**Common Black Last Names: A Comprehensive List and Meaning Guide**

This list explores the most prevalent last names among individuals of African descent, offering insights into their historical significance and cultural roots. Discover the fascinating stories behind these names, many of which reflect heritage, family traditions, and the experiences of Black people throughout history. Let's delve into the diverse world of common Black last names and explore their rich meanings.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname that originated from blacksmiths, who were vital in early societies.
2. **Johnson:** Derived from the English word "John," meaning "God is gracious," it's a popular surname of biblical origin.
3. **Williams:** A variant of the name "William," meaning "resolute protector," often linked to Welsh ancestry.
4. **Brown:** A surname that likely originated from the color brown, potentially associated with hair, skin, or clothing.
5. **Jones:** An Anglicized form of the Welsh name "John," meaning "God is gracious."
6. **Davis:** Meaning "son of David," a name of biblical significance that signifies royalty and strength.
7. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
8. **Wilson:** Derived from the name "William," meaning "resolute protector," and "son."
9. **Moore:** An occupational name for someone who lived near a moor or marsh.
10. **Taylor:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a tailor, making clothes.
11. **Anderson:** A surname that combines "son" with the name "Andrew," meaning "manly" or "strong."
12. **Thomas:** A name of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin," often associated with the apostle Thomas.
13. **Jackson:** Meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John, signifying "God is gracious."
14. **White:** A surname that likely originated from the color white, potentially associated with hair, skin, or clothing.
15. **Harris:** A name of Germanic origin, meaning "army warrior," signifying strength and bravery.
16. **Martin:** A name of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "belonging to Mars," the Roman god of war.
17. **Thompson:** Meaning "son of Thomas," a name of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin."
18. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "bear," often associated with strength and courage.
19. **Lewis:** A name of German origin, meaning "famous warrior," signifying strength and bravery.
20. **Lee:** A surname that can have various origins, including a place name, a personal name, or a descriptive name.
21. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a walker, often associated with shepherds or messengers.
22. **Hall:** A surname that often originated from the name of a place, such as a large house or a building.
23. **Allen:** A name of German origin, meaning "noble" or "handsome," signifying high social status.
24. **Young:** A surname that often referred to someone who was young or the youngest child in a family.
25. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "army warrior."
26. **King:** A surname that likely originated from someone who was a king or had a high position of authority.
27. **Wright:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman who built things.
28. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf," often associated with strength and cunning.
29. **Hill:** A surname that likely originated from the name of a place, such as a hill or a mound.
30. **Scott:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "from the Gaelic tribe," signifying lineage and heritage.
31. **Green:** A surname that likely originated from the color green, potentially associated with nature, vegetation, or clothing.
32. **Adams:** Meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible, signifying humanity and creation.
33. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a baker, making bread and pastries.
34. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "warlike."
35. **Nelson:** Meaning "son of Neil," a name of Gaelic origin, meaning "champion."
36. **Carter:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a carter, transporting goods by wagon.
37. **Mitchell:** A surname that likely originated from the name of a place, such as a meadow or a field.
38. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro," a name of Latin origin, meaning "stone" or "rock."
39. **Roberts:** Meaning "son of Robert," a name of Germanic origin, meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory."
40. **Turner:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a turner, shaping wood or metal on a lathe.