101 Most Common Last Names

101 Most Common Last Names Around the Globe

What makes a name “common”? It’s not just about how many people have it. It’s about how often you hear it, see it on mailboxes, or run into it during roll call. The most common last names rise from history, migration, and shared professions. They’re often inherited across generations without much change.

31 Most Common Last Names In America

Common last names means they are numerically dominant.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the top 100 last names account for over 16% of the population. That’s more than 50 million Americans with names like Smith, Johnson, or Williams.
Here are the 31 most common U.S. surnames, with meanings:

  1. Smith – English; occupational for blacksmith. Still the heavyweight champ in surname stats.
  2. Johnson – “Son of John.” Scandinavian and English roots.
  3. Williams – Patronymic of William. Common in English, Welsh, and African-American families.
  4. Brown – Possibly hair color or complexion.
  5. Jones – Welsh; another “son of John.”
  6. Garcia – Spanish; likely from the Basque word for “young” or “bear.”
  7. Miller – Occupational; someone who worked a grain mill.
  8. Davis – “Son of David.” Found across Anglo and Black American heritage lines.
  9. Rodriguez – Spanish; “Son of Rodrigo.”
  10. Martinez – Spanish; “Son of Martin.”
  11. Hernandez – Spanish; “Son of Hernando.”
  12. Lopez – Spanish; “Son of Lope,” meaning wolf.
  13. Gonzalez – Spanish; “Son of Gonzalo.”
  14. Wilson – “Son of Will.” A name with Scottish and English lineage.
  15. Anderson – Scandinavian/Scottish; “Son of Anders.”
  16. Thomas – Aramaic origin; “twin.” Popularized by the apostle.
  17. Taylor – Tailor. English occupational surname.
  18. Moore – Possibly from “moor,” a landscape term, or “Maur,” meaning dark-skinned.
  19. Jackson – “Son of Jack.” Popularized in both White and Black communities.
  20. Martin – Latin origin; tied to Mars, the god of war.
  21. Lee – English origin (from “lea” or meadow) and also common among Asian Americans.
  22. Perez – Spanish and Jewish; “Son of Pedro.”
  23. Thompson – “Son of Thomas.”
  24. White – Could reference skin tone, hair, or pure intentions.
  25. Harris – “Son of Harry.” English patronymic.
  26. Sanchez – Spanish; “Son of Sancho.”
  27. Clark – Latin for scribe or cleric.
  28. Ramirez – Spanish; “Son of Ramiro.”
  29. Lewis – English and Welsh; from Lodovicus.
  30. Robinson – “Son of Robin.” English origin.
  31. Walker – English; from someone who walked on wool to thicken it.

27 Most Common British & English Last Names

Many common last names—like Taylor (tailor), Clark (scribe), or Brown (based on hair or skin tone) began as simple descriptors.  In Britain, the most common British last names have deep ties to medieval life and nobility. 

Here are 27 common English surnames, along with their etymology:

  1. Smith – From blacksmith, the most widespread trade-based surname in the English-speaking world.
  2. Jones – Welsh origin; “son of John.” Still dominant in Wales.
  3. Taylor – From the tailor profession.
  4. Brown – Possibly linked to hair color, skin tone, or clothing style.
  5. Williams – Patronymic of William. Especially common in Wales.
  6. Wilson – “Son of Will.” A border-region surname between England and Scotland.
  7. Davies – Welsh; “Son of David.” Still widely used in South Wales.
  8. Evans – From “Ifan,” the Welsh form of John.
  9. Thomas – Given name turned surname. From the Hebrew word for “twin.”
  10. Robinson – “Son of Robin.” A northern English favorite.
  11. Wright – From “wryhta,” Old English for craftsman.
  12. Walker – One who “walked” or pressed cloth.
  13. Green – Possibly denoting someone who lived near the village green.
  14. Hall – Originating from someone who worked or lived in a hall.
  15. Clark – From the Latin “clericus,” or cleric.
  16. Turner – Woodturner or metalworker.
  17. Hill – Topographical, for those living on or near a hill.
  18. Ward – From “weard,” meaning guard or watchman.
  19. Carter – One who transported goods by cart.
  20. Parker – Keeper of a park or game reserve.
  21. Cook – The family cook or chef.
  22. Bell – Could derive from a bell-ringer or bell-founder.
  23. Morris – From Maurice, a given name meaning “dark-skinned” or “moorish.”
  24. Bennett – From the Latin “Benedictus,” meaning blessed.
  25. King – Nickname or title for someone with a regal bearing or acting role.
  26. Cooper – Barrel maker.
  27. Bailey – From “bailiff,” a manorial officer.

