60 Most Common Last Names in the US and Beyond

The 60 Most Common Last Names: Origins, Meanings, and Fascinating Histories

Last names are more than simple identifiers — they are rich tapestries woven from history, culture, language, and tradition. Our surnames often reflect the occupations, family lines, or places of our ancestors. Some of the most common last name options have become incredibly widespread, passed down over centuries and across continents. In this post, we’ll explore 60 of the most common last names, where they come from, what they mean, and why they remain so familiar today.

Why Do Some Last Names Become So Common?

Throughout history, surnames developed for practical reasons. In growing communities, people needed ways to distinguish one John or Mary from another. Many surnames grew from:

• Occupations: like Smith or Baker

• Parentage: like Johnson ("son of John")

• Physical traits or descriptions: like Brown or Young

• Geography or location: like Hill or Rivera

As populations expanded, these surnames became deeply rooted and highly common in many countries. Let’s take a look at 60 of the most prevalent last names — many you may recognize from your own family tree, neighborhood, or even television!

🔎 How to Research Your Last Name: 5 Simple Steps

If reading through these common last names has sparked curiosity about your own surname, you're not alone! Tracing your last name’s history can be one of the most exciting parts of family research. Here’s how to get started:

1️⃣ Start With Your Own Family

Talk to older relatives, gather birth, marriage, and death certificates, and collect family stories. Often, you’ll discover where your family lived, name changes, or spelling variations.

2️⃣ Use Online Genealogy Databases

Websites like Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage offer vast collections of historical records, us census bureau data, immigration documents, and more. I loved doing census bureau study and tracking my family back to ancestral names.

3️⃣ Explore National and Regional Archives

Many countries have national archives that hold immigration, military, church, or land records that mention your surname.

4️⃣ Check Surname Dictionaries

Books and online resources like the Dictionary of American Family Names explain surname meanings and historical origins.

5️⃣ Consider DNA Testing

Genetic testing companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA can trace your ancestral regions and sometimes match your surname's likely origins.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to search for spelling variations — names were often recorded phonetically in earlier times!

🌍 The Most Common Last Names by Country

Here’s a quick look at some of the most common surnames in major countries:

CountryMost Common SurnameMeaningUnited StatesSmithBlacksmithUnited KingdomSmithBlacksmithCanadaTremblay (French Canada), Smith (English Canada)Trembling aspen (tree); BlacksmithMexicoHernándezSon of HernandoSpainGarcíaPossibly "young warrior" or "bear"GermanyMüllerMillerChinaWangKing or monarchVietnamNguyễnDerived from royal dynastiesIndiaDevi (women), Kumar (men)Goddess; PrinceRussiaIvanovSon of IvanFranceMartinOf Mars, warlikeIrelandMurphySea warrior

This chart shows just how much culture, language, and migration patterns shape family names around the world.

60 Most Common Last Names: With Meanings and Origins

1. Smith

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Occupational name for a metalworker or blacksmith.  This is one of the most widespread surnames in the world.  

• History: Dating back to medieval England, smiths were crucial tradespeople in every village.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.

2. Johnson

• Origin: English, Scottish

• Meaning: “Son of John.” Originated to note the father's name.

• History: Patronymic surnames like Johnson arose as Christianity made biblical names like John popular.

• Most Popular Last Name In: USA, England, Scotland.

3. Williams

• Origin: English, Welsh

• Meaning: “Son of William.”

• History: William gained popularity after William the Conqueror's rule in 1066.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Wales, Australia.

4. Brown

• Origin: English, Scottish, German

• Meaning: Descriptive for hair color, complexion, or clothing.

• History: Many surnames in medieval times referenced physical characteristics.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia, Canada.

5. Jones

• Origin: Welsh

• Meaning: “Son of John.”

• History: Extremely common in Wales due to the patronymic system.

• Most Popular In: Wales, USA, UK.

6. Garcia

• Origin: Spanish, Basque

• Meaning: Likely means "young warrior" or "bear."

• History: One of the oldest Iberian surnames, dating to medieval Spain.

• Most Popular In: Spain, Mexico, USA.

7. Miller

• Origin: English, German

• Meaning: Occupational name for one who operated a mill.

• History: Milling was vital to agricultural societies.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Germany, Australia.

8. Davis

• Origin: Welsh, English

• Meaning: “Son of David.”

• History: Reflects biblical influence; David was King of Israel.

• Most Popular In: USA, Wales, UK.

9. Rodriguez

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Son of Rodrigo.”

• History: From the Visigothic name Roderick meaning "famous ruler."

• Most Popular In: Mexico, Spain, USA.

10. Martinez

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Son of Martin.”

