The US Census Bureau released data on Tuesday, April 14, that shows the most common first and last names reported in the 2020 Census. Despite massive population growth and waves of immigration, many of the most popular last names have remained among the leaders since the first census was conducted in 1790.
Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, and Jones have been the top five last names, holding their rankings in 2000 and 2010.
"It is certainly surprising given the enormous change in population since then ... and the immigration in that period from all around the world," said Joshua Comenetz, manager of the Census Names Project.
Eight last names have remained in the top 15 since 1790, including Brown, Davis, Johnson, Jones, Miller, Smith, Williams, and Wilson. Six predominantly Hispanic last names have joined the top 15 since 2000, including Garcia, Gonzalez, Hernandez, Lopez, Martinez, and Rodriguez.
Last names from countries in Asia exploded in popularity between 2010 and 2020, reflecting changes in immigration trends.
"Among the fastest growing names list, they're all predominantly Asian, except the name Ali," Comenetz said. "It's common in South Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East."
Here are the top 20 last names in the 2020 US Census:
- Smith
- Johnson
- Williams
- Brown
- Jones
- Garcia
- Miller
- Rodriguez
- Davis
- Martinez
- Hernandez
- Lopez
- Gonzalez
- Wilson
- Anderson
- Thomas
- Taylor
- Moore
- Lee
- Jackson
For the first time since 1990, the Census Bureau also released detailed data on first names. Even though women outnumber men in the US, the five most common first names were all traditionally male.
According to Comenetz, women tend to have a wider variety of first names than men.
"Sixteen percent of men have the top 10 male names," he said. "For women, it's only a little under 8%."
While most first names are strongly tied to one gender, some are now split almost evenly between men and women, including Emerson, Harley, and Quinn.
Here are the top 20 first names in the 2020 US Census:
- Michael
- John
- James
- David
- Robert
- William
- Mary
- Maria
- Daniel
- Joseph
- Richard
- Thomas
- Christopher
- Jennifer
- Matthew
- Jose
- Charles
- Elizabeth
- Patricia
- Linda
While the most popular first names change over time, one last name is expected to remain on top.
"Despite all the changes in population, I suspect Smith would still be the most popular last name in 2075," Comenetz said. "I'd be surprised if it isn't."
You can click here to see the full 2020 census data on the nation's most common names.
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