23 Common Japanese Last Names Helpful to Know

Japanese last names are deeply poetic. They’re often tied to nature, landscapes, or ancient professions.. These common Japanese last names reflect where someone’s ancestors lived, worked, or worshipped.

Here are 23 of the most common Japanese surnames , out of my huge collection, along with their meanings and kanji:

  1. Sato (佐藤) – “Assistant” + “wisteria.” A nod to samurai clans.
  2. Suzuki (鈴木) – “Bell wood.” Often linked to Shinto shrines.
  3. Takahashi (高橋) – “Tall bridge.” From geographic features.
  4. Tanaka (田中) – “Central rice field.” A common agrarian name.
  5. Watanabe (渡辺) – “To cross” + “edge.” Originally boatmen or ferry keepers.
  6. Ito (伊藤) – “That wisteria.” Regional variation of Fujiwara clan names.
  7. Yamamoto (山本) – “Base of the mountain.” Rural and topographical.
  8. Nakamura (中村) – “Central village.” Indicates prominence in local areas.
  9. Kobayashi (小林) – “Small forest.” Evokes peaceful, wooded areas.
  10. Kato (加藤) – “Increase” + “wisteria.” Noble Fujiwara lineage.
  11. Yoshida (吉田) – “Lucky rice field.” Optimistic and agrarian.
  12. Yamada (山田) – “Mountain rice field.” Very common among farmers.
  13. Sasaki (佐々木) – Likely “assistant tree” or from clan roots.
  14. Yamaguchi (山口) – “Mountain entrance.” Border villages or passes.
  15. Matsumoto (松本) – “Base of the pine.” Elegant and historical.
  16. Inoue (井上) – “Above the well.” Indicates access to fresh water.
  17. Shimizu (清水) – “Pure water.” Found near springs or rivers.
  18. Hayashi (林) – “Forest.” A shorter form of Kobayashi.
  19. Ishikawa (石川) – “Stone river.” From rocky streams or riverside regions.
  20. Ogawa (小川) – “Small river.” Nature-infused, like many rural names.
  21. Fujimoto (藤本) – “Root of the wisteria.” Clan-based heritage.
  22. Okada (岡田) – “Hill rice field.” Combines topography and farming.
  23. Kaneko (金子) – “Child of gold.” Sometimes associated with metalworkers.

21 Most Common Chinese Last Names Worldwide

Chinese surnames are among the oldest in the world. Even some of them trace back over 3,000 years. Unlike in the West, family names come first in Chinese culture for showing how identity begins with ancestry. These common Chinese last names are shared by millions, often with deep mythological or dynastic roots.

Here are 21 of the most common Chinese surnames and what they mean:

