Spencer Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Spencer Name Meaning

Fact: Spencer jackets are short, double-breasted jackets that were popular in the 18th century. They were named after George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer, who allegedly created the style by cutting off the tails of his coat.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Spencer Overview

Meaning

Steward, dispenser of provisions

Gender

Boy

Origin

British

Etymology

Derived from the Middle English word “spens,” meaning “steward” or “dispenser of provisions.”

Pronunciation

/ˈspɛn.sər/

Popularity

Spencer is a favored name in English-speaking countries, especially in the USA and the UK. In 2023, Spencer ranked #291 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

8 (Practical, Ambitious, Materialistic)

Name Styles

Classic, Cool, Traditional, Occupational

Associated Traits

Sophisticated, reliable, adaptable
A Deep Dive

Spencer Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Spence, Spenser, Vincenzo, Vincent

Common Nicknames

Spen, Penn, Spenny, Enzo, Sparky

Diminutives

Spency, Ence, Penny, Senny

Famous People

  • Spencer Tracy
    (American Actor)
  • Spencer Grammer
    (American Actress)
  • Spencer Pratt
    (American TV Personality)
  • Spencer Stone
    (American Air Force Veteran)
  • Spencer Breslin
    (American Actor)
  • Spencer Dinwiddie
    (American Basketball Player)
  • Spencer Tunick
    (American Photographer)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Spencer Hastings
    ("Pretty Little Liars," TV Series)
  • Spencer Reid
    ("Criminal Minds," TV Series)
  • Spencer Shay
    ("iCarly," TV Series)
  • Spencer Olchin
    ("The King of Queens," TV Series)
  • Spencer Strasmore
    ("Ballers," TV Series)
  • "Spencer"
    (Film)

Places

  • Spencer City
    (Iowa, USA)
  • Spencer Glacier
    (Alaska, USA)
  • Spencer Park
    (Christchurch, New Zealand)
  • Spencer Gulf
    (South Australia, Australia)
  • Spencer Butte
    (Oregon, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Spencer?

Spencer means “steward” or “keeper of provisions.” People with this name are often seen as responsible and reliable.

What Is the Origin of The Name Spencer?

Spencer comes from the Old French word “despencier,” meaning “dispenser of provisions.” It was originally a surname for someone who was a steward in a household or estate.

Spencer Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Spencer in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#3152021#3382022#3612023
Top 3 Rankings#841998#921999#961993

