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.
71. WARD
Population Count: 254,121An occupational name for a "guard or watchman," from Old English "weard" = guard.
72. COX
Population Count: 253,771Often considered to be a form of COCK (little), a common term of endearment.
73. DIAZ
Population Count: 251,772The Spanish surname DIAZ comes from the Latin "dies" which means "days." Also believed to have early Jewish origins.
74. RICHARDSON
Population Count: 249,533Like RICHARDS, Richardson is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Richard." The given name Richard means "powerful and brave."
75. WOOD
Population Count: 247,299Originally used to describe a person who lived in or worked in a wood or forest. Derived from Middle English "wode."
76. WATSON
Population Count: 242,432A patronymic surname meaning "son of Watt," a pet form of the name Walter, meaning "ruler of the army."
77. BROOKS
Population Count: 240,751There are many origins for this English surname, but most revolve around a "brook," or a small stream.
78. BENNETT
Population Count: 239,055From the medieval given name Benedict, originating from the Latin "benedictus" meaning "blessed."
79. GRAY
Population Count: 236,713Nickname for a man with gray hair, or a gray beard, from Old English groeg, meaning grey.
80. JAMES
Population Count: 233,224Patronymic name derived from "Jacob" and usually meaning "son of Jacob."
