Most Common Last Names in the United States: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the most common last names in the United States? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed list of the top names, along with their origins and meanings. Discover the history and significance behind the most prevalent surnames in America, from classic favorites to unique finds. Whether you're researching your family history, exploring American culture, or simply curious about the most popular last names, this guide has you covered.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational name for a blacksmith, derived from the Old English word "smiþ." It signifies strength, craftsmanship, and skill.
2. **Johnson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John," originating from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," which means "God is gracious."
3. **Williams:** Another patronymic surname meaning "son of William," a popular name of Germanic origin meaning "resolute protector."
4. **Brown:** A descriptive surname that refers to someone with brown hair or complexion. It's a common surname in many countries and is linked to nature and earthiness.
5. **Jones:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of John." It's a widely popular surname in many English-speaking countries.
6. **Miller:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a miller, grinding grain into flour. It signifies hard work, dedication, and sustenance.
7. **Davis:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of David," a biblical name meaning "beloved" or "friend."
8. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname of Basque origin, likely derived from the word "garci," meaning "noble" or "free."
9. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Rodrigo," a popular name of Germanic origin meaning "famous ruler."
10. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of William," a popular name of Germanic origin meaning "resolute protector."
11. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, a variation of "Martin," meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
12. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Andrew," a Greek name meaning "manly" or "strong."
13. **Taylor:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a tailor, crafting clothes. It signifies precision, artistry, and skill.
14. **Thomas:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," a Hebrew name meaning "twin."
15. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a popular name of Germanic origin meaning "brave warrior."
16. **Moore:** A descriptive surname, often associated with a moorland or a marsh. It signifies nature, resilience, and strength.
17. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack," a diminutive form of the name "John."
18. **White:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with fair skin or hair. It signifies purity, innocence, and new beginnings.
19. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Thomas," a Hebrew name meaning "twin."
20. **Martin:** A surname of Latin origin, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
21. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf." It signifies strength, cunning, and courage.
22. **Lee:** A surname of English origin, likely derived from a place name meaning "clearing in a wood" or "meadow."
23. **Allen:** A surname of Old English origin, meaning "handsome" or "noble."
24. **King:** A surname that denotes someone of royal lineage or authority. It signifies power, leadership, and respect.
25. **Clark:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a clerk or secretary. It signifies knowledge, organization, and administration.
26. **Lewis:** A surname of Welsh origin, meaning "famous warrior."
27. **Walker:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a walker or traveler. It signifies independence, adventure, and exploration.
28. **Hall:** A surname of Old English origin, meaning "dwelling" or "hall." It signifies home, community, and gathering.
29. **Allen:** A surname of Old English origin, meaning "handsome" or "noble."
30. **Young:** A descriptive surname indicating youthfulness or a young person. It signifies vitality, hope, and new beginnings.
31. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Hernando," a popular name of Germanic origin meaning "brave warrior."
32. **King:** A surname that denotes someone of royal lineage or authority. It signifies power, leadership, and respect.
33. **Wright:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a wright or craftsman. It signifies skill, creativity, and construction.
34. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname meaning "wolf." It signifies strength, cunning, and courage.
35. **Hill:** A descriptive surname referring to someone who lives near a hill or elevated land. It signifies strength, resilience, and elevation.
36. **Scott:** A surname of Scottish origin, meaning "from Scotland" or "from the Gaelic territory."
37. **Green:** A descriptive surname referring to someone with green hair or who lives in a green area. It signifies nature, growth, and renewal.
38. **Adams:** A patronymic surname meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible. It signifies humanity, origin, and creation.
39. **Baker:** An occupational surname for someone who works as a baker, making bread and pastries. It signifies sustenance, nourishment, and skill.
40. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname meaning "son of Gonzalo," a popular name of Germanic origin meaning "fighting spirit."