Summary
The 2020 U.S. Census data shows that the most common last names in the United States have stayed mostly the same over the past decade. However, Asian last names are among the fastest-growing, reflecting changing demographics. The Census also released first-name data for the first time since 1990, showing little change in the most common first names.
Key Facts
- The five most common U.S. last names in 2020 were Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones.
- Rodriguez moved to the 8th spot in the top 10 most common last names, swapping places with Davis.
- Asian surnames Zhang, Liu, and Wang were the three fastest-growing from 2010 to 2020.
- Asians are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in the U.S., now making up roughly 7% of the population.
- The Census also provided last name data by racial and ethnic groups, noting unique common names for each group.
- The 2020 Census included first-name data for the first time since 1990, showing stable rankings.
- Common male first names in 2020 included Michael, John, and James; female names included Mary and Maria.
- Census name data covers all ages, unlike the Social Security Administration's list that focuses only on newborns.
