The 255+ Most Common Surnames in the U.S. & Beyond

Some surnames—like Smith or Jones—are famous because they’re so common and recognizable. Other surnames—like Vanderbilt or Monroe—are famous due to the notable people who bore them. Whatever sort of famous last name you’re looking for, we’ve got it! Below, you’ll find the ultimate list of infamous family names from the U.S., France, Mexico, Italy, Russia, and even fictional worlds. Read on!

The 10 Most Popular Last Names Around the World

Wang: Est. ~100 million people. Chinese surname meaning “king” or “monarch.”
Devi: Est. ~70 million people. Sanskrit surname meaning “goddess.”
Nguyen: Est. ~38 million people. Vietnamese surname meaning “lute.”
Silva: Est. ~32 million people. Portuguese and Latin surname meaning “forest.”
Garcia: Est. ~16 million people. Basque surname meaning “bear.”
Mohamed: Est. ~15 million people. Arabic surname meaning “praiseworthy.”
Kim: Est. ~12 million people. Korean surname meaning “gold.”
Ivanov: Est. ~7 million people. Russian surname meaning “son of Ivan.”
Smith: Est. ~4 million people. Old English surname meaning “to smite” or “to strike.”
Ali: Est. ~3 million people. Arabic surname meaning “exalted.”

Section 1 of 9:

50 Most Common Last Names in the United States

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The most common surnames in the U.S. are Smith, Johnson, and Williams. Being the world’s much-lauded “melting pot,” the United States is home to a wealth of last names with a vast range of international origins. However, some names appear more than others—at least according to the most recent available census data! In fact, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, these are the most common last names in America (along with their meanings and origins):^{[1]
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- Smith
  - Meaning: Someone who works as a craftsman.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 2,442,977
- Johnson
  - Meaning: Son of John.
  - Origin: English, Scottish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,932,812
- Williams
  - Meaning: Son (or family) of William.
  - Origin: English, Welsh.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,625,252
- Brown
  - Meaning: Someone who has dark hair or a dark complexion.
  - Origin: English, Scottish, Irish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,437,026
- Jones
  - Meaning: From the family of Jon/John.
  - Origin: English, Welsh.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,425,470
- Garcia
  - Meaning: Young bear.
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,166,120
- Miller
  - Meaning: Someone who worked in a mill.
  - Origin: English, Scottish, German, French, Italian.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,161,437
- Davis
  - Meaning: Son of David.
  - Origin: English, Welsh.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,116,357
- Rodriguez
  - Meaning: Son of Rodrigo.
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,094,924
- Martinez
  - Meaning: Son of Martin.
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,060,159
- Hernandez
  - Meaning: Son of Hernando.
  - Origin: Spanish, Portuguese.
  - Population (c. 2010): 1,043,281
- Lopez
  - Meaning: Son of Lope or Lobe, which means “wolf.”
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 874,523
- Gonzalez
  - Meaning: Son of Gonzalo.
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 841,025
- Wilson
  - Meaning: Son of William.
  - Origin: English, Scottish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 801,882
- Anderson
  - Meaning: Son of Andrew.
  - Origin: Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 784,404
- Thomas
  - Meaning: Son of Thomas.
  - Origin: English, Welsh.
  - Population (c. 2010): 756,142
- Taylor
  - Meaning: Someone who works as a tailor.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 751,209
- Moore
  - Meaning: Someone who lives near a marsh or bog.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 724,374
- Jackson
  - Meaning: Son of Jack or John.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 708,099
- Martin
  - Meaning: “Warlike” or “Of Mars” (the Roman God).
  - Origin: English, French, Scottish, Irish, German.
  - Population (c. 2010): 702,625
- Lee
  - Meaning: Someone who lives near an open meadow or clearing.
  - Origin: English, Irish, Chinese.
  - Population (c. 2010): 693,023
- Perez
  - Meaning: Son of Pedro.
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 681,645
- Thompson
  - Meaning: Son of Thomas.
  - Origin: English, Scottish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 664,644
- White
  - Meaning: Someone who has light complexion or hair.
  - Origin: English, Scottish, Irish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 660,491
- Harris
  - Meaning: Son of Harry.
  - Origin: English, Welsh.
  - Population (c. 2010): 624,252
- Sanchez
  - Meaning: Son of Sancho.
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 624,252
- Clark
  - Meaning: Someone who works as a clerk.
  - Origin: English, Irish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 562,679
- Ramirez
  - Meaning: Son of Ramiro.
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 557,423
- Lewis
  - Meaning: “Renowned warrior.”
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 531,781
- Robinson
  - Meaning: Son of Robin (which is a nickname for Robert).
  - Origin: English, Jewish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 529,821
- Walker
  - Meaning: Someone who works as a wealcere, whose job it is to walk on a damp cloth to thicken it.
  - Origin: English, Scottish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 523,129
- Young
  - Meaning: The youngest person in a family.
  - Origin: English, Scottish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 484,447
- Allen
  - Meaning: Little rock.
  - Origin: Scottish, English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 482,607
- King
  - Meaning: Ruler of an area.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 465,422
- Wright
  - Meaning: Someone who works as a craftsman or builder.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 458,980
- Scott
  - Meaning: A person who’s from Scotland.
  - Origin: English, Scottish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 439,530
- Torres
  - Meaning: Someone who lives near a tower.
  - Origin: Spanish, Portuguese.
  - Population (c. 2010): 437,813
- Nguyen
  - Meaning: Someone who played a lute-like stringed instrument.
  - Origin: Vietnamese.
  - Population (c. 2010): 437,645
- Hill
  - Meaning: Someone who lives near or on a hill.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 434,827
- Flores
  - Meaning: Flowers.
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 433,969
- Green
  - Meaning: Someone who works as a groundskeeper or lives near an open green area.
  - Origin: Green.
  - Population (c. 2010): 430,182
- Adams
  - Meaning: Family of Adam.
  - Origin: English, Jewish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 427,865
- Nelson
  - Meaning: Son of Neil.
  - Origin: Irish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 424,958
- Baker
  - Meaning: Someone whose occupation is being a baker.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 419,586
- Hall
  - Meaning: Someone who works or lives in a hall.
  - Origin: English, Scottish, German, Irish, Scandinavian.
  - Population (c. 2010): 407,076
- Rivera
  - Meaning: “Riverbank” or “shore.”
  - Origin: Spanish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 391,114
- Campbell
  - Meaning: “From the beautiful field” or “crooked mouth.”
  - Origin: Scottish, Irish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 386,157
- Mitchell
  - Meaning: “Who is like God” or “large.”
  - Origin: Scottish, English, Irish.
  - Population (c. 2010): 384,486
- Carter
  - Meaning: Someone who works as a cart driver.
  - Origin: English.
  - Population (c. 2010): 376,966
- Roberts
  - Meaning: Family of Robert.
  - Origin: Welsh, German.
  - Population (c. 2010): 376,774

