The 20 Most Common Last Names in Michigan Revealed

Ever notice how it feels like every town in Michigan has at least twenty Smiths, eleven Johnsons, and somebody who keeps getting mail for the wrong Brown? Well, there's a reason for that.

Genealogy website Geneanet tracks surname frequency using family tree records and historical data, giving a fascinating look at the names that have become part of Michigan's identity. According to Geneanet's Michigan surname (last name) rankings, some family names appear tens of thousands of times throughout the state.

America's Most Common Last Names

Nationally, the usual suspects dominate the list. Names like Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, Jones, and Miller have topped last name rankings for generations. Many trace their roots to occupations, family relationships, or European ancestry that dates back centuries and traveled to America.

Get our free mobile app

Michigan's rankings share many similarities with those of the rest of the country. That's not surprising when you consider the state's history of manufacturing and farming, and generations of families who have put down roots here.

From Detroit to the Upper Peninsula, these 20 names have appeared on school rosters, factory punch cards, the back of Little League uniforms, and more than a few speeding tickets.

The 20 Last Names You'll Find Everywhere in Michigan

We've rounded up the 20 most common surnames in Michigan according to Geneanet's data. Before you scroll through, make your prediction for which last name is the most common in the Great Lakes State.