Most Common Last Name in America: A Comprehensive Guide

Wondering what the most common last name in America is? You're not alone! This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed list of the most common surnames in the United States, along with their origins and meanings. From classic American staples to lesser-known yet prevalent surnames, we've got you covered. Get ready to discover the rich tapestry of American names and their fascinating histories!
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith, a skilled artisan who worked with metal. It is derived from the Old English word "smiþ," meaning "blacksmith."
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname, meaning "son of William." The name William is of Germanic origin, meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** This surname describes someone with brown hair or complexion. It is derived from the Old English word "brūn," meaning "brown."
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of John." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
6. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a miller, grinding grain into flour. It is derived from the Old English word "milnere," meaning "miller."
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David." The name David is of Hebrew origin, meaning "beloved."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Garcias." It is derived from the Germanic name "Garcias," meaning "spear-warrior."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo." The name Rodrigo is of Germanic origin, meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William." The name William is of Germanic origin, meaning "resolute protector."
11. **Moore:** A surname that describes someone who lived near a moor, a large area of open, uncultivated land. It is derived from the Old English word "mōr," meaning "moor."
12. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a tailor, making and repairing clothes. It is derived from the Old French word "tailleur," meaning "tailor."
13. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Anders." The name Anders is a Scandinavian form of the name Andrew, meaning "manly."
14. **Thomas:** A surname of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin." It is a common name in many cultures and has been associated with various biblical figures.
15. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack." The name Jack is a diminutive form of the name John, meaning "Yahweh is gracious."
16. **White:** A descriptive surname for someone with fair skin or hair. It is derived from the Old English word "hwīt," meaning "white."
17. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry." The name Harry is a diminutive form of the name Henry, meaning "ruler of the house."
18. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "warlike." It is associated with the Roman god Mars, the god of war.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas." The name Thomas is of Aramaic origin, meaning "twin."
20. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Martin." The name Martin is of Latin origin, meaning "warlike."
21. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin." The name Robin is a diminutive form of the name Robert, meaning "bright fame."
22. **Clark:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a clerk, a person who keeps records and performs administrative tasks. It is derived from the Old French word "clerc," meaning "clerk."
23. **Lewis:** A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "famous warrior." It is derived from the name Ludwig, which is a German form of the name Louis.
24. **Lee:** A surname with various origins, including English, Chinese, and Korean. In English, it is often a topographic name, meaning "meadow" or "clearing." In Chinese and Korean, it is a common surname with different meanings.
25. **Walker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a walker, someone who transported goods on foot. It is derived from the Old English word "wealcan," meaning "to roll."
26. **Hall:** A topographic surname, meaning "dwelling" or "hall." It is derived from the Old English word "hāl," meaning "hall."
27. **Allen:** A surname of Germanic origin, meaning "handsome" or "noble." It is derived from the name Alan, which is a variant of the name Alain.
28. **Young:** A surname that describes someone who is young. It is derived from the Old English word "geong," meaning "young."
29. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando." The name Hernando is a Spanish form of the name Ferdinand, meaning "brave traveler."
30. **King:** A surname that describes someone who is royalty. It is derived from the Old English word "cyning," meaning "king."
31. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a wright, a skilled craftsman who built things. It is derived from the Old English word "wriht," meaning "wright."
32. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Lope." The name Lope is a Spanish form of the name Lupus, meaning "wolf."
33. **Hill:** A topographic surname, meaning "hill." It is derived from the Old English word "hyll," meaning "hill."
34. **Scott:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "from Scotland." It is derived from the Gaelic word "sgoilte," meaning "gael."
35. **Green:** A descriptive surname for someone who lives near a green area or has green hair or complexion. It is derived from the Old English word "grēne," meaning "green."
36. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam." The name Adam is of Hebrew origin, meaning "man" or "earth."
37. **Baker:** An occupational name for someone who worked as a baker, making and selling bread. It is derived from the Old English word "bācere," meaning "baker."
38. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo." The name Gonzalo is a Spanish form of the name Gundisalvus, meaning "warlike defender."
39. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil." The name Neil is of Gaelic origin, meaning "champion."
40. **Carter:** An occupational surname for someone who worked as a carter, transporting goods by cart. It is derived from the Old English word "cārtere," meaning "carter."