Popularity of Last Names: A Deep Dive into Common Surnames and Their Meanings

Are you curious about the popularity of last names? Perhaps you're searching for the meaning behind your own family name, or you're simply interested in the history and origins of surnames. This article delves into the world of common last names, exploring their popularity and the fascinating stories behind their meanings.
1. **Smith:** A common occupational surname, meaning "one who works with metal" and particularly "blacksmith."
2. **Jones:** Derived from the English given name John, meaning "God is gracious."
3. **Brown:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked with brown dyes or tanned leather.
4. **Davis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of David," a biblical name meaning "beloved."
5. **Miller:** An occupational surname, indicating someone who worked at a mill, typically a grain mill.
6. **Wilson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of William," a name meaning "resolute protector."
7. **Moore:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who lives by a moor," a vast open area of boggy land.
8. **Taylor:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who cuts cloth," a tailor.
9. **Anderson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Andrew," a name meaning "manly" or "strong."
10. **Thomas:** A given name that became a surname, meaning "twin."
11. **Jackson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Jack," a nickname for John.
12. **White:** A descriptive surname, referring to someone with fair hair or skin.
13. **Harris:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Harry," a nickname for Henry.
14. **Martin:** A given name that became a surname, meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars."
15. **Thompson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Thomas."
16. **Garcia:** A Spanish surname, meaning "little one" or "young one."
17. **Martinez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Martin."
18. **Robinson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robin," a nickname for Robert.
19. **Clark:** An occupational surname, meaning "scribe" or "secretary."
20. **Rodriguez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," a name meaning "famous power."
21. **Lewis:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Louis," a name meaning "famous warrior."
22. **Lee:** A surname of various origins, possibly from a place name meaning "meadow" or "clearing."
23. **Walker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who walks" or "travels."
24. **Hall:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who lives near a hall."
25. **Allen:** A surname of various origins, possibly from a place name meaning "rock" or "cliff."
26. **Young:** A descriptive surname, meaning "young" or "youthful."
27. **Hernandez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Hernando," a name meaning "brave warrior."
28. **King:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who rules."
29. **Wright:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who builds" or "craftsman."
30. **Lopez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "wolf."
31. **Hill:** A descriptive surname, meaning "one who lives on a hill."
32. **Scott:** A surname of various origins, possibly from a place name meaning "Scottish."
33. **Green:** A descriptive surname, meaning "one who lives in a green area."
34. **Adams:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Adam," the first man in the Bible.
35. **Baker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who bakes bread."
36. **Gonzalez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Gonzalo," a name meaning "warlike" or "fighting man."
37. **Nelson:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Neil," a name meaning "champion."
38. **Carter:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who transports goods."
39. **Mitchell:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Michael," a name meaning "who is like God?"
40. **Perez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Pedro," a name meaning "rock" or "stone."
41. **Roberts:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Robert."
42. **Turner:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who turns wood" or "a lathe operator."
43. **Phillips:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Philip," a name meaning "lover of horses."
44. **Campbell:** A Scottish surname, meaning "crooked mouth" or "bent."
45. **Parker:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who keeps a park."
46. **Evans:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Evan," a Welsh name meaning "young warrior."
47. **Edwards:** A patronymic surname, meaning "son of Edward," a name meaning "wealthy guardian."
48. **Collins:** An occupational surname, meaning "one who collects coal" or "charcoal burner."
49. **Stewart:** A Scottish surname, meaning "steward" or "manager."
50. **Sanchez:** A Spanish surname, meaning "son of Sancho," a name meaning "holy."