547+ American Last Names [With Meanings]

American last names are an integral part of American culture, reflecting the diverse history and heritage of the country.

These names are not only a means of identification but also carry a significant amount of historical, cultural, and genealogical information.

American last names have evolved over time, influenced by various factors such as immigration, colonization, and cultural assimilation.

They can provide insight into a person’s ancestry, religion, occupation, and location.

Understanding the origins and meanings of American last names can be a fascinating and rewarding experience, providing a window into the rich history and diversity of the United States.

Let’s take a look 🙂

Common American Last Names (Most Common American Last Names)

Common American Last Names:

• Smith – derived from the Old English word “smitan” which means to strike or hit
• Johnson – derived from the given name John, which means “God is gracious”
• Brown – derived from the Old English word “brún,” which means brown in color
• Davis – derived from the given name David, which means “beloved”
• Miller – derived from the Middle English word “miller,” which refers to a person who grinds grain
• Wilson – derived from the given name William, which means “strong-willed warrior”
• Anderson – derived from the given name Andrew, which means “manly”
• Jackson – derived from the given name Jack, which is a diminutive of John
• Taylor – derived from the Old French word “tailleur,” which means a cutter or a tailor
• Lee – derived from the Old English word “leah,” which means a clearing in the woods

MOST Common Last Names in USA!

Popular American Last Names

Popular American Last Names:

• Garcia – derived from the Basque word “gaztea,” which means young
• Rodriguez – derived from the given name Rodrigo, which means “famous ruler”
• Martinez – derived from the given name Martin, which means “warrior of Mars”
• Hernandez – derived from the given name Hernando, which means “bold voyager”
• Lopez – derived from the Latin word “lupus,” which means wolf
• Gonzalez – derived from the given name Gonzalo, which means “battle”
• Perez – derived from the given name Peter, which means “rock”
• Flores – derived from the Latin word “flos,” which means flower
• Torres – derived from the Latin word “turris,” which means tower
• Reyes – derived from the Spanish word “rey,” which means king

Rare & Exotic American Last Names

Rare & Exotic American Last Names:

• Galbraith – derived from the Gaelic words “gall” which means stranger, and “Breathnach,” which means Briton
• Higginbotham – derived from the Old English words “higian” which means to think, and “botham” which means a dwelling place
• Merriweather – derived from the Old English words “merige” which means merry, and “weder” which means weather
• Quinones – derived from the Galician word “quinta,” which means estate or farm
• St. Clair – derived from the Old French words “saint” which means holy, and “clair” which means bright or clear
• Pemberton – derived from the Old English words “pebble” which means pebble, and “tun” which means a town or settlement
• Waverly – derived from the Old English words “wæfre” which means wavering or unsteady, and “leah” which means a clearing in the woods
• O’Connor – derived from the Irish Gaelic words “ó” which means descendant, and “Conchobhair” which means lover of hounds
• Lovelace – derived from the Old English words “lufig” which means dear, and “leás” which means place or clearing
• Hawthorne – derived from the Old English words “hagu” which means hedge, and “thorn” which means thorn bush

Uncommon & Unique American Last Names

Uncommon & Unique American Last Names:

• LaCroix – derived from the French words “la” which means the, and “croix” which means cross
• Radcliffe – derived from the Old English words “rod” which means counsel, and “clif” which means a steep cliff or slope
• Abernathy – derived from the Celtic words “aber” which means the mouth of a river, and “nathy” which means fire or a champion
• Ellington – derived from the Old English words “elling” which means people of the old kingdom, and “tun” which means a town or settlement
• Whitmore – derived from the Old English words “hwit” which means white, and “mor” which means a hill or a moor
• Aldridge – derived from the Old English words “ald” which means old or wise, and “ric” which means ruler or power
• Fairfax – derived from the Old English words “fæger” which means beautiful, and “feax” which means hair
• Ashford – derived from the Old English words “æsc” which means ash tree, and “ford” which means a river crossing
• Clifton – derived from the Old English words “clif” which means a steep cliff or slope, and “tun” which means a town or settlement
• Houghton – derived from the Old English words “hoh” which means a projecting piece of land, and “tun” which means a town or settlement

Most Common American Last Names

Most Common American Last Names:

• Smith – derived from the Old English word “smitan” which means to strike or hit
• Johnson – derived from the given name John, which means “God is gracious”
• Brown – derived from the Old English word “brún,” which means brown in color
• Davis – derived from the given name David, which means “beloved”
• Miller – derived from the Middle English word “miller,” which refers to a person who grinds grain
• Wilson – derived from the given name William, which means “strong-willed warrior”
• Anderson – derived from the given name Andrew, which means “manly”
• Jackson – derived from the given name Jack, which is a diminutive of John
• Taylor – derived from the Old French word “tailleur,” which means a cutter or a tailor
• Lee – derived from the Old English word “leah,” which means a clearing in the woods

