Smith, Johnson, Williams, Jones, Brown... Are you one of the millions of Americans sporting one of these top 100 common last names from the 2000 census? The following list of the most commonly occurring surnames in America includes details on each name's origin and meaning. It's interesting to note, that since 1990, the only other time this surname report has been compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, two Hispanic surnames -- Garcia and Rodriguez -- have risen into the top 10.
61. ROGERS
Population Count: 294,403A patronymic name derived from the given name Roger, meaning "son of Roger."
62. MORGAN
Population Count: 276,400This Welsh surname derives from the given name Morgan, from "mor", the sea, and "gan," born.
63. PETERSON
Population Count: 275,041A patronymic surname meaning "son of Peter." The given name Peter is derived from the Greek "petros" meaning "stone."
64. COOPER
Population Count: 270,097An English occupational name for one who made and sold casks, buckets and tubs.
65. REED
Population Count: 267,443A descriptive or nickname signifying a person with a red face or red hair.
66. BAILEY
Population Count: 265,916A crown official or officer of the king in county or town. Keeper of a royal building or house.
67. BELL
Population Count: 264,752This surname developed in many different countries with a variety of meanings. On possible derivation is from the French "bel," meaning handsome or beautiful.
68. GOMEZ
Population Count: 263,590Derived from the given name, Gome, meaning "man."
69. KELLY
Population Count: 260,385A Gaelic name meaning warrior or war. Also, possibly an adaptation of the surname O'Kelly, meaning descendant of Ceallach (bright-headed).
70. HOWARD
Population Count: 254,779There are several possible origins for this common English surname, including "strong of heart" and "high chief."