  1. Wang (王) – “King.” One of the most widespread surnames globally, with over 90 million bearers in China alone.
  2. Li (李) – “Plum.” A poetic and ancient name tied to the Tang dynasty.
  3. Zhang (张) – “To stretch” or “to expand.” Symbolic of reach or influence.
  4. Liu (刘) – “To kill” or “axe.” Often linked to military families and emperors.
  5. Chen (陈) – “To exhibit.” Traces back to the state of Chen in ancient China.
  6. Yang (杨) – “Poplar tree.” A peaceful, nature-inspired name.
  7. Huang (黄) – “Yellow.” The royal color of China’s emperors.
  8. Zhao (赵) – The first name listed in the Hundred Family Surnames poem.
  9. Wu (吴) – From the ancient kingdom of Wu. Means “military.”
  10. Zhou (周) – “Week” or “cycle.” Associated with the Zhou dynasty.
  11. Xu (徐) – “Slow” or “calm.” A graceful-sounding surname.
  12. Sun (孙) – “Descendant.” A common name in both China and diaspora.
  13. Ma (马) – “Horse.” Strong and fast—used often by northern clans.
  14. Zhu (朱) – “Vermilion.” A rich red tone symbolizing nobility.
  15. Hu (胡) – “Barbarian” or foreigner. Linked to northern tribes.
  16. Guo (郭) – “Outer city wall.” Often used for defense officials.
  17. He (何) – “What” or “why.” Gentle tone, despite its literal meaning.
  18. Gao (高) – “Tall” or “high.” Associated with social standing.
  19. Lin (林) – “Forest.” One of the most common nature-based names.
  20. Luo (罗) – “Net” or “to catch.” Often associated with strategy.
  21. Deng (邓) – From the ancient state of Deng. Politically notable, thanks to Deng Xiaoping.

19 Common German & Jewish Last Names You’ll Hear Often

German and Jewish surnames often overlap, but their roots tell very different stories. German names tend to stem from jobs or locations.  While Jewish last names were often adopted by force during the 18th–19th centuries. Together, these common German and Jewish last names echo a complex blend of identity, and tradition.

Here are 19 surnames you’ll hear often:

 Common German Last Names:

  1. Müller – “Miller.” Germany’s most common occupational surname.
  2. Schmidt – “Smith.” From blacksmiths and metalworkers.
  3. Schneider – “Tailor.” Still a household name.
  4. Fischer – “Fisher.” Often seen in coastal or river-based towns.
  5. Weber – “Weaver.” Rooted in medieval textile trade.
  6. Meyer – “Steward” or “bailiff.” Variants include Meier or Maier.
  7. Wagner – “Wagon-maker” or cartwright.
  8. Becker – “Baker.” Still popular in both Germany and the U.S.
  9. Hoffmann – “Farm manager” or steward.
  10. Schulz – “Village headman” or local leader.

 Common Jewish Last Names:

  1. Cohen – Hebrew for “priest.” A biblical surname, still revered.
  2. Levy – From the Levites, the priestly class.
  3. Goldstein – “Gold stone.” An ornamental name tied to wealth and resilience.
  4. Katz – Acronym for Kohen Tzedek or “righteous priest.”
  5. Rosenberg – “Mountain of roses.” A poetic Ashkenazi name.
  6. Weiss – “White.” A name adopted in German-speaking lands.
  7. Frankel – From Franconia, a region in Bavaria.
  8. Greenberg – “Green mountain.” Nature-based surname.
  9. Horowitz – Originating from the town of Hořovice in Bohemia.

17 Common Italian Last Names (and What They Mean)

Italian last names roll off the tongue like a melody and they’re loaded with meaning. These common Italian last names , from Sicily to Milan, speak of color, status, and survival.

Here are 17 of the most common Italian surnames, along with their origins:

  1. Rossi – “Red.” Likely referred to red hair or a ruddy complexion.
  2. Russo – Southern variant of Rossi. Still means “red” in dialect.
  3. Ferrari – From ferraro, meaning blacksmith. A powerful, industrial name.
  4. Esposito – “Exposed.” Historically given to orphaned or abandoned children.
  5. Bianchi – “White.” May describe fair skin or noble purity.
  6. Romano – “From Rome.” A proud city-based identity.
  7. Greco – “Greek.” Common in the south where Hellenic culture spread.
  8. Lombardi – “From Lombardy,” a northern region.
  9. Moretti – Diminutive of “Moro,” meaning dark or Moorish.
  10. Gallo – “Rooster.” Could also be symbolic of pride or heraldry.
  11. Conti – “Count.” A noble title-turned surname.
  12. Ricci – “Curly-haired.” A descriptive family name.
  13. Marino – “Of the sea.” Perfect for coastal families or sailors.
  14. Fontana – “Fountain.” Topographical, from living near springs or wells.
  15. Rinaldi – From the Germanic name Raginwald. Means “wise ruler.”
  16. De Luca – “Of Luke.” A patronymic.
  17. Vitale – “Life.” A hopeful, energetic surname.

