Surname Spence - Meaning and Origin

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P. Spence

Spence: What does the surname Spence mean?

The last name Spence has several potential origins and meanings. Firstly, it's derived from the Middle English term "spens" or "spence," which means 'dispensary' or 'storeroom.' In medieval times, a spence was a place where provisions were stored, and a 'spencer' was the person in charge of this function. This implies that an individual with the Spence surname might have had ancestors who were responsible for managing and dispensing provisions.

Another interpretation suggests the name Spence originated from the region of Spensa in Italy. Immigrants from this area might have taken the name as an identifier of their geographical origins.

Moreover, in Scotland and Northumberland, the surname Spence is thought to come from the Old French word "despense," which was an occupational name for a steward. The steward was in charge of the pantry of a medieval household and was responsible for provisioning and keeping an account of all spending.

Therefore, the last name Spence likely originates from roles related to the provision and management of goods, with it possibly being associated with Italian geographical origins.

Spence: Where does the name Spence come from?

The last name Spence is most likely to be found primarily in English-speaking countries and cultures. In England, Scotland and Wales, Spence remains most common in the North-East, Northern Ireland, and Glasow. In Canada, the last name is most likely to be found in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, and Ontario. In the United States, the name is particularly common in Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.

In the United States, Spence is the 508th most popular surname, and in England and Wales, it is the 512th most common. Data from Great Britain also shows that the last name is most likely to be found in the women's population. However, Scotland is the most popular geographical region where the name is found, with just under 0.1% of the population bearing the last name Spence.

Overall, the name Spence is seen as a primary north-eastern name, typically concentrated in the celtic and anglican cultural regions. The name can be seen as having a long and distinguished history, first appearing in the 13th century governing systems of heraldry throughout the British Isles. Today, it remains an uncommon but deeply rooted surname that transcends generations.

Variations of the surname Spence

The surname Spence is an English patronymic surname of Anglo-Norman origin meaning "descendant of Spencer". Variations of the surname include Spenser, Spens, Spencie, Spencey, and Spensley. Spellings may also vary, with some examples being, Spens, Spensce, Spensure, Spensley, Spensser and Spynsor.

Variants of the surname Spence in other languages may include Szpankowski in Polish, Van den Spenc in Dutch, and Fentzen in German.

In Scotland, Spence may derive from the Gaelic forms Mac Eachainn or MacEwen. These forms are also considered variants.

Surnames of similar origin to Spence may also include the following names: Pentland, Prentis, Speight, Spight, Speer, Spiers, Spires, Speers, Spearing, Speers, Spry, and Spruell.

The Scottish origins of the name Spence lead to a history of many bearers of the name being located there and it still can be found in Scotland in large numbers. In England, the largest concentrations of people bearing this name can be found in Cheshire, England, followed by Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Famous people with the name Spence

• Ari Spence, actor
• Chris Spence, politician
• David Spence, entrepreneur
• Elijah Spence, actor
• Emma Spence, TV presenter
• Hilary Spence, artist
• Jack Spence, zookeeper
• John Spence, singer
• Jonathan Spence, historian
• Matthew Spence, astronaut
• Noel Spence, singer
• Richard Spence, actor
• Robin Spence, historian
• Ryan Spence, sportscaster
• Scott Spence, actor
• Sam Spence, film composer
• William Spence, politician
• Elizabeth Spence, model
• Galen Spence, congressional candidate
• Giuliana Spence, athlete

Other surnames

Spence-ThomasSpencer