Common American Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for a comprehensive list of common American last names? You've come to the right place! This list encompasses some of the most prevalent surnames in the United States, providing insights into their origins, meanings, and historical significance. Whether you're researching your family history, exploring the cultural tapestry of America, or simply curious about the names that define our nation, this guide will serve as a valuable resource.
1. Smith: A common occupational surname derived from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith."
2. Jones: A patronymic surname originating from the Hebrew name "Jonah," meaning "dove."
3. Brown: A descriptive surname indicating someone with brown hair or complexion.
4. Davis: A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "David," meaning "beloved."
5. Miller: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour.
6. Wilson: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "William," meaning "resolute protector."
7. Moore: A descriptive surname indicating someone who lived near a moor or bog.
8. Taylor: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making clothes.
9. Anderson: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Andrew," meaning "manly."
10. Thomas: A patronymic surname derived from the Aramaic name "Thomas," meaning "twin."
11. Jackson: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Jack," a diminutive of "John," meaning "God is gracious."
12. White: A descriptive surname indicating someone with fair skin or light hair.
13. Harris: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Henry," meaning "ruler of the house."
14. Martin: A patronymic surname derived from the Latin name "Martinus," meaning "warlike."
15. Thompson: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Thomas," meaning "twin."
16. Garcia: A patronymic surname derived from the Spanish name "García," meaning "bear."
17. Martinez: A patronymic surname derived from the Spanish name "Martín," meaning "warlike."
18. Robinson: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Robert," meaning "bright fame."
19. Clark: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a scribe or clerk.
20. Lewis: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Louis," meaning "famous warrior."
21. Lee: A descriptive surname indicating someone who lived near a clearing or meadow.
22. Walker: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a walker or carrier.
23. Hall: A descriptive surname indicating someone who lived near a hall or manor house.
24. Allen: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Alan," meaning "handsome."
25. Young: A descriptive surname indicating someone who was young or youthful.
26. Hernandez: A patronymic surname derived from the Spanish name "Hernando," meaning "brave ruler."
27. King: A descriptive surname indicating someone who was a king or of noble rank.
28. Wright: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a craftsman or wright.
29. Lopez: A patronymic surname derived from the Spanish name "Lope," meaning "wolf."
30. Hill: A descriptive surname indicating someone who lived near a hill or elevated land.
31. Scott: A descriptive surname indicating someone who lived in a wooded area.
32. Green: A descriptive surname indicating someone with green hair or complexion.
33. Adams: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Adam," meaning "man."
34. Baker: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a baker.
35. Gonzalez: A patronymic surname derived from the Spanish name "Gonzalo," meaning "warlike."
36. Nelson: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Neil," meaning "champion."
37. Carter: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter or wagon driver.
38. Mitchell: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Michael," meaning "who is like God?"
39. Perez: A patronymic surname derived from the Spanish name "Pedro," meaning "stone."
40. Roberts: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Robert," meaning "bright fame."
41. Turner: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a turner or woodworker.
42. Phillips: A patronymic surname derived from the Greek name "Philip," meaning "lover of horses."
43. Campbell: A patronymic surname derived from the Scottish Gaelic name "Campbell," meaning "crooked mouth."
44. Parker: An occupational surname for someone who worked as a park keeper.
45. Evans: A patronymic surname derived from the Welsh name "Evan," meaning "young warrior."
46. Edwards: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Edward," meaning "wealthy guardian."
47. Collins: A patronymic surname derived from the Old English name "Colin," meaning "victory."
48. Stewart: A descriptive surname indicating someone who was a steward or administrator.
49. Sanchez: A patronymic surname derived from the Spanish name "Sánchez," meaning "saint."
50. Rodriguez: A patronymic surname derived from the Spanish name "Rodrigo," meaning "famous ruler."