Cool American Last Names

Cool American Last Names:

• Maverick – derived from the Old French word “maveric” which means “unbranded cattle”
• Blaze – derived from the English word “blaze,” which means a bright flame or fire
• Wolf – derived from the Old High German word “wulf,” which means wolf
• Steele – derived from the Old English word “stiele,” which means a stalk or a stem
• Raven – derived from the Middle English word “raven,” which means a blackbird
• Phoenix – derived from the Greek word “phoinix,” which means “crimson or purple”
• Storm – derived from the Old English word “storm,” which means a violent weather condition
• Hawk – derived from the Old English word “hafoc,” which means hawk
• Knight – derived from the Old English word “cniht,” which means a servant or a soldier
• Everest – derived from the name of the highest mountain peak in the world, Mount Everest

List of American Last Names

List of American Last Names:

• Smith
• Johnson
• Brown
• Davis
• Miller
• Wilson
• Anderson
• Jackson
• Taylor
• Lee
• Garcia
• Rodriguez
• Martinez
• Hernandez
• Lopez
• Gonzalez
• Perez
• Flores
• Torres
• Reyes

Rich American Last Names

Rich American Last Names:

• Rockefeller – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in the oil industry
• Carnegie – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in the steel industry
• Vanderbilt – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in transportation and shipping
• Astor – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in real estate and fur trading
• Hearst – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in media and publishing
• DuPont – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in chemicals and manufacturing
• Ford – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in the automobile industry
• Getty – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in oil and gas
• Walton – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in retail with Walmart
• Kennedy – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in politics, business, and entertainment

Old American Last Names

Old American Last Names:

• Washington – derived from the name of the first president of the United States, George Washington
• Franklin – derived from the name of the founding father and statesman Benjamin Franklin
• Jefferson – derived from the name of the founding father and third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson
• Adams – derived from the name of the founding father and second president of the United States, John Adams
• Madison – derived from the name of the founding father and fourth president of the United States, James Madison
• Monroe – derived from the name of the founding father and fifth president of the United States, James Monroe
• Hancock – derived from the name of the founding father and statesman John Hancock
• Carroll – derived from the name of the founding father and signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll
• Livingston – derived from the name of the founding father and statesman Robert Livingston
• Hamilton – derived from the name of the founding father and statesman Alexander Hamilton

Long American Last Names

Long American Last Names:

• Wittenmyer – derived from the German words “witten” which means white, and “meyer” which means steward or mayor
• Koenigsmann – derived from the German words “könig” which means king, and “mann” which means man or person
• Abernethy-Cartright – derived from the Scottish name Abernethy and the English name Cartright, meaning a person from the Abernethy area in Scotland and a maker of carts, respectively
• Delacruz-Guzman – derived from the Spanish name Delacruz, meaning “of the cross,” and the Spanish name Guzman, meaning “good man”
• Fitzsimmons-McCarty – derived from the Irish name Fitzsimmons, meaning “son of Simon,” and the Irish name McCarty, meaning “son of Art”
• Constantinides-Papadopoulos – derived from the Greek name Constantinides, meaning “son of Constantine,” and the Greek name Papadopoulos, meaning “son of the priest”
• Di Stefano-Russo – derived from the Italian name Di Stefano, meaning “of Stephen,” and the Italian name Russo, meaning “red-haired”
• Martinez-Santos – derived from the Spanish name Martinez, meaning “son of Martin,” and the Spanish name Santos, meaning “saints”
• O’Brien-Doherty – derived from the Irish name O’Brien, meaning “descendant of Brian,” and the Irish name Doherty, meaning “descendant of Doherty”
• Nguyen-Le – derived from the Vietnamese name Nguyen, meaning “original,” and the Vietnamese name Le, meaning “river” or “canal”

Girl American Last Names [Female]

Girl American Last Names [Female]:

• Williams – derived from the given name William, which means “strong-willed warrior”
• Davis – derived from the given name David, which means “beloved”
• Rodriguez – derived from the given name Rodrigo, which means “famous ruler”
• Garcia – derived from the Basque word “gaztea,” which means young
• Anderson – derived from the given name Andrew, which means “manly”
• Taylor – derived from the Old French word “tailleur,” which means a cutter or a tailor
• Clark – derived from the Old English word “clerc,” which means a cleric or a scholar
• Martinez – derived from the given name Martin, which means “warrior of Mars”
• Lee – derived from the Old English word “leah,” which means a clearing in the woods
• Flores – derived from the Latin word “flos,” which means flower

