Common Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for information on common last names? This comprehensive guide will provide you with a deep dive into the origins, meanings, and variations of some of the most prevalent surnames in the world. Whether you're interested in researching your family history, learning about cultural trends, or simply expanding your knowledge of names, this list will offer valuable insights. From ancient origins to modern interpretations, discover the fascinating stories behind these widespread last names.
1. Smith: A common occupational name, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker." It is derived from the Old English word "smið."

2. Jones: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," which means "God is gracious."

3. Brown: Another occupational surname, meaning "someone who works with or makes brown things." It could refer to a tanner, a weaver, or a farmer.

4. Davis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David." It is derived from the Hebrew name "David," which means "beloved."

5. Miller: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who grinds grain." It is derived from the Old English word "milnere."

6. Wilson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William." It is derived from the Germanic name "Wilhelm," which means "helmet of will."

7. Moore: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who lives near a moor." It is derived from the Old English word "mōr."

8. Taylor: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who cuts cloth." It is derived from the Old French word "tailleur."

9. Anderson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew." It is derived from the Greek name "Andreas," which means "manly."

10. Thomas: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas." It is derived from the Aramaic name "T'oma," which means "twin."

11. Jackson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack." It is a shortened form of "John."

12. White: A descriptive surname, meaning "someone with fair skin or hair." It is derived from the Old English word "hwīt."

13. Harris: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry." It is a shortened form of "Henry."

14. Martin: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin." It is derived from the Latin name "Martinus," which means "warlike."

15. Thompson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas." It is a variant of "Thomas."

16. Garcia: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Garcia." It is derived from the Germanic name "Garricus," which means "spear-man."

17. Martinez: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Martin." It is a variant of "Martin."

18. Robinson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin." It is a shortened form of "Robert."

19. Clark: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who writes or copies documents." It is derived from the Old English word "clerc."

20. Lewis: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lewis." It is derived from the French name "Louis," which means "famous warrior."

21. Lee: A place name surname, meaning "someone who lives near a clearing in the forest." It is derived from the Old English word "lēah."

22. Walker: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who walks or travels." It is derived from the Old English word "wealcan."

23. Hall: A place name surname, meaning "someone who lives near a hall." It is derived from the Old English word "hāl."

24. Allen: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alan." It is derived from the Breton name "Alan," which means "handsome."

25. Young: A descriptive surname, meaning "someone who is young." It is derived from the Old English word "geong."

26. Hernandez: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Hernando." It is derived from the Germanic name "Ferdinand," which means "bold traveler."

27. King: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who rules." It is derived from the Old English word "cyning."

28. Wright: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who builds or repairs things." It is derived from the Old English word "wriht."

29. Lopez: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Lope." It is a shortened form of "Leopold."

30. Hill: A place name surname, meaning "someone who lives on a hill." It is derived from the Old English word "hyll."

31. Scott: A place name surname, meaning "someone who lives in Scotland." It is derived from the Old English word "Scot."

32. Green: A descriptive surname, meaning "someone who lives near a green place." It is derived from the Old English word "grēne."

33. Adams: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Adam," which means "man."

34. Baker: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who bakes bread." It is derived from the Old English word "bācere."

35. Gonzalez: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo." It is derived from the Germanic name "Gundisalvus," which means "God's warrior."

36. Nelson: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil." It is derived from the Irish name "Niall," which means "champion."

37. Carter: An occupational surname, meaning "someone who transports goods by cart." It is derived from the Old English word "cārtere."

38. Mitchell: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Michael," which means "who is like God?"

39. Perez: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Pedro." It is a Spanish variant of "Peter."

40. Roberts: A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert." It is a variant of "Robinson."