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Common US Surnames & Their Meanings

Surname Ranks from the 2000 U.S. Census

By , About.com Guide

71. WARD

Population Count: 254,121
An occupational name for a "guard or watchman," from Old English "weard" = guard.

72. COX

Population Count: 253,771
Often considered to be a form of COCK (little), a common term of endearment.

73. DIAZ

Population Count: 251,772
The Spanish surname DIAZ comes from the Latin "dies" which means "days." Also believed to have early Jewish origins.

74. RICHARDSON

Population Count: 249,533
Like RICHARDS, Richardson is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Richard." The given name Richard means "powerful and brave."

75. WOOD

Population Count: 247,299
Originally used to describe a person who lived in or worked in a wood or forest. Derived from Middle English "wode."

76. WATSON

Population Count: 242,432
A patronymic surname meaning "son of Watt," a pet form of the name Walter, meaning "ruler of the army."

77. BROOKS

Population Count: 240,751
There are many origins for this English surname, but most revolve around a "brook," or a small stream.

78. BENNETT

Population Count: 239,055
From the medieval given name Benedict, originating from the Latin "benedictus" meaning "blessed."

79. GRAY

Population Count: 236,713
Nickname for a man with gray hair, or a gray beard, from Old English groeg, meaning grey.

80. JAMES

Population Count: 233,224
Patronymic name derived from "Jacob" and usually meaning "son of Jacob."
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