Men’s American Last Names [Male]

Men’s American Last Names [Male]:

• Smith – derived from the Old English word “smitan” which means to strike or hit
• Johnson – derived from the given name John, which means “God is gracious”
• Brown – derived from the Old English word “brún,” which means brown in color
• Miller – derived from the Middle English word “miller,” which refers to a person who grinds grain
• Davis – derived from the given name David, which means “beloved”
• Wilson – derived from the given name William, which means “strong-willed warrior”
• Jackson – derived from the given name Jack, which is a diminutive of John
• Anderson – derived from the given name Andrew, which means “manly”
• Taylor – derived from the Old French word “tailleur,” which means a cutter or a tailor
• Lee – derived from the Old English word “leah,” which means a clearing in the woods

Famous American Last Names

Famous American Last Names:

• Kennedy – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in politics, business, and entertainment, including former US President John F. Kennedy and his siblings
• Gates – derived from the name of the American business magnate and philanthropist Bill Gates
• Zuckerberg – derived from the name of the American internet entrepreneur and co-founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg
• Ford – derived from the name of the American automobile manufacturer, Henry Ford
• Rockefeller – derived from the name of the wealthy American family that made its fortune in the oil industry, including John D. Rockefeller
• Disney – derived from the name of the American animator and founder of the Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney
• Jobs – derived from the name of the American business magnate and co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs
• Buffett – derived from the name of the American investor and philanthropist, Warren Buffett
• Winfrey – derived from the name of the American media executive and talk show host, Oprah Winfrey
• Trump – derived from the name of the American business magnate and former US President, Donald Trump

American Last Names That Start With A

American Last Names That Start With A:

• Adams – means “son of Adam” and is of English origin.
• Allen – derived from the Gaelic name “Ailin” and means “little rock”.
• Anderson – means “son of Andrew” and is of Scottish and English origin.
• Armstrong – derived from the Old English “strang” meaning “strong” and “arm” meaning “arm”, and means “strong arm”.
• Austin – derived from the Latin name “Augustus” and means “great” or “magnificent”.
• Alvarez – derived from the Spanish and Portuguese name “Álvarez” and means “son of Álvaro”.
• Ayala – derived from the Basque word “ai” meaning “slope” and “ala” meaning “meadow”, and refers to someone who lived near a slope or meadow.
• Aguilar – derived from the Spanish word “aguila” meaning “eagle”, and refers to someone who had an eagle-like personality or appearance.
• Atkinson – means “son of Atkin” and is of English origin.
• Arnold – derived from the Germanic name “Arnwald” and means “eagle power”.

American Last Names That Start With B

American Last Names That Start With B:

• Baker – derived from the Old English “bæcere” meaning “baker” or “bread maker”.
• Brown – a descriptive name for someone with brown hair or skin, and is of English origin.
• Bailey – derived from the Old English “baili” meaning “bailiff” or “steward”.
• Barnes – derived from the Old English “bere” meaning “barley” and “ærnes” meaning “house”, and refers to someone who lived near a barn or granary.
• Brooks – a topographic name for someone who lived near a stream, and is of English origin.
• Bell – derived from the Old French word “bel” meaning “handsome” or “fair”, and was originally a nickname for someone with a pleasant appearance.
• Bennett – means “blessed” and is of English origin.
• Bryant – means “son of Brian” and is of Irish origin.
• Blair – derived from the Scottish Gaelic word “blàr” meaning “plain” or “field”, and refers to someone who lived near a plain or field.
• Burke – means “fortress” or “castle” and is of Irish origin.

American Last Names That Start With C

American Last Names That Start With C:

• Carter – derived from the Old English word “craeft” meaning “craft” or “skill”, and originally referred to a maker of carts or wagons.
• Clark – derived from the Old English word “clerc” meaning “scribe” or “scholar”, and originally referred to someone who was educated.
• Collins – derived from the Irish name “Ó Coileáin” meaning “descendant of Cuileán”, and refers to someone who was a hound or wolf.
• Cooper – derived from the Old English word “coper” meaning “maker of barrels” or “tub maker”.
• Campbell – derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “Cam Beul” meaning “crooked mouth”, and refers to someone who had a crooked or deformed mouth.
• Cruz – derived from the Spanish word “cruz” meaning “cross”, and refers to someone who lived near a cross or who was religious.
• Carr – derived from the Gaelic word “carr” meaning “rock” or “stone”, and refers to someone who lived near a rock or stone.
• Carlson – means “son of Carl” and is of Scandinavian origin.
• Cameron – derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “Camshron” meaning “crooked nose”
• Casey – derived from the Gaelic name “Ó Cathasaigh” meaning “descendant of Cathasach”, and refers to someone who was vigilant or watchful.