Section 2 of 9:

Notable & Famous Last Names in the U.S.

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Famous American surnames include Kennedy, Ford, and Rockefeller. While the United States has no royal family, it certainly boasts a few wealthy and significant familial dynasties! From political families like the Bushes to business magnates like the Vanderbilts, here are some of the most infamous last names in American society and history:^{[2]
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- Astor: Family of John Jacob Astor, a fur trader, financier, and real estate developer.
- Bloomingdale: Bloomingdale’s department store and Diners Club credit card founders.
- Bush: Political family, including Presidents George H.W. & George W. Bush.
- Clinton: Political family, including President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton.
- DuPont: Family of French-American gunpowder manufacturer Pierre-Samuel du Pont.
- Forbes: Family of B.C. Forbes, founder of Forbes magazine.
- Ford: Family of Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company.
- Getty: Family of George Franklin and J. Paul Getty, prominent oil and media magnates.
- Hearst: Family of William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper magnate and politician.
- Kennedy: Notable American political family, including President John F. Kennedy.
- Koch: The business family behind Koch Inc., the largest privately owned U.S. company.
- Macy: Family of Rowland Hussey Macy, founder of Macy’s Department Store.
- Mars: The family behind Mars, Inc., home to brands like Snickers, M&Ms, and Pedigree.
- Mellon: Family of Thomas Mellon, an accomplished banker and businessman.
- Murdoch: International media magnates and tycoons, including Keith Rupert Murdoch.
- Pulitzer: Family of Joseph Pulitzer, a politician and prominent newspaper publisher.
- Rockefeller: Family of John D. Rockefeller, a philanthropist, oil magnate, and banker.
- Roosevelt: Political family, including Presidents Theodore & Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- Vanderbilt: Family of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a shipping and railroad magnate.
- Walton: Walmart founder Sam Walton’s descendants, & the wealthiest family in the U.S.

