450 Best American Last Names with Meanings for 2025
Did you know that a person’s last name can reveal fascinating insights into their ancestry and cultural background? In this article, we delve into the 450 best American last names, exploring their meanings and origins for 2025. Understanding these names not only enriches our appreciation of American heritage but also connects us to the diverse stories woven throughout our nation’s history. By the end, you’ll have a treasure trove of knowledge that can enhance conversations, inspire character names, or even guide your own family research.
Popular American Last Names
- Smith – Occupational surname for a blacksmith.
- Johnson – Son of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Williams – Son of William, meaning “resolute protector.”
- Brown – Descriptive surname for someone with brown hair or complexion.
- Jones – Son of John, “graced by God.”
- Garcia – Of Spanish origin, meaning “bear” or “young.”
- Miller – Occupational surname for one who operated a mill.
- Davis – Son of David, “beloved.”
- Rodriguez – Son of Rodrigo, “famous power.”
- Martinez – Son of Martin, “warlike.”
- Hernandez – Son of Hernando, “bold voyager.”
- Lopez – Son of Lope, “wolf.”
- Gonzalez – Son of Gonzalo, “battle or war.”
- Wilson – Son of Will, “resolute protector.”
- Anderson – Son of Andrew, “manly and brave.”
- Thomas – Derived from Aramaic, “twin.”
- Taylor – Occupational surname for a tailor.
- Moore – From Old French, meaning “dark skinned” or “swarthy.”
- Jackson – Son of Jack, “God is gracious.”
- Martin – From Latin Martinus, “dedicated to Mars.”
- Lee – From Old English, “meadow or clearing.”
- Perez – From Hebrew, “to breach” or “to burst forth.”
- Thompson – Son of Thomas, “twin.”
- White – Descriptive surname for light hair/skin.
- Harris – Son of Harry, “home ruler.”
- Sanchez – Son of Sancho, “sacred.”
- Clark – From clerk, “scholar” or “scribe.”
- Ramirez – Son of Ramiro, “renowned counselor.”
- Lewis – From Old French, “renowned warrior.”
- Robinson – Son of Robin, “bright fame.”
- Walker – Occupational surname for a cloth fuller.
- Young – Descriptive surname meaning “the young one.”
- Allen – Celtic origin, “harmony” or “stone.”
- King – Royal surname, meaning “leader” or “ruler.”
- Wright – Occupational surname, “craftsman or builder.”
- Scott – Originally meant “from Scotland.”
- Torres – Spanish origin, “towers.”
- Nguyen – Vietnamese surname meaning “musical instrument” or “dynasty.”
- Hill – Geographic surname for someone living near a hill.
- Flores – Spanish origin, “flowers.”
- Green – From Old English, “living near greenery.”
- Adams – Son of Adam, “man of earth.”
- Nelson – Son of Neil, “champion.”
- Baker – Occupational surname, “bread maker.”
- Hall – From Old English, “dweller at a hall.”
- Rivera – Spanish origin, “riverbank.”
- Campbell – Scottish origin, “crooked mouth.”
- Mitchell – From Michael, “Who is like God?”
- Carter – Occupational surname, “transporter of goods.”
- Roberts – Son of Robert, “bright fame.”
Also Read: 300 Cool German Girl Names with Meanings for 2025
Traditional & Historic American Last Names
- Morgan – Welsh origin, “sea-born.”
- Cooper – Barrel maker.
- Reed – From Old English, “red-haired.”
- Bailey – Steward or official.
- Bell – Bell ringer or maker.
- Cook – Occupational surname, “chef.”
- Murphy – Irish origin, “sea warrior.”
- Price – Welsh origin, “son of Rhys.”
- Bennett – From Benedict, “blessed.”
- Wood – Living near the woods.
- Barnes – Dweller by a barn.
- Ross – Scottish origin, “promontory.”
- Henderson – Son of Henry.
- Coleman – “Dove” or “charcoal burner.”
- Powell – Son of Hywel, “eminent.”
- Jenkins – Son of John, “little John.”
- Perry – Pear tree dweller.
- Long – Tall or lengthy.
- Patterson – Son of Patrick, “nobleman.”
- Hughes – Son of Hugh, “heart or mind.”
- Washington – From the town of Washington in England.
- Stewart – Household guardian.
- Morris – From Latin Mauritius, “dark-skinned.”
- Collins – Son of Colin, “victorious.”
- Reynolds – “Powerful ruler.”
- Foster – A foster parent or one who provides support.