American Last Names That Start With D

American Last Names That Start With D:

• Davis – derived from the Welsh name “Dafydd” meaning “beloved”, and is a patronymic name meaning “son of David”.
• Diaz – derived from the Spanish name “Díaz” meaning “son of Diego”.
• Dixon – means “son of Dick” and is of English origin.
• Daniels – means “son of Daniel” and is of English origin.
• Douglas – derived from the Gaelic name “Dubhghlas” meaning “dark river”, and refers to someone who lived near a dark or black river.
• Dunn – derived from the Old English word “dun” meaning “hill” or “down”, and refers to someone who lived near a hill or down.
• Dean – derived from the Old English word “denu” meaning “valley”, and refers to someone who lived in or near a valley.
• Duke – derived from the Latin word “dux” meaning “leader” or “commander”, and was originally a title of nobility.
• Day – derived from the Old English word “dæg” meaning “day”, and originally referred to someone who was born or baptized on a particular day of the week.
• Doyle – derived from the Irish name “Ó Dubhghaill” meaning “descendant of Dubhghall”, and refers to someone who was a dark-haired foreigner.

American Last Names That Start With E

American Last Names That Start With E:

• Edwards – means “son of Edward” and is of English origin.
• Evans – means “son of Evan” and is of Welsh origin.
• Ellis – derived from the Welsh name “Elisedd” meaning “kind”, “benevolent”, or “generous”.
• Ellis – derived from the English name “Elias” meaning “my God is Yahweh”.
• Estrada – derived from the Spanish word “estrada” meaning “road” or “street”, and refers to someone who lived near a road or street.
• English – derived from the Old English word “Englisc” meaning “of the Angles”, and refers to someone who was of Anglo-Saxon origin.
• Erickson – means “son of Erick” and is of Scandinavian origin.
• Eaton – derived from the Old English word “ēa” meaning “river” and “tūn” meaning “enclosure” or “settlement”, and refers to someone who lived near a river settlement.
• Emerson – means “son of Emery” and is of English origin.
• Ellison – means “son of Ellis” and is of English origin.

American Last Names That Start With F

American Last Names That Start With F:

• Flores – derived from the Spanish word “flores” meaning “flowers”, and refers to someone who lived near flowers or had a flowery personality.
• Fisher – derived from the Old English word “fiscere” meaning “fisherman”, and originally referred to someone who fished for a living.
• Ferguson – derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “MacFhearghuis” meaning “son of Fergus”, and refers to someone who was descended from Fergus, a legendary Scottish king.
• Freeman – originally a status name meaning “free man”, and referred to someone who was not a serf or bondman.
• Franklin – derived from the Middle English word “frankelin” meaning “free man”, and referred to someone who was a free tenant or small landowner.
• Ford – derived from the Old English word “ford” meaning “ford”, and originally referred to someone who lived near a ford or shallow river crossing.
• Fowler – derived from the Old English word “fugolere” meaning “fowler” or “bird-catcher”, and originally referred to someone who hunted birds.
• French – derived from the Old French word “frensche” meaning “French”, and referred to someone who was of French origin.
• Fleming – derived from the Old English word “flǣming” meaning “Fleming”, and referred to someone who was of Flemish origin.
• Foster – derived from the Old English word “fōster” meaning “foster-parent”, and originally referred to someone who was raised by foster parents.

American Last Names That Start With G

American Last Names That Start With G:

• Garcia – derived from the Basque name “Garsea” meaning “young warrior”, and refers to someone who was a warrior or soldier.
• Gonzalez – means “son of Gonzalo” and is of Spanish origin.
• Green – a topographic name for someone who lived near a village green or in a green valley, and is of English origin.
• Gray – a descriptive name for someone with gray hair or skin, and is of English origin.
• Graham – derived from the Old English word “grānham” meaning “grey home”, and referred to someone who lived in or near a grey-colored home.
• Griffin – derived from the Welsh name “Gruffudd” meaning “strong lord”, and refers to someone who was strong or powerful.
• Gomez – derived from the Spanish name “Gómez” meaning “son of Gome”, and is of Gothic origin.
• Gibson – means “son of Gib” and is of English origin.
• Grant – derived from the Old French word “graunt” meaning “great” or “large”, and was originally a nickname for someone who was tall or large.
• Greenberg – means “green mountain” and is of German origin.

