Common US Surnames & Their Meanings

Surname Ranks from the 2000 U.S. Census

By Kimberly Powell, About.com Guide

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31. YOUNG

Population Count: 465,948
Derived from the Old English word "geong," meaning "young."

32. ALLEN

Population Count: 465,948
From "aluinn," meaning fair or handsome.

33. SANCHEZ

Population Count: 441,242
A patronymic derived from the given name Sancho, meaning "sanctified."

34. WRIGHT

Population Count: 440,367
An occupational name meaning "craftsman, builder," from the Old English "wryhta" meaning "worker."

Population Count: 438,986
From the Old English "cyning," originally meaning "tribal leader," this nickname was commonly bestowed on a man who carried himself like royalty, or who played the part of the king in a medieval pageant.

36. SCOTT

Population Count: 420,091
An ethnic or geographical name signifying a native from Scotland or a person who spoke Gaelic.

37. GREEN

Population Count: 413,477
Often refers to one who dwelled at or near the village green, or other similar area of grassy ground.

38. BAKER

Population Count: 413,351
An occupational name which originated in medieval times from the name of the trade, baker.

39. ADAMS

Population Count: 413,086
This surname is of uncertain etymology, but is often considered to derive from the Hebrew personal name Adam which was borne, according to Genesis, by the first man.