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Spencer

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023361
(-23 from 2022)
897
(-89 from 2022)
0.04899
2022338
(-23 from 2021)
986
(-63 from 2021)
0.05264
2021315
(+1 from 2020)
1049
(+3 from 2020)
0.05599
2020316
(+5 from 2019)
1046
(+9 from 2019)
0.05655
2019321
(-14 from 2018)
1037
(-75 from 2018)
0.05396
2018307
(-15 from 2017)
1112
(-98 from 2017)
0.05721
2017292
(-25 from 2016)
1210
(-161 from 2016)
0.06114
2016267
(-15 from 2015)
1371
(-62 from 2015)
0.06768
2015252
(-5 from 2014)
1433
(-87 from 2014)
0.07009
2014247
(+2 from 2013)
1520
(+63 from 2013)
0.07417
2013249
(-15 from 2012)
1457
(-79 from 2012)
0.07210
2012234
(-8 from 2011)
1536
(-48 from 2011)
0.07570
2011226
(+1 from 2010)
1584
(+30 from 2010)
0.07798
2010227
(-10 from 2009)
1554
(-142 from 2009)
0.07564
2009217
(-26 from 2008)
1696
(-396 from 2008)
0.07997
2008191
(-18 from 2007)
2092
(-273 from 2007)
0.09594
2007173
(+11 from 2006)
2365
(+179 from 2006)
0.10677
2006184
(-7 from 2005)
2186
(-130 from 2005)
0.09971
2005177
(-26 from 2004)
2316
(-348 from 2004)
0.10887
2004151
(-12 from 2003)
2664
(-244 from 2003)
0.12606
2003139
(-29 from 2002)
2908
(-540 from 2002)
0.13840
2002110
(-7 from 2001)
3448
(-284 from 2001)
0.16684
2001103
(-5 from 2000)
3732
(-312 from 2000)
0.18043
200098
(-6 from 1999)
4044
(-150 from 1999)
0.19365
199992
(-8 from 1998)
4194
(-425 from 1998)
0.20569
199884
(+20 from 1997)
4619
(+853 from 1997)
0.22780
1997104
(+5 from 1996)
3766
(+157 from 1996)
0.18851
1996109
(-5 from 1995)
3609
(-9 from 1995)
0.18011
1995104
(-6 from 1994)
3618
(-195 from 1994)
0.17988
199498
(-2 from 1993)
3813
(-70 from 1993)
0.18706
199396
(+3 from 1992)
3883
(+187 from 1992)
0.18799
199299
(+6 from 1991)
3696
(+133 from 1991)
0.17607
1991105
No change from 1990
3563
(+143 from 1990)
0.16809
1990105
(+1 from 1989)
3420
(+294 from 1989)
0.15892
1989106
(+8 from 1988)
3126
(+432 from 1988)
0.14914
1988114
(+10 from 1987)
2694
(+443 from 1987)
0.13455
1987124
(+40 from 1986)
2251
(+607 from 1986)
0.11542
1986164
(+52 from 1985)
1644
(+530 from 1985)
0.08555
1985216
(+22 from 1984)
1114
(+179 from 1984)
0.05789
1984238
No change from 1983
935
(-7 from 1983)
0.04982
1983238
(+10 from 1982)
942
(+16 from 1982)
0.05055
1982248
(+12 from 1981)
926
(+99 from 1981)
0.04907
1981260
(+27 from 1980)
827
(+106 from 1980)
0.04441
1980287
(-37 from 1979)
721
(-127 from 1979)
0.03887
1979250
(+18 from 1978)
848
(+111 from 1978)
0.04734
1978268
(+1 from 1977)
737
(+6 from 1977)
0.04313
1977269
(-13 from 1976)
731
(-40 from 1976)
0.04276
1976256
(+20 from 1975)
771
(+75 from 1975)
0.04723
1975276
(+44 from 1974)
696
(+132 from 1974)
0.04290
1974320
(-20 from 1973)
564
(-28 from 1973)
0.03460
1973300
(-1 from 1972)
592
(-29 from 1972)
0.03669
1972299
(+10 from 1971)
621
(-1 from 1971)
0.03710
1971309
(-18 from 1970)
622
(-95 from 1970)
0.03422
1970291
(-11 from 1969)
717
(+8 from 1969)
0.03764
1969280
(+48 from 1968)
709
(+169 from 1968)
0.03876
1968328
(+62 from 1967)
540
(+165 from 1967)
0.03042
1967390
(+1 from 1966)
375
(+9 from 1966)
0.02107
1966391
(-36 from 1965)
366
(-91 from 1965)
0.02014
1965355
(+30 from 1964)
457
(+31 from 1964)
0.02412
1964385
(+12 from 1963)
426
(+17 from 1963)
0.02102
1963397
(+14 from 1962)
409
(+29 from 1962)
0.01981
1962411
(-13 from 1961)
380
(-18 from 1961)
0.01808
1961398
(+25 from 1960)
398
(+41 from 1960)
0.01845
1960423
(+25 from 1959)
357
(+38 from 1959)
0.01649
1959448
(+17 from 1958)
319
(+35 from 1958)
0.01472
1958465
No change from 1957
284
(+9 from 1957)
0.01318
1957465
(-35 from 1956)
275
(-33 from 1956)
0.01256
1956430
(-26 from 1955)
308
(-17 from 1955)
0.01435
1955404
(+16 from 1954)
325
(+34 from 1954)
0.01555
1954420
(-16 from 1953)
291
(-4 from 1953)
0.01406