• History: Rooted in the Latin Martinus (of Mars, the god of war).

• Most Popular In: Mexico, Spain, USA.

11. Hernandez

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Son of Hernando/Fernando” meaning "brave traveler."

• History: The name expanded across Spanish colonies.

• Most Popular In: Mexico, USA, Spain.

12. Lopez

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Son of Lope” (wolf).

• History: Lope derives from Latin lupus, meaning wolf.

• Most Popular In: Mexico, Spain, USA.

13. Gonzalez

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Son of Gonzalo” (battle, war).

• History: Popular among early Spanish nobility.

• Most Popular In: Spain, Mexico, USA.

14. Wilson

• Origin: English, Scottish

• Meaning: “Son of William.”

• History: Common across England and the Scottish Borders.

• Most Popular In: UK, USA, Australia.

15. Anderson

• Origin: Scottish, Scandinavian

• Meaning: “Son of Andrew.”

• History: Found throughout Scotland, Norway, and Sweden.

• Most Popular In: USA, Scotland, Sweden.

16. Thomas

• Origin: Aramaic, Greek

• Meaning: “Twin.”

• History: Biblical name of the Apostle Thomas.

• Most Popular In: UK, USA, France.

17. Taylor

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Occupational name for a tailor.

• History: Derived from Latin taliare (to cut).

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Canada.

18. Moore

• Origin: English, Irish

• Meaning: Topographic (“moor”) or Irish Ó Mórdha (“great”).

• History: Appears both in England and among Irish clans.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Ireland.

19. Jackson

• Origin: English

• Meaning: “Son of Jack” (form of John).

• History: Widely used across Anglo-Saxon countries.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

20. Martin

• Origin: Latin

• Meaning: “Of Mars, warlike.”

• History: One of the oldest Christian names; St. Martin was a popular saint.

• Most Popular In: France, Spain, USA.

21. Lee

• Origin: English, Chinese

• Meaning: English: “meadow;” Chinese (Li): “plum tree.”

• History: One of the most common Chinese surnames worldwide.

• Most Popular In: China, USA, Korea (as Yi/Lee), UK.

22. Perez

• Origin: Spanish, Hebrew

• Meaning: “Son of Pedro” (Peter) or Hebrew for “breach.”

• History: Found in both Hispanic and Sephardic Jewish lineages.

• Most Popular In: Mexico, Spain, USA.

23. Thompson

• Origin: English, Scottish

• Meaning: “Son of Thomas.”

• History: Common among Scottish borders and Northern England.

• Most Popular In: UK, USA, Australia.

24. White

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Descriptive of hair color or complexion.

• History: Often used for people with pale skin or hair.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Canada.

25. Harris

• Origin: English

• Meaning: “Son of Harry” (Henry).

• History: Henry was a royal name, making Harris widespread.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

26. Sanchez

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Son of Sancho.”

• History: Sancho was a popular medieval name.

• Most Popular In: Spain, Mexico, USA.

27. Clark

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Clerk or scholar.

• History: Derived from Latin clericus for "scribe or priest."

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

28. Ramirez

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Son of Ramiro” (“wise protector”).

• History: Common throughout medieval Spain.

• Most Popular In: Mexico, Spain, USA.

29. Lewis

• Origin: English, Welsh, French

• Meaning: Derived from Louis (“famous warrior”).

• History: Popularized via French royal families.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Wales.

30. Robinson

• Origin: English

• Meaning: “Son of Robin” (from Robert).

• History: Became more common during the Middle Ages.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Canada.

31. Walker

• Origin: English, Scottish

• Meaning: Occupational, referring to fulling cloth.

• History: Vital in medieval textile industries.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

32. Young

• Origin: English, Scottish

• Meaning: “The younger” — often to distinguish from father.

• History: One of many descriptive surnames.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

33. Allen

• Origin: Celtic

• Meaning: “Handsome” or “cheerful.”

• History: Early forms seen in Ireland, Scotland, Brittany.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Ireland.

34. King

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Either regal or occupational (servant to a king).

• History: Used both ironically and descriptively.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

35. Wright

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Occupational craftsman (e.g., shipwright).

• History: Common for skilled laborers.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

36. Scott

• Origin: Scottish

• Meaning: Referring to someone from Scotland.

• History: One of the earliest Scottish surnames.

• Most Popular In: Scotland, USA, UK.

37. Torres

• Origin: Spanish, Portuguese

• Meaning: “Towers.”

• History: Often referred to someone living near towers.

• Most Popular In: Spain, Mexico, USA.

38. Nguyen

• Origin: Vietnamese

• Meaning: Linked to royal Vietnamese dynasties.

• History: Over 40% of Vietnam’s population shares this Vietnamese surname.