American Last Names That Start With H

American Last Names That Start With H:

• Hernandez – means “son of Hernando” and is of Spanish origin.
• Harris – derived from the Old English word “hærra” meaning “higher” or “above”, and originally referred to someone who lived on a hill or higher ground.
• Hall – derived from the Old English word “heall” meaning “hall” or “manor”, and originally referred to someone who lived or worked in a manor house or hall.
• Hayes – derived from the Old English word “hæg” meaning “hedge” or “enclosure”, and referred to someone who lived near a hedge or enclosure.
• Henderson – means “son of Henry” and is of Scottish and English origin.
• Hunt – derived from the Old English word “hunta” meaning “hunter”, and originally referred to someone who hunted for a living.
• Hoffman – means “man of the court” or “steward” and is of German origin.
• Hodge – derived from the Old English name “Hod” meaning “famous warrior”, and originally referred to someone who was a warrior or soldier.
• Holcomb – derived from the Old English word “hol” meaning “hollow” and “cumb” meaning “valley”, and referred to someone who lived in or near a hollow valley.
• Hughes – derived from the Welsh name “Hugh” meaning “mind” or “spirit”, and originally referred to someone who was intellectual or wise.

American Last Names That Start With I

American Last Names That Start With I:

• Ingram – means “son of Ing” and is of Old Norse origin.
• Irwin – derived from the Old English name “Eoforwine” meaning “boar friend”, and refers to someone who was a friend to boars or had a boar-like personality.
• Ibarra – derived from the Basque name “Ibar” meaning “meadow”, and refers to someone who lived in or near a meadow.
• Imhoff – derived from the Germanic name “Immo” meaning “helmet” and “hof” meaning “court”, and refers to someone who was a courtier or warrior.
• Isaac – derived from the Hebrew name “Yitzhak” meaning “he will laugh”, and is a biblical name.
• Inman – means “servant of the household” and is of Old English origin.
• Irby – derived from the Old Norse name “Jarlabanki” meaning “bank of the jarl”, and referred to someone who lived near the bank of a river.
• Isaacs – means “son of Isaac” and is of English origin.
• Ingalls – derived from the Old Norse name “Ingjaldr” meaning “son of Ing”, and referred to someone who was a descendant of Ing, the Norse god of fertility.
• Ingraham – means “raven” or “raven home” and is of English origin.

American Last Names That Start With J

American Last Names That Start With J:

• Jackson – means “son of Jack” and is of English origin.
• Johnson – means “son of John” and is of English origin.
• James – derived from the Hebrew name “Ya’akov” meaning “heel” or “supplanter”, and is a biblical name.
• Jefferson – derived from the English name “Jeffery” meaning “God’s peace”, and was popularized by the third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.
• Jenkins – derived from the Welsh name “Ieuan” meaning “God is gracious”, and originally referred to someone who was named after St. John.
• Jennings – derived from the Old English name “Jenyn” meaning “little John”, and originally referred to someone who was named after St. John.
• Jordan – derived from the Hebrew name “Yarden” meaning “to go down” or “to descend”, and refers to the Jordan River in Israel.
• Jacobs – means “son of Jacob” and is of English origin.
• Jimenez – derived from the Spanish name “Jimeno” meaning “son of Jimeno”, and is of Basque origin.
• Jeffries – derived from the English name “Jeffery” meaning “God’s peace”, and is a variant of Jefferson.

American Last Names That Start With K

American Last Names That Start With K:

• King – a royal name that originally referred to someone who was a king or had kingly qualities, and is of English origin.
• Kelly – derived from the Irish name “Ó Ceallaigh” meaning “descendant of Ceallach”, and refers to someone who was bright-headed or warlike.
• Kennedy – derived from the Irish name “Ó Cinnéide” meaning “descendant of Cinnéidigh”, and refers to someone who was born of fire or had a fiery personality.
• Knight – derived from the Old English word “cniht” meaning “boy” or “servant”, and originally referred to someone who was a young servant or soldier.
• Kramer – derived from the German word “Krämer” meaning “trader” or “peddler”, and originally referred to someone who was a merchant.
• Kirkpatrick – derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “Mac Giolla Phádraig” meaning “son of the servant of St. Patrick”, and referred to someone who was a servant or follower of St. Patrick.
• Kane – derived from the Irish name “Ó Catháin” meaning “descendant of Cathán”, and refers to someone who was small or young.
• Keller – derived from the German word “Keller” meaning “cellar” or “basement”, and originally referred to someone who lived near a cellar or basement.
• Key – a topographic name for someone who lived near a quay or wharf, and is of English origin.
• Kim – derived from the Korean name “Gim” meaning “gold”, and is a common surname in Korea.