- Howard – “Heart brave” or “high guardian.”
- Ward – Guardian or watchman.
- Cox – From “cock,” a proud man.
- Butler – Wine steward.
- Peterson – Son of Peter, “rock.”
- Gray – Gray haired or gray clothed.
- Ramsey – “Wild garlic island.”
- Fisher – Fisherman.
- Hudson – Son of Hugh.
- Dean – Valley dweller.
- Graham – “Gravelly homestead.”
- Wheeler – Wheel maker.
- Ford – Dweller near a river crossing.
- Chapman – Merchant or trader.
- Mason – Stoneworker.
- Harvey – “Battle worthy.”
- Pearson – Son of Piers.
- Hunter – One who hunts.
- Bishop – Overseer or religious title.
- Lane – Lives by a narrow lane.
- Craig – Scottish, “rock.”
- Stephens – Son of Stephen, “crown.”
- Lloyd – Welsh, “gray.”
- Jennings – “Little John.”
Also Read: 350 Best Scottish Names with Meanings for 2025
Unique & Rare American Last Names
- Easton – Eastern town dweller.
- Granger – Farm bailiff.
- Durham – From Durham, England.
- Carson – Son of Carr.
- Spencer – Dispenser of provisions.
- Lamb – Gentle like a lamb.
- Barton – Barley settlement.
- Newton – New town dweller.
- Sherman – Shearer of wool.
- Barrett – Strong or bear-like.
- Holt – From the woods.
- Douglas – Dark river.
- Freeman – Freeborn person.
- Travis – To cross.
- Abbott – Father or priest.
- Walsh – Welshman.
- McKenzie – Son of Kenneth.
- Vaughn – Small or little.
- Fleming – From Flanders.
- Ortega – Spanish origin, “nettle.”
Distinctive American Last Names
- Brock – From Old English, “badger.”
- Gibson – Son of Gilbert, “bright pledge.”
- Harrison – Son of Harry, “home ruler.”
- Meyer – Steward or overseer.
- Clarke – Scholar or scribe.
- Black – Dark-haired or dark-skinned.
- Roy – French, “king.”
- Palmer – Pilgrim to the Holy Land.
- Briggs – Dweller near a bridge.
- York – From the city of York.
- Owen – Of Welsh origin, “youth” or “noble.”
- Keller – Cellar master.
- Rice – From Rhys, “enthusiasm.”
- Holland – From Holland, meaning “wooded land.”
- Patton – Son of Patrick.
- Conner – Lover of hounds.
- Bowman – Archer.
- Hubbard – From Hubert, “bright mind.”
- McCarthy – Irish origin, “loving.”
- Sharp – Keen or intelligent.
- Terry – From Theodoric, “ruler of the people.”
- Cross–Dweller near a cross.
- Hardy – Brave or strong.
- Small – Short in stature.
- Potter – Maker of pots.
- Kane – Warrior or tribute.
- Beck – Stream or brook.
- Hodge – From Roger, “famous spear.”
- Warner – Guard or protector.
- French – Frenchman.
- Summers – Seasonal name, “born in summer.”
- Day – Derived from David, “beloved.”
- Hansen – Son of Hans.
- Nash – Dweller at the ash tree.
- Hines – Son of Hine, “courteous.”
- Donaldson – Son of Donald.
- Blair – Field or plain.
- Paul – Latin origin, “small” or “humble.”
- Mathews – Son of Matthew, “gift of God.”
- Swanson – Son of Swan.
- Chandler – Candle maker.
- Caldwell – Cold spring or stream.
- Brady – Spirited or broad-chested.
- Page – Young servant or assistant.
- Floyd – Welsh, “gray-haired.”
- Armstrong – Strong arm or powerful.
- Bush – Dweller near the bushes.
- Malone – Irish, “devotee of St. John.”
- Harmon – From Hermann, “army man.”
- Randall – From Randolph, “shield wolf.”
American Strong & Influential Last Names
- Watts – Son of Walter, “ruler of the army.”
- Barker – Tanner of hides.
- Greer – Watchful or alert.
- Shepherd – Herdsman of sheep.
- Fitzgerald – Son of Gerald, “spear rule.”
- Drake – Dragon or male duck.
- Pratt – Clever or trickster.
- Tyler – Tile maker.
- Cobb – Lump or rounded hill.
- Chambers – Dweller near a chamber or office.
- Raymond – “Wise protector.”
- Clayton – A Town built on clay.
- Baldwin – Bold friend.
- Curtis – Courteous.
- Lawson – Son of Lawrence.