• Most Popular In: Vietnam, USA, Australia.

39. Hill

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Topographical name for someone living near a hill.

• History: Common in rural medieval England.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

40. Flores

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Flowers.”

• History: May reference a location or beauty.

• Most Popular In: Mexico, USA, Spain.

41. Green

• Origin: English

• Meaning: “Village green” or someone who lived near one.

• History: Often indicated residence near grassy areas.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Canada.

42. Adams

• Origin: English, Scottish

• Meaning: “Son of Adam.”

• History: Adam as the biblical first man made this popular.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Canada.

43. Nelson

• Origin: English

• Meaning: “Son of Neil.”

• History: Neil derives from Irish Niall meaning “champion.”

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Canada.

44. Baker

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Occupational baker of bread.

• History: One of the oldest trades.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

45. Hall

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Lived or worked in a manor hall.

• History: Common for estate workers or lords.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

46. Rivera

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Riverbank.”

• History: Topographical surname in Spain and Latin America.

• Most Popular In: Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico.

47. Campbell

• Origin: Scottish

• Meaning: “Crooked mouth” (cam beul).

• History: Clan Campbell was powerful in Scotland.

• Most Popular In: Scotland, USA, Canada.

48. Mitchell

• Origin: English, Scottish

• Meaning: From Michael — “Who is like God?”

• History: Religious and saintly associations.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

49. Carter

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Occupational — cart driver.

• History: Early transportation occupation.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Canada.

50. Roberts

• Origin: English, Welsh

• Meaning: “Son of Robert” — “bright fame.”

• History: Robert was a common royal name.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Wales.

51. Gomez

• Origin: Spanish

• Meaning: “Son of Gome” (man or pathfinder).

• History: Ancient Visigothic roots.

• Most Popular In: Mexico, Spain, USA.

52. Phillips

• Origin: English, Welsh

• Meaning: “Son of Philip” (“lover of horses”).

• History: Popular in Wales and among early Christians.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

53. Evans

• Origin: Welsh

• Meaning: “Son of Evan” (John).

• History: Deep roots in Welsh naming traditions.

• Most Popular In: Wales, USA, UK.

54. Turner

• Origin: English, Scottish

• Meaning: Woodworker or lathe worker.

• History: Common medieval trade.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

55. Parker

• Origin: English

• Meaning: Keeper of a park or estate.

• History: Originated from medieval hunting estates.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

56. Collins

• Origin: Irish, English

• Meaning: Irish: “young warrior.”

• History: Popular Irish clan name.

• Most Popular In: USA, Ireland, UK.

57. Edwards

• Origin: English, Welsh

• Meaning: “Son of Edward” (“wealthy guardian”).

• History: Royal English name.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

58. Stewart

• Origin: Scottish

• Meaning: Steward or estate manager.

• History: Royal dynasty of Scotland.

• Most Popular In: Scotland, USA, Canada.

59. Morris

• Origin: English, Welsh

• Meaning: “Dark-skinned” or “Moorish.”

• History: From the personal name Maurice.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Wales.

60. Rogers

• English origin

• Meaning: “Son of Roger” (“famous spear”).

• History: Popularized by Norman knights.

• Most Popular In: USA, UK, Australia.

In the realm of baby-naming, parents are increasingly drawn to unique and meaningful great first names that stand out. Whether you are honoring family tree heritage or just searching for the perfect baby name for a first or middle name, these cool last names and options are going to give you fabulous surname baby names. 

Great Surnames for Boys that Make Great First Name Options

This intriguing shift of using surname names as traditional first names trend is gaining popularity for baby boys. 

Using traditional last names as the perfect name not only adds a contemporary flair but also pays homage to familial roots and legacies. Let's delve into some of the top baby boy names derived from surnames that are making waves in the world of baby naming in recent years. Whether you want to honor your family ties or use a maiden name or just love interesting surnames as a fun name, this blog post has great unique to most popular surname turned first name options from different countries!

Across the globe, there are countless places with names that evoke a sense of beauty, history, and culture. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, each location tells a unique story that can serve as a beautiful namesake for your little one. In this exploration, we'll journey through some of these real places, discovering enchanting place name options for baby girls that reflect the diversity and richness of our planet.  Check out this following list of place surname options for baby boys as well.

The Stories Behind Our Surnames

Behind every last name is a story — sometimes it's about an ancient trade, a far-off homeland, or a proud family lineage. Many of these names became common simply because the first names or occupations they stemmed from were so widespread. Today, millions of people carry these surnames as part of their personal and family identity, keeping centuries of history alive.

Whether you're tracing your ancestry, researching genealogy, or just curious about the names around you, understanding last names offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who came before us.