American Last Names That Start With L

American Last Names That Start With L:

• Lee – a topographic name for someone who lived near a meadow or clearing, and is of English origin.
• Lewis – derived from the Old French name “Loois” meaning “famous warrior”, and is a variant of Louis.
• Long – a descriptive name for someone who was tall or had a long body or limbs, and is of English origin.
• Lopez – derived from the Spanish name “López” meaning “son of Lope”, and refers to someone who was wolf-like or had a wolf-like personality.
• Larson – means “son of Lars” and is of Scandinavian origin.
• Lynch – derived from the Irish name “Ó Loingsigh” meaning “descendant of Loingseach”, and referred to someone who was a seafarer or mariner.
• Little – a descriptive name for someone who was small or short, and is of English origin.
• Love – a nickname for someone who was loving or affectionate, and is of English origin.
• Lane – a topographic name for someone who lived on a lane or narrow road, and is of English origin.
• Lambert – derived from the Old Germanic name “Lambert” meaning “bright land”, and originally referred to someone who was from a bright or clear land.

American Last Names That Start With M

American Last Names That Start With N

American Last Names That Start With N:

• Nelson – means “son of Neil” and is of Scandinavian origin.
• Nguyen – a common Vietnamese surname meaning “musical instrument”.
• Newman – derived from the Old English words “neowe” meaning “new” and “mann” meaning “man”, and originally referred to someone who was a newcomer or stranger.
• Nolan – derived from the Irish name “Ó Nualláin” meaning “descendant of Nuallán”, and referred to someone who was a crier or announcer.
• Norris – derived from the Old French name “Norreis” meaning “northern”, and originally referred to someone who was from the north.
• Nunez – derived from the Spanish name “Nuñez” meaning “son of Nuño”, and is of Gothic origin.
• Navarro – derived from the Basque name “Navarre”, which was the name of a region in Spain, and referred to someone who was from that region.
• Neal – means “champion” and is of Irish origin.
• Nash – derived from the Middle English word “atten ash” meaning “at the ash tree”, and referred to someone who lived near an ash tree.
• Nava – derived from the Spanish word “nava” meaning “plain”, and referred to someone who lived in or near a plain.

American Last Names That Start With O

American Last Names That Start With O:

• Olson – means “son of Ole” and is of Scandinavian origin.
• Ortiz – derived from the Spanish name “Ortiz” meaning “son of Orti”, and is of Gothic origin.
• Owens – means “son of Owen” and is of Welsh origin.
• O’Connor – derived from the Irish name “Ó Conchobhair” meaning “descendant of Conchobhar”, and referred to someone who was a hound-lover or warrior.
• O’Brien – derived from the Irish name “Ó Briain” meaning “descendant of Brian”, and refers to someone who was high-minded or noble.
• Oliver – derived from the Latin name “Oliverus” meaning “olive tree”, and originally referred to someone who was associated with the olive tree.
• Ortiz – derived from the Spanish name “Ortiz” meaning “son of Orti”, and is of Gothic origin.
• Osborne – derived from the Old English name “Osbern” meaning “god-bear”, and referred to someone who was favored by the gods.
• O’Donnell – derived from the Irish name “Ó Domhnaill” meaning “descendant of Domhnall”, and referred to someone who was a ruler or leader.
• O’Neil – derived from the Irish name “Ó Néill” meaning “descendant of Niall”, and refers to someone who was a champion or hero.

American Last Names That Start With P

American Last Names That Start With P:

• Parker – a topographic name for someone who lived in or near a park, and is of English origin.
• Perez – derived from the Spanish name “Pérez” meaning “son of Pero”, and is a variant of Pedro.
• Phillips – derived from the Greek name “Philippos” meaning “lover of horses”, and is a biblical name.
• Peterson – means “son of Peter” and is of Scandinavian origin.
• Price – derived from the Old Welsh name “Ap Rhys” meaning “son of Rhys”, and referred to someone who was a son of Rhys.
• Perry – derived from the Old English word “pirige” meaning “pear tree”, and referred to someone who lived near a pear tree.
• Porter – derived from the Old French word “portier” meaning “doorkeeper” or “gatekeeper”, and originally referred to someone who worked as a gatekeeper
• Powell – derived from the Old Welsh name “Hywel” meaning “eminent” or “prominent”, and referred to someone who was a descendant of Hywel.
• Patel – a common Indian surname that refers to someone who was a village leader or headman.

American Last Names That Start With Q

American Last Names That Start With Q:

• Quan – a Chinese surname that means “circle” or “complete”.
• Queen – a descriptive name for someone who was a queen or had queenly qualities, and is of English origin.
• Quintero – derived from the Spanish word “quintero” meaning “a small farm”, and referred to someone who lived on or owned a small farm.

