What’s in a Surname? Phone directories and some computer software helped a team of University College London geographers compile a US map of most common last names by region.
Many of these names came from Great Britain, reflecting the long head start the British had over many other settlers. The low diversity of names in parts of the British Isles also had an impact. Williams, for example, was a common name among Welsh immigrants—and is still among the top names in many American states.
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