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Common US Surnames & Their Meanings

Surname Ranks from the 2000 U.S. Census

By , About.com Guide

21. LOPEZ

Population Count: 621,536
A patronymical surname meaning "son of Lope." Lope comes from the Spanish form of Lupus, a Latin name meaning "wolf."

22. LEE

Population Count: 605,860
Lee is a surname with many possible meanings and origins. Often it was a name given to one who lived in or near a "laye," a Middle English term meaning 'clearing in the woods.'

23. GONZALEZ

Population Count: 597,718
A patronymic name meaning "son of Gonzalo."

24. HARRIS

Population Count: 593,542
"Son of Harry," a given name derived from Henry and meaning "home ruler."

25. CLARK

Population Count: 548,369
This surname was most often used by a cleric, clerk, or scholar, one who can read and write.

26. LEWIS

Population Count: 509,930
Derived from the Germanic given name Lewis, meaning "reknowned, famous battle."

27. ROBINSON

Population Count: 503,028
The most likely origin of this surname is "son of Robin," although it may also derive from the Polish word "rabin," meaning rabbi.

28. WALKER

Population Count: 501,307
An occupational surname for a fuller, or person who walked on damp raw cloth in order to thicken it.

29. PEREZ

Population Count: 488,521
The most common of several origins for the surname Perez, is a patronymic name derived from Pero, Pedro, etc. - meaning "son of Pero."

30. HALL

Population Count: 473,568
A place name derived from various words for "large house," usually used to signify someone who lived in or worked in a hall or manor house.
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