American Last Names That Start With R

American Last Names That Start With R:

• Rodriguez – derived from the Spanish name “Rodrigo” meaning “famous ruler”, and refers to someone who was a descendant of Rodrigo.
• Rivera – derived from the Spanish word “río” meaning “river”, and referred to someone who lived near a river.
• Robertson – means “son of Robert” and is of Scottish origin.
• Reynolds – derived from the Old English name “Raginwald” meaning “wise ruler”, and referred to someone who was a descendant of Raginwald.
• Ramirez – derived from the Spanish name “Ramiro” meaning “wise protector”, and refers to someone who was a descendant of Ramiro.
• Ryan – derived from the Irish name “Ó Riain” meaning “descendant of Rian”, and referred to someone who was a little king or princely.
• Ross – a topographic name for someone who lived on or near a promontory or headland, and is of Scottish origin.
• Ramos – derived from the Spanish word “ramo” meaning “branch”, and referred to someone who lived near a branch or fork in a road.
• Russell – derived from the Old French name “Rousel” meaning “little red-haired one”, and originally referred to someone who had red hair.
• Reed – a topographic name for someone who lived near a reed bed, and is of English origin.

American Last Names That Start With S

American Last Names That Start With S:

• Smith – a topographic name for someone who worked as a blacksmith or metalworker, and is of English origin.
• Sanchez – derived from the Spanish name “Sancho” meaning “saint-like”, and is a variant of Santo.
• Scott – derived from the Old English name “Scotta” meaning “a Gael”, and originally referred to someone who was a Gael or from Scotland.
• Stewart – derived from the Old English name “Stigweard” meaning “household guardian”, and referred to someone who was a guardian or steward of a household.
• Schmidt – derived from the German word “schmied” meaning “blacksmith”, and originally referred to someone who worked as a blacksmith.
• Sullivan – derived from the Irish name “Ó Súilleabháin” meaning “descendant of Súilleabhán”, and referred to someone with dark eyes or a dark complexion.
• Simmons – means “son of Simon” and is of English origin.
• Sanders – means “son of Alexander” and is of English origin.
• Stevens – derived from the Greek name “Stephanos” meaning “crown”, and is a biblical name.
• Spencer – derived from the Old French word “despensier” meaning “steward”, and referred to someone who worked as a steward or manager.

American Last Names That Start With T

American Last Names That Start With T:

• Taylor – means “tailor” in Old French, referring to someone who sews clothing.
• Thomas – derived from the Aramaic name “Toma,” meaning “twin.”
• Thompson – means “son of Thomas.”
• Torres – a Hispanic surname meaning “towers.”
• Turner – refers to someone who worked as a turner, or someone who turned wood on a lathe.
• Tucker – refers to someone who softened cloth by beating it with a fuller’s tool.
• Tyler – means “tiler of roofs” in Old English.
• Taylor – means “tailor” in Old French, referring to someone who sews clothing.
• Terry – a name derived from the Old French name “Thierry,” meaning “ruler of the people.”
• Tate – means “cheerful” or “happy” in Old English.

American Last Names That Start With U

American Last Names That Start With U:

• Underwood – refers to someone who lived in a wooded area.
• Upton – means “upper town” in Old English.
• Ulrich – a Germanic name meaning “power of the wolf.”
• Upchurch – refers to someone who lived near a church.
• Uribe – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “uribe,” meaning “river bank.”
• Unger – a German name meaning “young man.”
• Ulloa – a Hispanic surname derived from the Galician word “ulloa,” meaning “grove of trees.”
• Urban – means “city dweller” in Latin.
• Usher – refers to someone who worked as a doorkeeper or an attendant.
• Uvalle – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “ibar,” meaning “valley.”

American Last Names That Start With V

American Last Names That Start With V:

• Valencia – a Hispanic surname referring to the city of Valencia in Spain.
• Vargas – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “bargas,” meaning “mud.”
• Vasquez – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “basko,” meaning “a people who live in the woods.”
• Vega – a Hispanic surname meaning “meadow” or “plain.”
• Velasquez – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “belasko,” meaning “raven.”
• Velazquez – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “belasko,” meaning “raven.”
• Ventura – a Hispanic surname meaning “fortune” or “luck” in Spanish.
• Villanueva – a Hispanic surname meaning “new town” in Spanish.
• Velez – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “belehze,” meaning “crow.”
• Vincent – derived from the Latin name “Vincentius,” meaning “conquering.”

American Last Names That Start With W

American Last Names That Start With W:

• Walker – refers to someone who worked as a fuller or someone who walked on damp raw cloth in order to thicken it.
• Wallace – means “foreigner” or “Welshman” in Old French.
• Watson – means “son of Walter.”
• Weaver – refers to someone who worked as a weaver of cloth.
• Wells – refers to someone who lived near a well or spring.
• West – refers to someone who lived to the west of a particular place.
• White – refers to someone with fair skin or light-colored hair.
• Williams – means “son of William.”
• Wilson – means “son of William.”
• Wood – refers to someone who lived in or near a forest.