- Holtman – Dweller in the woods.
- Singleton – From a single farm or settlement.
- Keith – Forest or woodland.
- Hampton – Home settlement.
- Manning – “Brave” or “valiant.”
- Sheridan – Irish origin, “searcher.”
- Farmer – Occupational surname.
- Pruitt – Brave or valiant.
- Tucker – Cloth fuller.
- Dalton – Valley town.
- Pope – Religious title.
- Webb – Weaver.
- Jordan – From River Jordan, “to flow down.”
- McBride – Son of the servant of Brigid.
- Reese – Welsh, “ardent, fiery.”
- Boyd – Blond or fair-haired.
- Skinner – Occupational surname, “skinner of hides.”
- Love – Affectionate or beloved one.
- Finley – Fair-haired hero.
- Morrow – From “tomorrow,” meaning hope.
- Horne – From a horn-shaped feature.
- Osborne – Divine bear.
- Bridges – Dweller near a bridge.
- Ball – Round or spherical.
- Odom – Dweller at the enclosure.
- Peters – Son of Peter, “rock.”
- Randolph – Shield wolf.
- Hays – Hedged area or enclosure.
- Vega – Spanish, “meadow.”
- Robbins – Son of Robin.
- Bates – Son of Bartholomew.
- Everett – Brave as a wild boar.
- Snow – Born during snowy weather.
- McCoy – “The real one” or “son of fire.”
- Yorke – Variant of York, “yew settlement.”
Also Read: 300 Best Greek Last Names with Meanings For 2025
Rare & Unique Heritage Last Names
- Salazar – Old hall or palace.
- Browning – Dark-haired person.
- Casey – Vigilant in war.
- Glover – Glove maker.
- Lang – Tall or long.
- Hurst – From wooded hill.
- Glass – Glass maker.
- Abbottson – Son of a priest or abbot.
- Whitney – White island.
- Cannon – Church official or large gun.
- Boyle – Irish origin, “raven.”
- Lindsay – Lincoln’s Marsh.
- Hayes – From hedged area.
- Fritz – Peace ruler.
- Calhoun – Narrow woods.
- Dunn – Dark or brown.
- Hogan – Young warrior.
- Melton – Mill town.
- Mercer – Merchant.
- Knox – Round hill.
- Whitfield – White field.
- Colon – From Columbus, “dove.”
- Shields – Protector.
- Frank – Free man.
- Justice – Fairness or righteousness.
- Abbey – Dweller near an abbey.
- Cameron – Crooked nose.
- Logan – Hollow or little hollow.
- Griffith – Strong lord.
- Curry – Dweller in a wet place.
- Bauer – Farmer.
- Pace – Peaceful.
- Orr – From riverbank or green hill.
- Faulkner – Falcon trainer.
- Kirby – Church settlement.
- Todd – Fox.
- Noble – Of noble birth.
- Lynn – From the lake or waterfall.
- Sheldon – Steep-sided valley.
- Sharpston – From a sharp stone.
- Brockman – Badger catcher.
- Richmond – Strong protector.
- Whitaker – White field.
- Madden – Little dog.
- Conway – Holy river.
- Bright – Shining one.
- Hyatt – From a high gate.
- Gentry – Of noble rank.
- Underwood – Lives below the forest.
- Vance – Marshland dweller.
American Inspiring Last Names
- Benson – Son of Ben, “son of the blessed one.”
- Carlson – Son of Carl, “free man.”
- Downs – Dweller near rolling hills.
- Norton – North town.
- Houston – Hugh’s town.
- Merrill – Bright sea.
- Daley – Assembly or gathering.
- Foley – Plunderer.
- Wyatt – Brave in war.
- Meadows – Dweller in the meadow.
- Clemens – Gentle or merciful.
- Ingram – Angel Raven.
- Benson – Repeated, “blessed one.”
- Hickman – Servant of Hick.
- Spears – Spear warrior.
- Horton – From a muddy farmstead.
- Decker – Roofer or covering maker.
- Reeves – Steward or bailiff.
- Benton – Settlement in the bent grass.
- Stanton – Stone settlement.
- McDowell – Son of Dougal, “dark stranger.”
- O’Connor – Irish, “lover of hounds.”
- Case – Container maker.
- Christian – Follower of Christ.
- Holder – One who holds land.
- Shannon – Old river.
- Goodwin – Good friend.
- Brighton – Bright town.
- Bennion – Son of Ben, “blessed.”
- Kirbyson – From church settlement.