Section 3 of 9:

Common & Famous French Last Names

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Some of the most common French surnames are Martin, Bernard, and Dubois. French last names are très belle, and they can often be found alongside some of the world’s most famous writers, poets, painters, and entertainers! Whether you fancy yourself a Matisse or Monet, one of these common French last names is sure to suit you:^{[3]
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- Abadie: Someone who lives near an abbey or chapel.
- Allard: “Noble.”
- Bardot: “Cloak” or “cape.” Also the name of French actress and model, Brigitte Bardot.
- Barbier: Someone who works as a barber.
- Beaufoy: “Fair” or “good faith.”
- Bernard: “Brave bear.”
- Blanchet: “White.”
- Chastain: “Chestnut tree.”
- Cotillard: “Showy.”
- Curie: “Stable.” Also the name of French scientist, Marie Curie.
- Dubois: Someone who lives or works in the woods.
- Dumas: “Of the farmstead.” Also the name of French writer, Alexandre Dumas.
- Faucher: Someone who works as a reaper or mower in the agricultural industry.
- Fontaine: Someone who lives near a spring or well.
- Garnier: “Protector of the army.” Also the name of a prominent hygiene brand.
- Hugo: “Heart, mind, spirit.” Also the name of French novelist, Victor Hugo.
- Lavigne: Someone who lives near a vineyard.
- Martin: “Warlike” or “Of Mars,” the Roman god of war.
- Matisse: “Gift of God.” Also the name of French artist, Henri Matisse.
- Monet: “To be heard.” Also the name of French artist, Claude Monet.
- Paradis: “Paradise.”
- Petit: “Small.”
- Picard: Someone from the Picardy region of France.
- Robert: “Shining glory.”
- Rochefort: Someone who lives in rocky terrain.
- Savoy: Someone who lives near the Western Alps.
- Thomas: “Twin” or “son of Thomas.”
- Tremblay: Someone who lives near Aspen trees.
- Visage: “Face.”

Section 4 of 9:

Common & Famous Mexican Last Names

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The most famous Mexican last names include Martinez and Garcia. The last names that we associate with Mexico are often derived from the Spanish language, due to Spain’s colonization of Mexico and its neighboring Latin American countries. While many indigenous Mexican surnames are still around, the majority of Mexico’s most common last names (as listed below) reflect the Spanish language and its origins:^{[4]
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- Aguilar: “Place of eagles.”
- Álvarez: “Son of Álvaro.”
- Amador: “Lover.”
- Castillo: “Castle.”
- Chávez: “Keys.”
- Cruz: “Cross.”
- Díaz: “Son of Diego.”
- Flores: “Flowers.”
- García: “Bear.”
- Gómez: “Son of Gome.”
- González: “Son of Gonzalo.”
- Gutiérrez: “Son of Gutierre.”
- Hernández: “Son of Hernando” or “Son of Fernando.”
- Jiménez: “Son of Jimeno.”
- López: “Son of Lope.”
- Martínez: “Son of Martino.”
- Mendoza: “Cold mountain.”
- Morales: “Mulberry tree.”
- Moreno: “Dark-haired” or “dark-skinned.”
- Ortíz: “Son of Orti.”
- Pérez: “Son of Pedro.”
- Ramírez: “Son of Ramiro.”
- Reyes: “Kings.”
- Rivera: Someone who lives near a riverbank.
- Rodríguez: “Son of Rodrigo.”
- Romero: “Rosemary” or “pilgrim to Rome.”
- Ruiz: “Son of Ruy” (Ruy is a nickname for Rodrigo).
- Sánchez: “Son of Sancho.”
- Torres: Someone who lives near or works in a tower.
- Vásquez: “Son of Vasco.”

