Common Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive list delves into the origins and meanings behind these surnames, providing fascinating insights into the diverse cultural tapestry of America. From traditional Anglo-Saxon roots to immigrant contributions, explore the rich history woven into the fabric of American identity through these ubiquitous last names.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname, meaning "blacksmith" or "metalworker," reflecting the importance of this craft in medieval England.
2. Johnson: Meaning "son of John," a patronymic surname indicating lineage, reflecting the prevalence of the given name John.
3. Williams: Meaning "son of William," another common patronymic surname, reflecting the widespread use of the name William.
4. Brown: A descriptive surname, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion, highlighting the importance of physical attributes in identification.
5. Jones: Meaning "son of John," another variant of the patronymic surname, indicating the enduring popularity of the name John.
6. Miller: An occupational surname, referring to someone who grinds grain into flour, highlighting the importance of agriculture in medieval Europe.
7. Davis: Meaning "son of David," a patronymic surname reflecting the biblical significance of the name David.
8. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "little boy" or "young man," indicating a diminutive form of the name Garcias.
9. Rodriguez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Rodrigo.
10. Wilson: Meaning "son of William," yet another variant of the patronymic surname, highlighting the enduring popularity of the name William.
11. Moore: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives near or works on a moor or marshland.
12. Taylor: An occupational surname, referring to someone who cuts cloth or makes clothes, reflecting the importance of the textile industry.
13. Anderson: Meaning "son of Andrew," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Andrew.
14. Thomas: A given name derived from the Aramaic word "Te'oma," meaning "twin," often used as a surname.
15. Jackson: Meaning "son of Jack," a patronymic surname derived from the diminutive form of John.
16. White: A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair hair or complexion.
17. Harris: An occupational surname, referring to someone who guards or protects a house or estate.
18. Martin: A Latin surname, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars," highlighting the association with the Roman god of war.
19. Thompson: Meaning "son of Thomas," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Thomas.
20. Garcia: A Spanish surname, meaning "little boy" or "young man," indicating a diminutive form of the name Garcias.
21. Martinez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Martin.
22. Robinson: Meaning "son of Robin," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the name Robin.
23. Lewis: Meaning "renowned warrior," a descriptive surname associated with strength and courage.
24. Lee: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives by a meadow or clearing.
25. Walker: An occupational surname, referring to someone who travels or walks on foot.
26. Hall: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives by or near a hall or manor house.
27. Allen: A German surname, meaning "noble" or "handsome," highlighting the importance of social status.
28. Young: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who is youthful or inexperienced.
29. Hernandez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Hernando.
30. King: An occupational surname, referring to someone who rules a kingdom.
31. Wright: An occupational surname, referring to someone who builds or repairs things.
32. Lopez: A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf," a descriptive surname reflecting the association with this animal.
33. Hill: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives by or near a hill.
34. Scott: A Scottish surname, meaning "Scot," referring to someone from Scotland.
35. Green: A descriptive surname, referring to someone who lives in a green or lush area.
36. Adams: Meaning "son of Adam," a patronymic surname reflecting the biblical significance of the name Adam.
37. Baker: An occupational surname, referring to someone who bakes bread.
38. Gonzalez: A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Gonzalo.
39. Nelson: Meaning "son of Neil," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Neil.
40. Carter: An occupational surname, referring to someone who transports goods by cart.
41. Mitchell: Meaning "son of Michael," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Michael.
42. Perez: A Spanish surname, meaning "Peter," a descriptive surname associated with the name Peter.
43. Roberts: Meaning "son of Robert," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Robert.
44. Turner: An occupational surname, referring to someone who makes or repairs things.
45. Phillips: Meaning "son of Philip," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Philip.
46. Campbell: A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth," a descriptive surname reflecting a physical characteristic.
47. Parker: An occupational surname, referring to someone who keeps or guards a park or forest.
48. Evans: Meaning "son of Evan," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Evan.
49. Edwards: Meaning "son of Edward," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Edward.
50. Collins: Meaning "son of Colin," a patronymic surname reflecting the prevalence of the given name Colin.