Map reveals most common surnames across U.S. states

A recent study by Ancestry.com identified the most common surnames in each U.S. state, revealing a mix of familiar and unique names. Smith remains the most prevalent surname, appearing in 40 states, while Williams and Johnson also rank highly. Hawaii's top surnames—Lee, Wong, and Kim—reflect the state's Asian heritage, influenced by immigration during the plantation era. California features Spanish surnames like Garcia, Hernandez, and Lopez, highlighting the state's large Latino population. The findings illustrate how surnames in the U.S. reflect historical immigration patterns and cultural shifts, with many names tracing back to English and European origins.