5 Most Common Last Names in America
Did you know that there are certain last names that are more common than others in America? While there are countless last names in the country, a few seem to pop up more often than others. If you’re curious to know which last names are the most common, keep reading. You might be surprised by some of the findings!
Smith
Smith is a surname originating in England. It is the most common surname in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. The meaning of the name is derived from the Old English word smiþ, meaning “one who works in metal,” likely referring to a blacksmith. Smith is also an occupational name for a person who makes wooden objects, known as a carpenter. In Gaelic Ireland, the name was Mac Gabhann, meaning “son of the blacksmith.”The use of Smith as a given name dates back to medieval times, and Smith remains a popular given name in modern times. There are many notable people with the surname Smith, including Admiral Sir William Smith (1769-1840), Canadian Prime Minister John Smith (1815-1876), Joseph Smith (1805-1844), founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and American president George Washington (1732-1799).
Today, countless Americans can trace their ancestry to someone with the last name Smith. It is truly a ubiquitous name.
Johnson
Johnson is a common surname in the United States, ranking as the second most common last name. The name Johnson is of English origin and derives from the given name John. John was a popular name in medieval England, and it is thought that the Johnson surname arose as a way to distinguish between different people with the same first name.
The popularity of the Johnson surname continued to grow in the United States, where it was further boosted by immigration. Today, an estimated 2.3 million people with the last name Johnson are in the United States. While it is a common name, it is also a very diverse one, with people of many different backgrounds and cultures sharing the same last name.
Whether you are looking for someone with the same last name for family history purposes or just trying to find a common bond with someone you meet, chances are you’ll find a Johnson somewhere down the line.
Williams
The last name Williams is of English origin. The name is derived from the given name William, which is itself derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm. The name Wilhelm was introduced to England by the Normans in the eleventh century. It was initially spelled Wilhelmus, but the spelling changed over time to reflect the way it was pronounced in England. Williams is the second most common surname in the United States, with an estimated 2.1 million people bearing the name. It is also a common surname in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In England, Williams is the fifth most common surname. The popularity of the last name Williams can be attributed to the fact that it is a relatively simple and straightforward name. Additionally, the given name William has been consistently popular for centuries. As a result, many people with the last name Williams are descended from a long line of Williamses.
Jones
The origin of the last name Jones is Welsh. The name comes from the given name John, which in turn is derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning “Yahweh is gracious.” This name was extremely popular throughout Christendom in the Middle Ages. In Wales, it became particularly common due to the popularity of Saint David (Dewi Sant), a 6th-century Welsh monk who is the patron saint of Wales who became associated with the name Jones due to the nautical term “Davey Jones’ Locker.” As a result of this association, the name John (and its variants) became quite popular among Welsh people. Over time, the last name Jones became one of the most common surnames in Wales and eventually spread to other parts of the world, including England and North America.
Today, Jones is one of the most common surnames in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it ranks as the 13th most common surname in the country.
Brown
Brown is one of the most common surnames in the United States, accounting for nearly 4% of the population. It is also one of the oldest surnames in America, having first been used in the early 1600s. There are a number of theories about the origin of the name Brown. One possibility is that it was originally a nickname given to someone with brown hair or brown skin. Another theory is that it was derived from a place name, such as a town called Brown in England.
Whatever its origins, the Brown surname has become firmly established in America over the centuries. And with so many people bearing this name, it’s no wonder that there are a wide variety of celebrities, politicians, and other notable figures with the last name Brown.
Murphy
The last name Murphy has Irish origins. The name comes from the Gaelic word “mac Murchadh,” which means “son of Murchadh.” Murchadh was a popular first name in Ireland during the Middle Ages, and it is thought that many people with this name took on the last name Murphy as a result. Today, Murphy is one of the most common last names in Ireland. However, it is also found throughout the English-speaking world, particularly in countries with large Irish populations, such as the United States and Australia. In addition to its Irish origins, the last name Murphy also has German and Swedish roots. In Germany, the name comes from the word “morchen,” which means “little fellow.” In Sweden, it is thought to be a variation of the word “mur,” which means “wall.” Whether Irish, German, or Swedish in origin, the last name Murphy is now found all over the world.
Conclusion
These are five of the most common surnames in America. With such a wide variety of origins, they reflect the melting pot nature of the United States. As the country continues to receive immigrants from all over the world, more diverse names will likely become even more common.