The most common Native American last name is Smith. This surname is also the most prevalent across the entire U.S. population, reflecting a historical trend of widespread adoption of common European names by Native American individuals and families.
Understanding Common Native American Surnames
Over time, many Native American people adopted or were assigned common European surnames, which contributes to the high occurrence of names like Smith and Johnson within Native American communities. While distinct Indigenous surnames exist, these broadly shared names often appear at the top of lists of common surnames.
The prevalence of certain last names among American Indian and Alaskan Native populations can be illustrated with examples:
| Last Name | Total (Approx. US Count) | US Rank |
|---|---|---|
| SMITH | 2,442,977 | 1 |
| JOHNSON | 1,932,812 | 2 |
| LOCKLEAR | 19,716 | 1,819 |
| BEGAY | 17,553 | 2,053 |
As shown, Smith and Johnson hold the top positions in overall U.S. surname prevalence. Meanwhile, names such as Locklear and Begay, although having lower overall counts, are significantly present within Native American communities. For example, Begay is particularly associated with the Navajo Nation, indicating a strong tribal connection.
Diversity in Native American Surnames
The range of surnames among Native Americans is diverse, encompassing both widely adopted European names and unique names derived from tribal languages, cultural traditions, or significant historical events. The continued prevalence of names like Smith underscores the complex interplay of history, culture, and identity in Native American naming conventions.
