What Does the Name Spencer Mean?
Spencer is a boy's name of English (from Norman French) origin meaning “steward; dispenser of provisions.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Spencer |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | English (from Norman French) |
| Meaning | steward; dispenser of provisions |
| Variants | Spenser, Spence |
| Popularity | Most popular as a boys' given name in the United States and United Kingdom. |
The meaning and origin of Spencer
The name Spencer means “steward; dispenser of provisions” and has English (from Norman French) origins. An English occupational surname from Middle English 'spenser' (one who dispenses provisions in a household), from Old French 'despenser'. Long established as a given name.
Variants and related names
Spencer is related to several other names you may recognize: Spenser, Spence. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Spencer?
Most popular as a boys' given name in the United States and United Kingdom.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Spencer mean?+
The name Spencer means “steward; dispenser of provisions” and is of English (from Norman French) origin.
What is the origin of the name Spencer?+
Spencer originates from English (from Norman French).
Is Spencer a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Spencer has trended in the US over time.
Spencer by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press