The Most Common Last Name in the USA: A Comprehensive List

Are you curious about the most prevalent last names in the United States? This comprehensive list provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse origins and meanings behind some of the most common surnames found across the country. From traditional family names to more unique variations, exploring the history and significance of these last names offers a deeper understanding of American cultural heritage and its diverse roots.
1. **Smith:** Derived from the Old English word "smið," meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Also a patronymic surname, derived from the given name "William," meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname based on the color of hair or skin, possibly also indicating a person who worked with leather.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "David," meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname originating from the Basque word "garci," meaning "bear" or "spearman."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Rodrigo," meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "William," meaning "resolute protector."
11. **Moore:** An occupational surname for someone who lived near or worked with a moor (a marshland).
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making or repairing clothes.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Andrew," meaning "manly" or "strong."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Thomas," meaning "twin."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Jack," a nickname for "John."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname based on the color of hair or skin.
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Henry," meaning "ruler of the house."
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Martin," meaning "warlike."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Thomas," meaning "twin."
20. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname originating from the Basque word "garci," meaning "bear" or "spearman."
21. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Martin," meaning "warlike."
22. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Robin," a nickname for "Robert."
23. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk.
24. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
25. **Lee:** A surname with various origins, including a geographical name for someone who lived near a clearing or meadow.
26. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker, transporting goods or people.
27. **Hall:** A descriptive surname for someone who lived near a hall or manor house.
28. **Allen:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Alan," meaning "handsome" or "noble."
29. **Young:** A descriptive surname for someone who was young or youthful.
30. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Hernando," meaning "strong lord."
31. **King:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a king or royal ruler.
32. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman or builder.
33. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Lope," meaning "wolf."
34. **Hill:** A descriptive surname for someone who lived on or near a hill.
35. **Scott:** A surname with various origins, including a geographical name for someone who lived in a region of Scotland.
36. **Green:** A descriptive surname based on the color of vegetation.
37. **Adams:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Adam," meaning "man."
38. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker, making bread or pastries.
39. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Gonzalo," meaning "battle-eager."
40. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Neil," meaning "champion."
41. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter, transporting goods by cart.
42. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Michael," meaning "who is like God."
43. **Perez:** A Spanish surname derived from the given name "Pedro," meaning "stone" or "rock."
44. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Robert," meaning "bright fame."
45. **Turner:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a turner, shaping wood or metal.
46. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Philip," meaning "lover of horses."
47. **Campbell:** A surname with various origins, including a geographical name for someone who lived near a field or meadow.
48. **Parker:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a parker, guarding a park or enclosure.
49. **Evans:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Evan," meaning "young warrior."
50. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname derived from the given name "Edward," meaning "wealthy guardian."