Section 5 of 9:

Common & Famous Italian Last Names

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Some common Italian surnames are Bianchi, Rossi, and Coppola. Italy is home to leaning towers, steaming bowls of pasta, tales of Roman gladiators, and many melodic last names! Some come from famous Italian families (e.g., the Coppolas or the D’Medicis), while others are simply common Italian names that have been passed down through the generations:^{[5]
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- Agostino: “Of August” or “venerable.”
- Alberti: “Noble bright.”
- Amante: “Lover.”
- Bella: “Beautiful.”
- Bianchi: “White.”
- Bruno: “Brown.”
- Carbone: “Coal.”
- Colombo: “Dove” or “renewal.”
- Coppola: “Beret.”
- Costa: “Coast” or “shore.”
- D’Amico: “Friend” or “brotherly.”
- D’Angelo: “Of the angel.”
- DeLuca: “Of Luca.”
- DeSantis: “Of Saint.”
- DiMaggio: “Of May.”
- Esposito: “Exposed.”
- Ferrari: “Blacksmith.” Also the name of a luxury sports car manufacturer.
- Gallo: “Rooster.”
- Greco: “Greek.”
- Marino: “Of the sea.”
- Messina: Someone who lives in or near the city of Messina (in Sicily, Italy).
- Morelli: “Dark-skinned.”
- Ricci: “Curly.”
- Romano: “Roman.”
- Rossi: Someone with red hair or a reddish complexion.
- Russo: Someone with reddish skin or who’s of Russian origin.
- Valentino: “Strong” or “healthy.”

Section 6 of 9:

Common & Famous Russian Last Names

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The most famous Russian last names include Ivanov, Popov, and Romanov. Russia is the world’s largest country, and with a large amount of land and people, comes a large number of last names! From recognizable names like Karenina to incredibly common ones like Pushkin, here are some of the most popular and famous Russian last names:^{[6]
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- Abakumov: “Son of Abakum.”
- Agapov: “Belonging to Agap.”
- Baranov: “Ram” or “lamb.”
- Bugrov: “Pike pole,” or an iron hook on a pole.
- Dmitriev: “Son of Dmitry.”
- Fedorov: “Son of Fedor.”
- Ilyin: “Son of Ilya.”
- Ivanov: “Son of Ivan.”
- Karamazov: “Black stain.” Featured in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.
- Karenina: “Pure” or “chaste.” Featured in Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina.
- Kotov: “Cat.”
- Kuznetsov: “Blacksmith.”
- Morozov: “Frost.”
- Nikolaev: “Son of Nikolay.”
- Ovechkin: “Little sheep.”
- Pavlov: “Son of Pavel.” Also the name of Russian psychologist, Ivan Pavlov.
- Petrov: “Son of Peter.”
- Popov: “Son of the priest.”
- Pushkin: “Cannon” or “artillery gun.”
- Romanov: “Roman.” Also the name of Russia’s last imperial dynasty.
- Rostova: Someone from the city of Rostov in Russia.
- Sharapova: “Honor” or “wisdom.”
- Sidorov: “Son of Sidor.”
- Smirnov: “Quiet” or “gentle.”
- Sokolov: “Falcon.”
- Vasilyev: “Son of Vasily.”

Section 7 of 9:

Common & Famous Last Names in Other Regions

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Some surnames, like Kim and Patel, are common all over the world. Many ancestral names have endured through the centuries to be shared by millions and millions of people. Some names are popular all around the globe, both due to their association with some of the world’s most populous countries (e.g., India and China) and because of immigration and the melding of different cultures and heritages. Here are some of the most common surnames from regions all around the world:^{[7]
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- Chen: Originates from China, Singapore, and Taiwan.
- Dlamini: Originates from South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique.
- Kim: Originates from Korea.
- Li: Originates from China.
- Moyo: Originates from Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and South Africa.
- Ndlovu: Originates from Nguni clans in South Africa.
- Ngwenya: Originates from South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
- Nkosi: Originates from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Lesotho.
- Patel: Originates from India.
- Sharma: Originates from India and Nepal.
- Singh: Originates from India.
- Suzuki: Originates from Japan.
- Takahashi: Originates from Japan.
- Wang: Originates from China.
- Zhang: Originates from China.
- Zulu: Originates from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.

Section 8 of 9:

Famous Fictional Last Names

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Some fictional surnames—like Potter or Darcy—are just as iconic as real ones. Certain characters are so well-known and beloved that their last names become instantly recognizable…even when they were completely made up by their creators! From classic monikers like Gatsby and Corleone to fantastical surnames like Baggins and Skywalker, check out some of these fictional but famous last names:^{[8]
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- Baggins: From The Lord of the Rings. Notably, Bilbo Baggins and Frodo Baggins.
- Bennett: From Pride and Prejudice. Notably, Elizabeth Bennett and Jane Bennett.
- Bond: From the James Bond series and franchise. Notably, James Bond.
- Caulfield: From The Catcher in the Rye. Notably, Holden Caulfield.
- Corleone: From The Godfather. Notably, Vito Corleone and Michael Corleone.
- Cullen: From Twilight. Notably, Edward Cullen, Alice Cullen, and Rosalie Cullen.
- Darcy: From Pride and Prejudice. Notably, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy.
- Everdeen: From The Hunger Games. Notably, Katniss Everdeen and Prim Everdeen.
- Flintstone: From The Flintstones. Notably, Fred Flintstone and Wilma Flintstone.
- Gatsby: From The Great Gatsby. Notably, Jay Gatsby.
- Gilmore: From Gilmore Girls. Notably, Rory Gilmore and Lorelai Gilmore.
- Golightly: From Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Notably, Holly Golightly.
- Granger: From Harry Potter. Notably, Hermione Granger.
- Holmes: From The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Notably, Sherlock Holmes.
- Jekyll: From The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Notably, Dr. Henry Jekyll.
- Jetson: From The Jetsons. Notably, George Jetson, Jane Jetson, and Elroy Jetson.
- Lannister: From Game of Thrones. Notably, Cersei Lannister and Tyrion Lannister.
- Lecter: From The Silence of the Lambs. Notably, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
- Malfoy: From Harry Potter. Notably, Draco Malfoy, Lucius Malfoy, and Narcissa Malfoy.
- McFly: From Back to the Future. Notably, Marty McFly and George McFly.
- Potter: From Harry Potter. Notably, Harry Potter, James Potter, and Lily Potter.
- Scrooge: From A Christmas Carol. Notably, Ebenezer Scrooge.
- Simpson: From The Simpsons. Notably, Homer Simpson and Marge Simpson.
- Skywalker: From Star Wars. Notably, Luke Skywalker and Anakin Skywalker.
- Soprano: From The Sopranos. Notably, Tony Soprano and Carmela Soprano.
- Sparrow: From Pirates of the Caribbean. Notably, Captain Jack Sparrow.
- Stark: From Iron Man and Game of Thrones. Notably, Tony Stark & the Stark Family.
- Swan: From Twilight. Notably, Bella Swan and Charlie Swan.
- Weasley: From Harry Potter. Notably, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, and Fred Weasley.
- Wonka: From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Notably, Willy Wonka.

Section 9 of 9:

Celebrity Last Names

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Certain celebrities have immediately recognizable surnames (like Kardashian). While there are plenty of famous celebs out there, some public figures have such notoriety and such unique surnames that you know who someone’s speaking about from their cool last name alone. Below, you’ll find some of the most famous last names that are attached to the celebrities who made them infamous:^{[9]
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- Ali: Notably, Muhammad Ali, an American boxer and activist.
- Aniston: Notably, Jennifer Aniston, an American actress.
- Baldwin: Notably, Alec Baldwin, an American actor and film producer.
- Beckham: Notably, David Beckham, an English footballer.
- Bieber: Notably, Justin Bieber, a Canadian singer.
- Bullock: Notably, Sandra Bullock, an American actress and film producer.
- Chaplin: Notably, Charlie Chaplin, an English comic actor and filmmaker.
- Cruise: Notably, Tom Cruise, an American actor.
- Depp: Notably, Johnny Depp, an American actor.
- DiCaprio: Notably, Leonardo DiCaprio, an American actor.
- Fonda: Notably, Jane Fonda, an American actress and activist.
- Garland: Notably, Judy Garland, an American actress and singer.
- Hepburn: Notably, Audrey Hepburn, a British actress and humanitarian.
- Hanks: Notably, Tom Hanks, an American actor and filmmaker.
- Jackson: Notably, Michael Jackson, an American singer and dancer.
- Kardashian: Notably, Kim Kardashian, an American media personality.
- Lennon: Notably, John Lennon, an English singer-songwriter and musician.
- Messi: Notably, Lionel Messi, an Argentine footballer.
- Monroe: Notably, Marilyn Monroe, an American actress and model.
- Pitt: Notably, Brad Pitt, an American actor.
- Presley: Notably, Elvis Presley, an American singer and actor.
- Sheen: Notably, Martin Sheen, an American actor.
- Spielberg: Notably, Steven Spielberg, an American filmmaker.
- Streep: Notably, Meryl Streep, an American actress.
- Swift: Notably, Taylor Swift, an American singer-songwriter.
- Winfrey: Notably, Oprah Winfrey, an American TV host and producer.

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