Spencer
Spencer is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Dispenser of provisions or steward.
Origin and history
Spencer originated as an English occupational surname denoting a dispenser of provisions or a steward. It transitioned into a popular given name in the United States during the late 20th century. Today, it remains a well-established and classic choice for boys.
Popularity in the United States
123,931 babies in the United States have been named Spencer since 1880. It ranks #271 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #343.
States where it is most popular
- CA (10.8 %)
- TX (5.6 %)
- NY (5.3 %)
- UT (4.6 %)
- OH (4.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 313 |
| 1890-1900 | 309 |
| 1900-1910 | 396 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,373 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,866 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,786 |
| 1940-1950 | 3,036 |
| 1950-1960 | 3,154 |
| 1960-1970 | 4,416 |
| 1970-1980 | 6,897 |
| 1980-1990 | 15,183 |
| 1990-2000 | 38,182 |
| 2000-2010 | 27,452 |
| 2010-2019 | 13,826 |
| 2020-2029 | 5,742 |
Famous people named Spencer
- Spencer Tracy: Actor
- Spencer Dinwiddie: Basketball Player
- Spencer Rattler: Football Player
Nicknames
Spence
Fun facts
- The name stems from the Old French word 'despensier', referring to someone responsible for distributing food and supplies in a household.
- Spencer is famous as the family surname of British nobility, including Diana, Princess of Wales.