1953404
(-38 from 1952)
295
(-45 from 1952)
0.01473
1952366
(-22 from 1951)
340
(-55 from 1951)
0.01723
1951344
(+34 from 1950)
395
(+73 from 1950)
0.02066
1950378
(-2 from 1949)
322
(+3 from 1949)
0.01770
1949376
(+8 from 1948)
319
(+5 from 1948)
0.01770
1948384
(-11 from 1947)
314
(-23 from 1947)
0.01761
1947373
No change from 1946
337
(+34 from 1946)
0.01814
1946373
(-9 from 1945)
303
(+37 from 1945)
0.01836
1945364
(-8 from 1944)
266
(-16 from 1944)
0.01940
1944356
(-29 from 1943)
282
(-69 from 1943)
0.02030
1943327
(+17 from 1942)
351
(+38 from 1942)
0.02413
1942344
(-7 from 1941)
313
(+22 from 1941)
0.02223
1941337
(+14 from 1940)
291
(+31 from 1940)
0.02319
1940351
(-6 from 1939)
260
No change from 1939
0.02192
1939345
(+52 from 1938)
260
(+54 from 1938)
0.02294
1938397
(+26 from 1937)
206
(+26 from 1937)
0.01813
1937423
(-29 from 1936)
180
(-13 from 1936)
0.01646
1936394
(+53 from 1935)
193
(+30 from 1935)
0.01813
1935447
(-37 from 1934)
163
(-22 from 1934)
0.01524
1934410
(+35 from 1933)
185
(+30 from 1933)
0.01742
1933445
(+23 from 1932)
155
(+4 from 1932)
0.01519
1932468
(+10 from 1931)
151
(+10 from 1931)
0.01405
1931478
(+2 from 1930)
141
(-12 from 1930)
0.01318
1930480
(-13 from 1929)
153
(-4 from 1929)
0.01355
1929467
(+4 from 1928)
157
(-11 from 1928)
0.01417
1928471
(-14 from 1927)
168
(-12 from 1927)
0.01472
1927457
(-3 from 1926)
180
(+4 from 1926)
0.01549
1926454
(-1 from 1925)
176
(-1 from 1925)
0.01537
1925453
(-8 from 1924)
177
(-11 from 1924)
0.01537
1924445
(-16 from 1923)
188
(-11 from 1923)
0.01608
1923429
(+1 from 1922)
199
(+2 from 1922)
0.01758
1922430
(+7 from 1921)
197
(+2 from 1921)
0.01751
1921437
(-46 from 1920)
195
(-34 from 1920)
0.01714
1920391
(+81 from 1919)
229
(+69 from 1919)
0.02080
1919472
(-64 from 1918)
160
(-50 from 1918)
0.01576
1918408
(-12 from 1917)
210
(+6 from 1917)
0.02003
1917396
(+38 from 1916)
204
(+35 from 1916)
0.02127
1916434
(+6 from 1915)
169
(+16 from 1915)
0.01831
1915440
(-7 from 1914)
153
(+29 from 1914)
0.01737
1914433
(-55 from 1913)
124
No change from 1913
0.01815
1913378
(-1 from 1912)
124
(+19 from 1912)
0.02312
1912377
(-54 from 1911)
105
(+35 from 1911)
0.02326
1911323
(+14 from 1910)
70
(+16 from 1910)
0.02900
1910337
(-7 from 1909)
54
(+5 from 1909)
0.02590
1909330
(-56 from 1908)
49
(-12 from 1908)
0.02771
1908274
(+57 from 1907)
61
(+20 from 1907)
0.03667
1907331
(+69 from 1906)
41
(+12 from 1906)
0.02585
1906400
(-78 from 1905)
29
(-9 from 1905)
0.02013
1905322
(-34 from 1904)
38
(-6 from 1904)
0.02653
1904288
(+72 from 1903)
44
(+16 from 1903)
0.03177
1903360
(-12 from 1902)
28
(-4 from 1902)
0.02165
1902348
(-23 from 1901)
32
(+2 from 1901)
0.02411
1901325
(-6 from 1900)
30
(-14 from 1900)
0.02595
1900319
(-43 from 1899)
44
(+5 from 1899)
0.02714
1899276
(+12 from 1898)
39
(-1 from 1898)
0.03386
1898288
(+104 from 1897)
40
(+17 from 1897)
0.03028
1897392
(-29 from 1896)
23
(-5 from 1896)
0.01886
1896363
(-58 from 1895)
28
(-7 from 1895)
0.02169
1895305
(+44 from 1894)
35
(+8 from 1894)
0.02764
1894349
(+42 from 1893)
27
(+6 from 1893)
0.02162
1893391
(-71 from 1892)
21
(-12 from 1892)
0.01735
1892320
(-37 from 1891)
33
No change from 1891
0.02510
1891283
(+33 from 1890)
33
(+3 from 1890)
0.03020
1890316
(+16 from 1889)
30
(+2 from 1889)
0.02506
1889332
(-46 from 1888)
28
(-10 from 1888)
0.02352
1888286
(-39 from 1887)
38
(-3 from 1887)
0.02925
1887247
(+70 from 1886)
41
(+12 from 1886)
0.03751
1886317
(+47 from 1885)
29
(+6 from 1885)
0.02436
1885364
(-58 from 1884)
23
(-9 from 1884)
0.01984
1884306
(+3 from 1883)
32
(+4 from 1883)
0.02607
1883309
(-11 from 1882)
28
(-5 from 1882)
0.02489
1882298
(+20 from 1881)
33
(+7 from 1881)
0.02704
1881318
(-36 from 1880)
26
(-9 from 1880)
0.02401
1880282
First SSA data recorded
35
First SSA data recorded
0.02956

