Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Spencer

Spencer

♀ Girl

Pronounced SPEN-ser /ˈspɛn.sər/High

Meaning: Dispenser of provisions; steward; from Old French despencier (one who gives out provisions), from despense (expense, pantry)High

In 30 seconds: An English occupational surname meaning 'dispenser of provisions' or 'steward,' from Old French. Associated with Princess Diana's family name Spencer, it has been trending for girls since the 2010s.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighEnglish, French
MeaningDispenser of provisions; steward; from Old French despencier (one who gives out provisions), from despense (expense, pantry)
U.S. rank (2025)#1025 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births245 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,706

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201719222025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Spencer is an English occupational surname from Old French despencier (one who manages or dispenses provisions), from despense (expenditure, pantry). The Spencer family became one of England's most prominent aristocratic houses.

Spencer appeared for boys in U.S. charts from the 19th century and has been growing for girls since the 2010s. It ranked #1119 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Princess Diana was born Diana Spencer — and the Spencer surname's connection to British nobility goes back centuries. Her family, the Spencers of Althorp, is one of England's great aristocratic families dating to the 15th century.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Spencer — Old French etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Spenser

Nicknames

Spence

Famous Bearers

  • ★Spencer Grammer (1983-)
    American actress voicing Summer Smith in Rick and Morty

If you like Spencer…

Harper— occupational surname name at the top of U.S. girls' charts
Carter— occupational surname name in the same crossover trend
Emerson— three-syllable literary surname on the same girl-name arc
Lennon— two-syllable musical surname with the same cool appeal

Explore names like Spencer

By themeenglishunisexfrenchsurname-styleoccupationalaristocratic

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Spencer mean?

Spencer means 'dispenser of provisions' or 'steward,' from Old French despencier (one who gives out provisions).

How do you pronounce Spencer?

It's said SPEN-ser — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Spencer a boy or girl name?

Spencer is primarily a boys' name historically but has been trending for girls since around 2015.

How popular is Spencer?

Spencer ranked #1119 for U.S. girls in 2024.

💬 Ask Nia