15 Most Common French Last Names to Recognize Fast

French last names carry elegance and simplicity.  The most common French last names with soft consonants and vowel endings, have a hint of old-world charm.

Here are 15 of the most common French surnames and what they mean:

  1. Martin – Derived from the Latin Martinus, tied to Mars, the god of war. It’s France’s version of “Smith.”
  2. Bernard – From Germanic roots, meaning “brave as a bear.”
  3. Dubois – “From the woods.” A rustic, topographical surname.
  4. Thomas – Biblical, meaning “twin.” Popularized during Christian expansion.
  5. Robert – From Hrodebert, meaning “bright fame.”
  6. Petit – “Small” or “little.” A nickname turned surname.
  7. Richard – “Strong ruler.” Still common in northern France.
  8. Durand – “Enduring” or “steadfast.” A name of loyalty.
  9. Moreau – “Moorish” or dark-skinned. Rooted in medieval descriptors.
  10. Laurent – From Laurentius, or “crowned with laurel.”
  11. Simon – Hebrew origin; “to listen.” Brought through Christian influence.
  12. Michel – “Who is like God?” A powerful biblical name.
  13. Lefebvre – “The blacksmith.” The French version of Smith.
  14. Leclerc – “The clerk.” A scholarly or scribe-based name.
  15. Garcia – Though Spanish in origin, widely adopted in France due to immigration.

14 Common Indian Last Names Across Cultures

Indian surnames are layered like a thali plate. They represent language, caste, religion, and region. The common Indian last names hint at what they do, what they believe, and sometimes even what they eat. With 1.4 billion people, India’s diversity is baked right into its naming system.

Here are 14 widely recognized Indian surnames, and what they represent:

  1. Patel – Common in Gujarat; means “village chief” or landowner.
  2. Singh – Means “lion.” Widely used by Sikhs and Rajputs.
  3. Sharma – A Brahmin surname; associated with religious scholars.
  4. Gupta – “Protector” in Sanskrit. Often tied to merchants or officials.
  5. Kumar – Literally means “boy” or “prince.” Pan-Indian use.
  6. Reddy – Dominant in Andhra Pradesh; once a warrior caste.
  7. Nair – From Kerala; historically linked to nobility and martial roles.
  8. Desai – Gujarati and Maharashtrian origin; historically village heads.
  9. Joshi – Brahmin origin; astrologers or priests.
  10. Iyer – Tamil Brahmin community; known for their spiritual lineage.
  11. Mehta – Business-related surname; from “Mehta” meaning accountant.
  12. Chowdhury – Bengali and northern India; landowners or chiefs.
  13. Verma – “Shield” or protector; common in northern India.
  14. Rao – Honorific used across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

11 Common Korean Last Names with Strong Cultural Roots

Korean last names are short, but packed with history. Many are only one syllable long, yet each name branches into dozens of clans, or bon-gwan. The most common Korean last names hint at which village your ancestors came from, and even which dynasty you trace back to. You can get the comprehensive Korean Names suggestions. Here are 11 of the most prevalent Korean surnames, with their cultural roots:

  1. Kim (김) – “Gold.” The most dominant surname in Korea, worn by over 20% of the population. Clans like Gimhae Kim and Gyeongju Kim date back over 2,000 years.
  2. Lee (이 or 리) – Sometimes Romanized as Yi or Rhee, meaning “plum tree.” Has royal roots and multiple powerful lineages.
  3. Park (박) – Meaning “gourd.” Originates from the Silla dynasty; a regal name with 2,000+ years of history.
  4. Choi (최) – Means “high” or “best.” Tied to the Gyeongju region.
  5. Jung (정) – Can also be spelled Jeong; means “righteous” or “clean.”
  6. Kang (강) – Means “strong” or “river.” Common in western Korea.
  7. Cho (조) – Also seen as Jo. Means “early” or “beginning.”
  8. Yoon (윤) – A name of scholarly prestige. Means “allow” or “consent.”
  9. Lim (임 or 림) – Means “forest.” Some versions stem from royal guards.
  10. Shin (신) – Means “trust” or “faith.” A noble surname with philosophical depth.
  11. Han (한) – Can mean “great” or refer to the Han River. Deeply national in tone.

13 Common Mexican & Latino Last Names in the U.S.

Latino surnames in the U.S., especially common Mexican last names, reflect deep family roots. They also depict strong Catholic traditions, and a mix of Spanish, Indigenous, and colonial influences. Many trace back to ancient Iberian names. 

Here are 13 of the most common Hispanic last names in the United States, along with their meanings:

  1. Garcia – Possibly from the Basque word for “young” or “bear.” One of the most widespread surnames across Latin America.
  2. Martinez – “Son of Martin.” Martin comes from Mars, the Roman god of war.
  3. Hernandez – “Son of Hernando.” The name itself means “brave traveler.”
  4. Lopez – “Son of Lope,” which means wolf. Strong and ancient.
  5. Gonzalez – “Son of Gonzalo,” meaning battle or war.
  6. Perez – “Son of Pedro.” Also found in Sephardic Jewish communities.
  7. Sanchez – “Son of Sancho,” meaning sacred or saintly.
  8. Ramirez – “Son of Ramiro.” Ramiro means “famous advice.”
  9. Torres – “Towers.” Possibly denoting someone who lived near a watchtower.
  10. Flores – “Flowers.” A romantic name that often signals beauty or nature.
  11. Rivera – “Riverbank” or “by the river.” Topographic origin.
  12. Castro – “Castle” or “fortress.” Found widely in Spain and Latin America.
  13. Morales – “Mulberry trees.” A peaceful, nature-rooted surname.

 Common Hispanic & Latino Last Names Beyond Mexico

Not all common Hispanic last names come from Mexico. From Argentina to Puerto Rico, the Spanish-speaking world shares a web of surnames. These surnames are  rooted in conquest, Catholicism, and centuries of migration.

Here are some prominent Spanish and Latino surnames that appear throughout Latin America:

  1. Lopez – “Son of Lope.” Found widely from Spain to Chile.
  2. Alvarez – “Son of Alvaro,” meaning “guardian” or “truth-speaker.”
  3. Cruz – “Cross.” A direct reference to Christianity.
  4. Castillo – “Castle.” May reference towns with fortified walls.
  5. Delgado – “Thin” or “slender.” A physical descriptor turned surname.
  6. Mendoza – From a Basque town meaning “cold mountain.”
  7. Ortiz – “Son of Orti,” an old Visigothic name.
  8. Silva – “Forest” or “woodland.” More common in Portuguese-speaking Brazil, but used in Latin America too.
  9. Rojas – “Red.” May describe hair color or complexion.
  10. Vargas – Possibly from a village name; means “steep hill” in Old Spanish.
  11. Iglesias – “Churches.” Likely given to someone who lived near or worked in churches.
  12. Reyes – “Kings.” A religious title referring to the three wise men.
  13. Cabrera – “Place of goats.” From the Latin capraria.
  14. Moreno – “Dark-skinned” or “brunette.” A descriptive surname.
  15. Paredes – “Walls.” Possibly referring to fortified structures or urban areas.

🇮🇪 12 Most Common Irish & Scottish Last Names

Many of the most common Irish last names begin with O’ or Mac, meaning “descendant of” or “son of,” while Scottish last names often trace to Highland clans and Gaelic phrases.