American States Popularity Rankings for Spencer

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#5912021#4352022#5682023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#5832021#5162022#5172023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#2962021#2842022#2922023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3382021#2522022#3472023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#2452021#2212022#3072023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3742021#4062022#5782023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#2852021#2322022#2862023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#3012021#3672022#3882023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#3122021#3352022#4202023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#3092021#4452022#3222023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#1952021#2852022#3262023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#4032021#3982022#3662023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3022021#3692022#4012023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2602021#2792022#3582023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#3342021#2612022#3782023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2142021#3332022#2142023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3492021#4502022#2232023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#2242021#2232022#3642023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#3422021#3792022#3632023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2952021#3902022#2772023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#2942021#3852022#6282023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#3302021#5012022#6752023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#3222021#2642022#1702023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#3632021#5072022#4652023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#2702021#2972022#2882023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#2742021#2262022#3772023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#4002021#3252022#4172023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#2232021#2182022#2522023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#3132021#2742022#3202023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#3762021#2192022#3122023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#3102021#3502022#3152023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#3522021#4792022#3782023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#2842021#2772022#2522023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1782020#2162021#2702023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#2422021#4562022#4112023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3362021#4912022#2432023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#4882020#4892021#5722022

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2192020#1822021#1962023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1782020#1612021#1822022

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2732017#2402018#2982021

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2472020#2302021#1682022

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2412021#3292022#1762023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2382013#2792014#2352016

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2582011#2362015#2462016

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2752019#2622020#1362023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3922015#4362016#4322019

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1362019#1282022#1702023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1522015#1352016#1252021

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1242014#1512016#782020

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1462008#1612010#2152022

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1932020#2492021#2162023

Popularity Rankings for Spencer in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#672020#912021#932023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#822021#782022#712023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#1602019#1702020#1992021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#1722021#2282022#2782023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2082021#2262022#2892023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2262021#3522022#3122023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#3642021#6572022#2882023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#9602020#7992021#3762022

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#7362014#6632016#5992017

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#8752022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Spencer a Name for Boys or Girls?

The name Spencer is gender-neutral, suitable for any child regardless of gender, emphasizing its versatile and timeless appeal.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Spencer

Spencer in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Spencer Tracy (Actor, 1900–1967): An American actor who won two Academy Awards for Best Actor and starred in many classic films.
  • Spencer Grammer (Actress, born 1983): An American actress known for her roles in the TV series "Greek" and as the voice of Summer in "Rick and Morty."
  • Spencer Pratt (TV Personality, born 1983): An American television personality who gained fame on the reality TV show "The Hills."
  • Spencer Stone (Air Force Veteran, born 1992): An American Air Force staff sergeant celebrated for his heroism during the 2015 Thalys train attack.
  • Spencer Breslin (Actor, born 1992): An American actor who appeared in films such as "The Kid" and "The Cat in the Hat."
  • Spencer Dinwiddie (Basketball Player, born 1993): An American professional basketball player in the NBA.
  • Spencer Tunick (Photographer, born 1967): An American photographer best known for his large-scale nude installations.
  • Spencer Hastings ("Pretty Little Liars," 2010 TV Series): A smart and determined high school student who becomes embroiled in mysterious events.
  • Spencer Reid ("Criminal Minds," 2005 TV Series): A genius FBI profiler with an eidetic memory and a knack for solving complex cases.
  • Spencer Shay ("iCarly," 2007 TV Series): The eccentric and creative older brother of Carly who often provides comic relief.
  • Spencer Olchin ("The King of Queens," 1998 TV Series): Doug's friend and a fellow delivery driver with a quirky personality.
  • Spencer Strasmore ("Ballers," 2015 TV Series): A retired NFL player turned financial manager who navigates the world of sports business.
  • "Spencer" (2021 Film): A biographical drama about Princess Diana's decision to end her marriage to Prince Charles.
  • Spencer City (Iowa, USA): A city located in Clay County, recognized for its historic architecture and annual Clay County Fair.
  • Spencer Glacier (Alaska, USA): A glacier located in the Chugach National Forest, accessible by train or boat.
  • Spencer Park (Christchurch, New Zealand): A large public park offering various recreational activities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.
  • Spencer Gulf (South Australia, Australia): A large inlet on the southern coast of Australia, surrounded by coastal towns and marine wildlife.
  • Spencer Butte (Oregon, USA): A prominent hill in Eugene offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and popular hiking trails.
  • Spencer Creek (Ontario, Canada): A creek in southern Ontario that flows into Cootes Paradise in Hamilton.
  • Spencer Lake (Washington, USA): A freshwater lake located in Mason County, popular for boating and fishing.

Similar Names to Spencer

Sibling Names for Spencer

Parents Who Like the Name Spencer Also Like

I’m thrilled to help with your name journey. Spencer might just be the perfect fit. Talk again soon!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *