landscape of the United States, this list is your ultimate resource for understanding the names that have shaped the nation's identity.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname for blacksmiths.
2. Johnson: Son of John, a popular biblical name.
3. Williams: Son of William, a popular Germanic name.
4. Brown: Descriptive name for someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. Jones: Son of John, another variant of the name.
6. Miller: Occupational name for someone who ground grain into flour.
7. Davis: Son of David, a biblical name associated with a king.
8. Garcia: Spanish surname, derived from the personal name García.
9. Rodriguez: Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. Wilson: Son of William, another variant of the name.
11. Moore: A descriptive name for someone who lived near a moorland.
12. Taylor: Occupational name for someone who worked with cloth.
13. Anderson: Son of Andrew, a popular Greek name.
14. Thomas: Biblical name, meaning "twin."
15. Jackson: Son of Jack, a diminutive of John.
16. White: Descriptive name for someone with fair skin.
17. Harris: Old English name, meaning "son of Harry."
18. Martin: Latin name, meaning "warlike."
19. Thompson: Son of Thomas, a variant of the name.
20. Martinez: Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
21. Robinson: Son of Robin, a diminutive of Robert.
22. Clark: Occupational name for a scribe or secretary.
23. Lewis: Germanic name, meaning "famous warrior."
24. Lee: A place name, referring to a meadow or clearing.
25. Walker: Occupational name for someone who walked or traveled.
26. Hall: Place name for a building or residence.
27. Allen: Old English name, meaning "handsome."
28. Young: Descriptive name for someone who is young.
29. Hernandez: Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando."
30. King: Occupational name for a ruler or monarch.
31. Wright: Occupational name for a craftsman or builder.
32. Lopez: Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
33. Hill: Place name for a hill or elevation.
34. Scott: Old English name, meaning "Scotsman."
35. Green: Descriptive name for someone who lives near a green area.
36. Adams: Son of Adam, the first man in the Bible.
37. Baker: Occupational name for someone who baked bread.
38. Gonzalez: Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. Nelson: Son of Neil, an Irish name meaning "champion."
40. Carter: Occupational name for someone who transported goods by cart.
41. Mitchell: Old English name, meaning "son of Michael."
42. Perez: Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro."
43. Roberts: Son of Robert, a popular Germanic name.
44. Turner: Occupational name for someone who worked with wood.
45. Phillips: Greek name, meaning "lover of horses."
46. Campbell: Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth."
47. Parker: Occupational name for someone who kept the park or grounds.
48. Evans: Welsh surname, meaning "son of Evan."
49. Edwards: Son of Edward, a popular English name.
50. Collins: Occupational name for someone who worked with coal.
51. Stewart: Scottish surname, meaning "steward."
52. Sanchez: Spanish surname, meaning "holy."
53. Morris: Welsh surname, meaning "sea defender."
54. Rogers: Germanic name, meaning "famous spearman."
55. Reed: Place name for a place near a reed bed.
56. Cook: Occupational name for someone who prepares food.
57. Morgan: Welsh surname, meaning "sea defender."
58. Bell: Occupational name for someone who made bells.
59. Murphy: Irish surname, meaning "sea warrior."
60. Bailey: Place name for a bailiwick or administrative district.