When it comes to naming, last names often take a backseat to first names. Expectant parents may spend countless hours perfecting the ideal first and middle names for their children. Yet, the last name? That typically goes unexamined. Historically, however, surnames held considerable significance. For instance, think about the numerous English monarchs named Henry; invoke the name Tudor, and a specific dynasty and era come to mind.
In the United States, we have prominent families like the Smiths or the Johnsons, each carrying a legacy of influence and hardship. What does your surname convey about you? A last name beginning with “O’” instantly suggests Irish roots, while endings like -ez or -stein might lead others to speculate about your linguistic background, culinary preferences, or religious beliefs. For many, the journey of their last name is filled with anecdotes of misspellings and mispronunciations. However, whether you identify as a Gomez, a Hatfield, an Iverson, or a Jones, there’s often a sense of pride in the story that accompanies your surname.
Curious if your last name ranks among the most popular in America? Here are the top 100 last names:
- Smith
- Johnson
- Williams
- Brown
- Jones
- Garcia
- Miller
- Davis
- Rodriguez
- Martinez
- Hernandez
- Lopez
- Gonzales
- Wilson
- Anderson
- Thomas
- Taylor
- Moore
- Jackson
- Martin
- Lee
- Perez
- Thompson
- White
- Harris
- Sanchez
- Clark
- Ramirez
- Lewis
- Robinson
- Walker
- Young
- Allen
- King
- Wright
- Scott
- Torres
- Nguyen
- Hill
- Flores
- Green
- Adams
- Nelson
- Baker
- Hall
- Rivera
- Campbell
- Mitchell
- Carter
- Roberts
- Gomez
- Phillips
- Evans
- Turner
- Diaz
- Parker
- Cruz
- Edwards
- Collins
- Reyes
- Stewart
- Morris
- Morales
- Murphy
- Cook
- Rogers
- Gutierrez
- Ortiz
- Morgan
- Cooper
- Peterson
- Bailey
- Reed
- Kelly
- Howard
- Ramos
- Kim
- Cox
- Ward
- Richardson
- Watson
- Brooks
- Chavez
- Wood
- James
- Bennet
- Gray
- Mendoza
- Ruiz
- Hughes
- Price
- Alvarez
- Castillo
- Sanders
- Patel
- Myers
- Long
- Ross
- Foster
- Jimenez
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In summary, while last names may not receive as much thought as first names, they carry rich histories and meanings that reflect cultural backgrounds and familial legacies. Whether your surname ranks among the most common or is unique to your family, it tells a story worth exploring.