What’s in a Last Name? Unpacking the Stories Behind the 100 Most Common Surnames in the U.S.

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Last names often take a backseat to first names when it comes to parental planning. Expecting parents might spend countless hours perfecting their child’s first and middle names, while the surname is generally accepted without much thought. However, historically, a surname has held significant weight. Consider the numerous English monarchs named Henry; invoke the Tudor dynasty, and a distinct lineage and era come rushing forth.

In the U.S., the Kennedy clan illustrates how a surname can carry both renown and sorrow. What does your last name convey? If it features an O’ at the start, it likely signals Irish heritage. Have you encountered names ending in -ez or -stein, instantly prompting assumptions about your language, cuisine, or beliefs? For many, the essence of their last name is encapsulated in the endless barrage of misspellings they receive. Regardless, whether you’re a Garcia, a Hatfield, an Iverson, or a Jones, there’s typically a sense of pride tied to your surname’s story.

Curious if your last name ranks among the most popular? Here’s a look at the top 100 surnames in the United States:

  1. Smith
  2. Johnson
  3. Williams
  4. Brown
  5. Jones
  6. Garcia
  7. Miller
  8. Davis
  9. Rodriguez
  10. Martinez
  11. Hernandez
  12. Lopez
  13. Gonzales
  14. Wilson
  15. Anderson
  16. Thomas
  17. Taylor
  18. Moore
  19. Jackson
  20. Martin
  21. Lee
  22. Perez
  23. Thompson
  24. White
  25. Harris
  26. Sanchez
  27. Clark
  28. Ramirez
  29. Lewis
  30. Robinson
  31. Walker
  32. Young
  33. Allen
  34. King
  35. Wright
  36. Scott
  37. Torres
  38. Nguyen
  39. Hill
  40. Flores
  41. Green
  42. Adams
  43. Nelson
  44. Baker
  45. Hall
  46. Rivera
  47. Campbell
  48. Mitchell
  49. Carter
  50. Roberts
  51. Gomez
  52. Phillips
  53. Evans
  54. Turner
  55. Diaz
  56. Parker
  57. Cruz
  58. Edwards
  59. Collins
  60. Reyes
  61. Stewart
  62. Morris
  63. Morales
  64. Murphy
  65. Cook
  66. Rogers
  67. Gutierrez
  68. Ortiz
  69. Morgan
  70. Cooper
  71. Peterson
  72. Bailey
  73. Reed
  74. Kelly
  75. Howard
  76. Ramos
  77. Kim
  78. Cox
  79. Ward
  80. Richardson
  81. Watson
  82. Brooks
  83. Chavez
  84. Wood
  85. James
  86. Bennet
  87. Gray
  88. Mendoza
  89. Ruiz
  90. Hughes
  91. Price
  92. Alvarez
  93. Castillo
  94. Sanders
  95. Patel
  96. Myers
  97. Long
  98. Ross
  99. Foster
  100. Jimenez

For more fascinating insights into names and their histories, check out our other posts at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re also curious about boosting your fertility journey, Make A Mom offers reliable supplements that can help. And for those exploring home insemination options, Cleveland Clinic is an excellent resource on Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) and related treatments.

In summary, while last names may not always garner the attention they deserve, they are rich with history and meaning. From cultural implications to personal pride, your surname is more than just a label; it’s a narrative intertwined with identity.

Keyphrase: Last names in the U.S.
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