- Dalrymple – Scottish, “field of crooked pool.”
- Merrick – Sea ruler.
- Beckett – Little Brook.
- Eastwood – From the eastern forest.
- Colby – Coal settlement.
- Grover – Lives near a grove.
- Riddle – From cleared land.
- Plummer – Lead worker.
- Field – Open country.
- Dillard – Courageous.
- Mayo – From the plain of yew trees.
- Kirkland – Church land.
- Rasmussen – Son of Rasmus.
- Monroe – Mouth of the river Roe.
- Drummond – Ridge or hill.
- Sanders – Son of Alexander.
- Avery – Elf ruler.
- Whitman – White man.
- Haney – Descendant of Eithne, “kernel.”
- Harlow – Army Hill.
American Modern & Stylish Last Names
- Adler – Eagle.
- Fenton – Marsh settlement.
- Carver – Woodworker.
- Hollis – Holly trees.
- Langley – Long meadow.
- Chase – Hunter.
- Sterling – Little star.
- Justiceon – Son of Justice.
- Rivers – Lives near rivers.
- Monroe – Mouth of the river Roe.
- Eastman – From the east.
- Gaines – Clever or resourceful.
- Waller – Wall builder.
- Preston – Priest’s town.
- Harlowson – Son of Harlow.
- Langston – Long stone.
- Payne – Pagan or rustic.
- Sterlingwood – Star-like forest.
- Colton – Coal town.
- Abbington – Town of the abbey.
- Westbrook – Western brook.
- Hastings – Spear of stone.
- Templeton – Dweller at a temple town.
- Rowland – Famous throughout the land.
- Daltonson – Son of Dalton.
- Rockwell – Rock spring.
- Maynard – Brave, hardy.
- Spalding – Dweller in a ditch.
- Ellington – Ella’s town.
- Windsor – Riverbank with a winch.
- Sinclair – Clear saint.
- Winslow – Hill of victory.
- Trenton – Trent’s town.
- Beckwith – Stream near a withy tree.
- Jefferson – Son of Jeffrey.
- Kirkpatrick – Church of Patrick.
- Porter – Gatekeeper.
- Carlisle – From the walled city.
- Holliday – Holy day.
- Temple – Sacred place dweller.
- Radford – Red River Crossing.
- Thornton – Thorn bush settlement.
- Garrison – Spear rule.
- Kendall – Valley of the River Kent.
- Huxley – Hugh’s meadow.
- Barclay – Birch meadow.
- Stafford – Landing place by a ford.
- Ashford – Dweller at the ash ford.
- Denison – Son of Dennis.
- Brightman – Shining person.
American Cool & Powerful Last Names
- Strickland – From the pasture land.
- Carleton – Carl’s town.
- Grayson – Son of the steward.
- Hawkins – Little hawk.
- Bradshaw – Broad wood.
- Kingston – King’s town.
- Weston – Western town.
- Staffen – Crowned.
- Harrington – Herring town.
- Blackwell – Black stream.
- Fairchild – Beautiful child.
- Lancaster – Roman fort on the Lune.
- Bishopton – Bishop’s town.
- Hathaway – Path across the heath.
- Prescott – Priest’s cottage.
- Northwood – Northern forest.
- Eldridge – Sage ruler.
- Bradford – Broad ford.
- Rockefeller – Rock field.
- Hartman – Strong man.
- Livingston – Dear friend’s settlement.
- Marlowe – Driftwood Hill.
- Fairbanks – Beautiful banks.
- Huxman – Hugh’s man.
- Somerville – Summer town.
- Harriman – Army man.
- Oakley – Oak meadow.
- Clifton – A Town by a cliff.
- Briarwood – Thorny wood.
- Rockland – Rocky land.
- Briarson – Son of Briar.
- Northfield – Northern field.
- Ashcroft – Ash tree farm.
- Stanford – Stony Ford.
- Ellis – Jehovah is God.
- Brookfield – Stream field.
- Crawford – Crow ford.
- Pinehurst – Pine forest hill.
- Eaton – Riverside town.
- Ashburn – Ash tree brook.
- Underhill – Dweller beneath a hill.
- Latham – Barn dweller.
- Halstead – Manor on the hill.
- Thorpe – Village dweller.
- Rockwood – Rocky forest.
- Middleton – Middle town.
- Ashworth – Ash tree estate.
- Harper – Harp player.
- Morrison – Son of Morris.
- Whitmore – White moor.
Also Read: 1000+ Unique Mexican Last Names with Meanings for Boys & Girls (2025)