Here are 12 iconic surnames from the Celtic Isles and what they mean:

  1. Murphy – Ireland’s most common surname. From Ó Murchadha, meaning “descendant of sea warrior.”
  2. O’Brien – From Ó Briain, “descendant of Brian Boru,” Ireland’s legendary high king.
  3. Kelly – From Ó Ceallaigh, meaning “descendant of Ceallach” (bright-headed or war).
  4. Walsh – Literally “Welshman.” Given to Britons who migrated to Ireland.
  5. Ryan – From Ó Riain, meaning “little king.”
  6. O’Sullivan – “Descendant of Súilleabhán.” Often linked to Munster region clans.
  7. Doyle – From Ó Dubhghaill, meaning “dark foreigner.” Likely Norse origins.
  8. Gallagher – “Descendant of Gallchobhar,” meaning “foreign helper.”
  9. Campbell – Scottish; from Caimbeul, meaning “crooked mouth.” A proud Highland name.
  10. MacDonald – “Son of Donald.” One of Scotland’s oldest clans.
  11. McCarthy – Irish origin; means “loving” or “compassionate.”
  12. Kennedy – From Ó Cinnéidigh, meaning “helmeted head” or “ugly head” (depending on the translator!).

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Common Polish, Russian & Eastern European Surnames

In Polish and Russian last names, you’ll find hints of profession, origin, and even family virtue. They often change by gender (Kowalski vs. Kowalska, Ivanov vs. Ivanova), and many trace back to feudal times when names were granted based on your job or land.

Here are some of the most common Polish, Russian, and Eastern European surnames—with their meanings:

Common Polish Last Names:

  1. Nowak – Poland’s “Smith.” It means “newcomer” or “new man.”
  2. Kowalski – From kowal, meaning “blacksmith.”
  3. Wiśniewski – “From the cherry orchard.” Topographic surname.
  4. Wójcik – Diminutive of wojt, a medieval leader or village chief.
  5. Kaminski – “From the stone” or someone who lived near rocks.
  6. Zielinski – “Green” or someone from a lush area.
  7. Lewandowski – Derived from the herb lavender (lawenda).
  8. Kaczmarek – “Innkeeper.” From karczma, meaning tavern.
  9. Duda – “Bagpipe player.” A musical surname still popular today.
  10. Mazur – “From Mazovia,” a central Polish region.

🇷🇺 Common Russian Last Names:

  1. Ivanov – “Son of Ivan” (John). Russia’s version of Johnson.
  2. Petrov – “Son of Pyotr” (Peter). Strong biblical ties.
  3. Smirnov – “Quiet” or “peaceful.” Ironically one of the most common.
  4. Volkov – “Wolf.” A proud and fierce family name.
  5. Sokolov – “Falcon.” Symbol of nobility and sharp vision.
  6. Mikhailov – “Son of Mikhail” (Michael). Common across Eastern Europe.
  7. Fedorov – “Son of Fyodor.” Rooted in Orthodox traditions.
  8. Kuznetsov – “Blacksmith.” Like Kowalski in Poland.
  9. Popov – “Priest’s son.” A name with strong Orthodox links.
  10. Nikolaev – “Son of Nikolai.” Tied to saints and leaders.

Common Last Names in Canada & Australia

Canada and Australia share more than just Commonwealth roots. They also share a surprising number of common last names. Influenced by British colonization, immigration waves, and multicultural growth, both countries have surnames that reflect Anglo heritage.

Here are some top common Canadian and Australian last names.

Common Canadian Last Names:

  1. Smith – The eternal #1; rooted in British blacksmithing tradition.
  2. Brown – Likely a descriptor surname from hair or complexion.
  3. Martin – From Latin Martinus, often adopted by French Canadians.
  4. Tremblay – A distinctly French-Canadian surname, tied to Quebec roots.
  5. Roy – From roi, meaning “king.” A proud Quebecois name.
  6. Gagnon – Means “guard dog” or “watchman.”
  7. Nguyen – Vietnam’s most common last name, now widespread in Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
  8. Wilson – “Son of Will.” Classic Scottish or English origin.
  9. Taylor – From the trade of tailoring.
  10. Campbell – Common across English-speaking countries, but especially in Nova Scotia due to Scottish ancestry.

