Most Popular Last Names in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you curious about the most common surnames in the United States? This comprehensive guide delves into the origins and meanings of the most popular last names, providing valuable insights into the diverse cultural tapestry of America. From traditional favorites to unique and lesser-known names, this list will help you understand the history and significance behind some of the most ubiquitous surnames in the country.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname for blacksmiths, reflecting the historical importance of this craft in the early days of America.
2. **Johnson:** Meaning "son of John," this is a patronymic surname that was widely adopted throughout Europe and later in the United States.
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic name, signifying "son of William."
4. **Brown:** This surname describes people with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John."
6. **Miller:** A surname for people who worked as millers, grinding grain into flour.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname with various meanings, including "warrior" and "noble."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William."
11. **Moore:** A surname meaning "moor," referring to a marshy area.
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for people who worked as tailors.
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew."
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname for people with fair skin or white hair.
17. **Harris:** A surname with various origins, including an occupational term for a watchman or a patronymic meaning "son of Harry."
18. **Martin:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Martin."
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robin."
22. **Clark:** An occupational surname for a scribe or cleric.
23. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Louis."
24. **Lee:** A surname with various origins, including a name for a meadow or a patronymic meaning "son of Leigh."
25. **Walker:** An occupational surname for a person who walks or travels.
26. **Hall:** A surname meaning "hall" or "dwelling."
27. **Allen:** A surname with various origins, including a patronymic meaning "son of Alan" or a descriptive term for a handsome man.
28. **Young:** A descriptive surname for a young person.
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando."
30. **King:** A surname indicating royalty or a person who held a position of authority.
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for a craftsman or skilled worker.
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** A surname meaning "hill" or "elevated land."
34. **Scott:** A surname with various origins, including a Scottish clan name or a patronymic meaning "son of Scot."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname for people with green eyes or people who live in a green area.
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam."
37. **Baker:** An occupational surname for a person who bakes bread.
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Neil."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for a person who transports goods by cart.
41. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Michael."
42. **Perez:** A Spanish surname meaning "Peter" or "stone."
43. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Robert."
44. **Turner:** An occupational surname for a person who turns wood or other materials.
45. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Philip."
46. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname meaning "crooked mouth."
47. **Parker:** An occupational surname for a person who parks or protects land.
48. **Evans:** A Welsh surname meaning "son of Evan."
49. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Edward."
50. **Collins:** A surname with various origins, including a patronymic meaning "son of Colin."