American Last Names That Start With X

American Last Names That Start With X:

• Xu – a Chinese surname meaning “void” or “empty.”
• Xiong – a Chinese surname meaning “bear.”
• Xia – a Chinese surname meaning “summer.”
• Xie – a Chinese surname meaning “thankful.”
• Xiao – a Chinese surname meaning “small” or “little.”
• Xuemei – a Chinese surname meaning “snow plum.”
• Xing – a Chinese surname meaning “star.”
• Xin – a Chinese surname meaning “faith” or “trust.”
• Xuanyi – a Chinese surname meaning “mysterious” or “profundity.”

American Last Names That Start With Y

American Last Names That Start With Y:

• Young – means “young” or “youthful” in Old English.
• Yoder – a German name meaning “yew tree.”
• Yates – means “gatekeeper” in Old English.
• Yang – a Chinese surname meaning “sun” or “positive.”
• Yu – a Chinese surname meaning “jade.”
• Yoon – a Korean surname meaning “soft.”
• Ybarra – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “ibar,” meaning “valley.”
• Yeager – a German name meaning “hunter” or “chaser.”
• Yen – a Chinese surname meaning “color” or “deep red.”
• Yoo – a Korean surname meaning “willow.”

American Last Names That Start With Z

American Last Names That Start With Z:

• Zhang – a Chinese surname meaning “archer.”
• Zimmerman – a German name meaning “carpenter.”
• Zavala – a Hispanic surname referring to the city of Zavala in Spain.
• Zeng – a Chinese surname meaning “grow” or “increase.”
• Zhao – a Chinese surname meaning “bright” or “shining.”
• Zavala – a Hispanic surname referring to the city of Zavala in Spain.
• Zepeda – a Hispanic surname meaning “tanned leather.”
• Zuniga – a Hispanic surname derived from the Basque word “zun,” meaning “peak” or “summit.”
• Zavala – a Hispanic surname referring to the city of Zavala in Spain.
• Ziegler – a German name meaning “brick maker” or “tile maker.”

FAQs – American Last Names

What are American last names?

American last names are names that are typically inherited from one’s parents and passed down through the generations.

These names are a key component of one’s identity and can provide information about one’s ancestry, location, and occupation.

What is the history behind American last names?

American last names have a rich and diverse history, influenced by factors such as immigration, colonization, and cultural assimilation.

Many American last names have roots in other languages, such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch.

What are some common American last names?

Some of the most common American last names include Smith, Johnson, Brown, Davis, Miller, Wilson, Anderson, Jackson, Taylor, and Lee.

What are some rare and exotic American last names?

Some examples of rare and exotic American last names include Galbraith, Higginbotham, Merriweather, Quinones, St. Clair, Pemberton, Waverly, O’Connor, Lovelace, and Hawthorne.

What are some unique American last names?

Some examples of unique American last names include LaCroix, Radcliffe, Abernathy, Delacruz-Guzman, Constantinides-Papadopoulos, Nguyen-Le, Di Stefano-Russo, Martinez-Santos, and O’Brien-Doherty.

What are some cool American last names?

Some examples of cool American last names include Maverick, Blaze, Wolf, Steele, Raven, Phoenix, Storm, Hawk, Knight, and Everest.

What are some long American last names?

Some examples of long American last names include Wittenmyer, Koenigsmann, Abernethy-Cartright, Delacruz-Guzman, Fitzsimmons-McCarty, Constantinides-Papadopoulos, Di Stefano-Russo, Martinez-Santos, O’Brien-Doherty, and Nguyen-Le.

What are some famous American last names?

Some famous American last names include Kennedy, Gates, Zuckerberg, Ford, Rockefeller, Disney, Jobs, Buffett, Winfrey, and Trump.

What is the significance of American last names?

American last names are an important aspect of American culture and identity. They reflect the rich and diverse history of the United States and can provide insight into one’s ancestry and heritage.

How can I learn more about my American last name?

There are many resources available for learning more about one’s American last name, including genealogy websites, family history books, and online forums.

Additionally, many libraries and historical societies offer resources and support for individuals interested in researching their family history.

Conclusion – American Last Names

American last names are an integral part of American culture and identity, providing insight into one’s ancestry, heritage, and location.

From common names like Smith and Johnson to rare and exotic names like Galbraith and Lovelace, there is a wide range of American last names with diverse origins and meanings.

Whether you’re interested in exploring your family history or simply curious about the significance of American last names, there are many resources available to help you learn more about this fascinating aspect of American culture.

Overall, American last names offer a window into the rich and diverse history of the United States and serve as a testament to the countless individuals who have contributed to its development over the centuries.

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