Common Australian Last Names:

  1. Smith – Yes, again. Top name in Australia too.
  2. Jones – “Son of John.” Found everywhere in rural and urban Oz.
  3. Williams – A patronymic Welsh origin; big in New South Wales.
  4. Wilson – Reliable and long-standing, of English origin.
  5. Taylor – Popular among both Anglo and newer immigrant groups.
  6. Nguyen – The most common non-Anglo surname in Australia, thanks to Vietnamese immigration after the Vietnam War.
  7. Lee – Used by both Anglo and East Asian families.
  8. Walker – Occupational name, once for cloth walkers.
  9. White – Descriptive or occupational; found across regions.
  10. Anderson – Scottish roots; “son of Andrew.”

 Common Arabic & African American Last Names

Last names in the Arab world and African American communities are deeply symbolic. These surnames are found from Morocco to Iraq and now globally. thanks to migration, diaspora, and cultural pride. 

 Common Arabic Last Names:

  1. Muhammad – After the Prophet. One of the most revered and widespread names globally.
  2. Ali – “Exalted” or “noble.” Rooted in both Shia and Sunni traditions.
  3. Hassan – “Handsome” or “good.” Often paired with Ali in familial names.
  4. Omar – “Flourishing” or “long-lived.” A name of leadership and early Islamic history.
  5. Abdullah – “Servant of God.” Humble and spiritually focused.
  6. Ahmad – Another name of the Prophet Muhammad, meaning “most praised.”
  7. Khan – Technically Turkic-Mongol, but widely used across Muslim regions.
  8. Youssef – Arabic for Joseph. A strong biblical-Islamic bridge.
  9. Saleh – “Virtuous” or “righteous.” Common in Gulf and North African regions.
  10. Fahad – “Panther” or “leopard.” A strong, royal-sounding name.

Common African American Last Names:

  1. Washington – Often adopted after emancipation to honor George Washington.
  2. Jackson – “Son of Jack.” Widely taken on post-slavery; now iconic.
  3. Jefferson – Another presidential name embraced in freedom.
  4. Brown – A descriptive surname, possibly assigned by slaveholders.
  5. Williams – One of the most common Black surnames in the U.S.
  6. Johnson – “Son of John.” Passed down or adopted after 1865.
  7. Davis – Common across the South, tied to both Black and white lineages.
  8. Thomas – From the biblical “twin.” Now deeply rooted in Black identity.
  9. Robinson – “Son of Robin.” Prominent in sports, culture, and politics.
  10. Harris – A surname that has grown in prominence, from vice presidents to musicians.
Common last names by region

Wrap Up:

Last names tell stories. They show where we come from. Some are common. Some are rare. But each one matters. Whether it’s Smith or Nguyen or Patel every name carries meaning. Want to find more? Check out our last names hub for more ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wang holds that title. It’s used by over 90 million people in China alone. It means “king” and clearly rules the numbers game globally.

Blame history. Occupational roots (Smith), immigration simplifications, and post-slavery name adoptions (Washington, Johnson) all played a role.


Absolutely. Try searching “John Smith” in 1880s census records. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack of needles.


Yes. Names like Lee, Khan, or Garcia may appear globally but mean different things in different cultures.


Sometimes yes, but it’s tricky. For example,  Nguyen points to Vietnam. Patel to India. But names like Martin or Thomas span multiple regions and roots.

Yes. Hyphenation, blended names, and even entirely new surnames are on the rise, especially among millennial and Gen Z couples.


Writers often add old-world flair—Smithson, McTaylor, O’Lee—to spice things up without losing familiarity.

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