Spencer
Spencer: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈspɛnsə/ · /ˈspɛnsɚ/
Meaning and origin of Spencer
Root meaning: “spencer”
- A unisex given name.
- A male given name transferred from the surname, of general 19th century and later usage.
- A female given name transferred from the surname, of modern usage.
Etymology
An occupational surname from Middle English Spenser, Spencer, Spensier, from the common noun spenser (“spencer”), denoting someone who works in a spense (“spence”), or as a butler or steward.
How popular is Spencer?
Since 1880, 5,707 girls and 123,931 boys in the U.S. have been named Spencer (4% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #981 in 2017. Its highest rank for boys was #84 in 1998. In 2025 it ranked #360 for boys, with 1,153 babies given the name.
Names similar to Spencer
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Spencer
Sister and brother names that share Spencer's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Spencer FAQ
What does the name Spencer mean?
Spencer traces back to a root meaning "spencer". A unisex given name. A male given name transferred from the surname, of general 19th century and later usage. A female given name transferred from the surname, of modern usage. An occupational surname from Middle English Spenser, Spencer, Spensier, from the common noun spenser (“spencer”), denoting someone who works in a spense (“spence”), or as a butler or steward.
What is the origin of the name Spencer?
Spencer is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Spencer?
Since 1880, 5,707 girls and 123,931 boys in the U.S. have been named Spencer (4% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #981 in 2017. Its highest rank for boys was #84 in 1998. In 2025 it ranked #360 for boys, with 1,153 babies given the name.
Is Spencer a boy or girl name?
Spencer is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 5,707 girls and 123,931 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.