Good American Last Names: Heritage and Significance

"Good" last names are subjective and can vary widely depending on personal preferences, cultural backgrounds, and individual meanings. American last names are incredibly diverse due to the country's history of immigration and cultural influences from around the world. Some American last names are popular, traditional, or have historical significance. Here are a few examples:

1. Smith: One of the most common last names in the United States, often associated with blacksmiths or metalworkers.

2. Johnson: A common surname derived from the given name John, signifying "son of John."

3. Brown: A straightforward surname referring to the color brown, with various possible origins.

4. Williams: A common Welsh surname, often associated with "son of William."

5. Jones: Another common Welsh surname, derived from "son of John."

6. Davis: A common Welsh and English surname, often associated with "son of David."

7. Miller: A surname often associated with those who worked as millers, grinding grains.

8. Garcia: A common Hispanic surname, particularly among Americans of Spanish or Mexican descent.

9. Martinez: Another common Hispanic surname, often signifying "son of Martin."

10. Lee: A surname of English origin with several possible meanings and variations.

11. Taylor: A common English surname, often associated with tailors or those who make clothing.

12. Wilson: A surname of English origin, often associated with "son of Will" or "son of William."

13. Anderson: A common Scottish and Scandinavian surname, often signifying "son of Andrew."

14. Hernandez: A common Hispanic surname, particularly among Americans of Mexican descent.

15. Nguyen: A common Vietnamese surname, reflecting the diversity of America's immigrant population.

16. Kim: A common Korean surname, representing the Korean-American community.

17. Patel: A common Indian surname, reflecting the Indian-American community.

18. Wong: A common Chinese surname, particularly among Americans of Chinese descent.

19. Khan: A surname of South Asian origin, often associated with individuals of Pakistani or Afghan heritage.

20. O'Connor: An Irish surname, often associated with descendants of Irish immigrants.

It's important to note that American last names are incredibly diverse due to the country's multicultural heritage. People from various ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds have contributed to the rich tapestry of American surnames. The significance and desirability of a last name can vary greatly depending on an individual's personal connection to their heritage and family history.