Surname Spens - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Spens: What does the surname Spens mean?
The surname Spens has origins in Scotland and is derived from the Old French word "despense", meaning "pantry" or "storeroom". It was typically given to someone who worked as a dispenser of provisions in a monastery or a large household. The earliest records of the name date back to the 12th and 13th centuries in Fife, Scotland. Occupationally related surnames were often assigned to individuals based on their profession or job role in the community, suggesting the earliest bearers of the Spens name likely held such positions. The name is sometimes spelled Spence or Spenser, and is related to the more formal 'Dispenser', meaning 'one who weighs'. Notable people with the surname Spens include artists, architects, academics, and athletes, indicating a range of distinguished interests and pursuits carried by bearers of the name.
Order DNA origin analysisSpens: Where does the name Spens come from?
The last name Spens is most commonly found in Scotland. The Spens surname is derived from the Latin word 'spensus' meaning 'dispenser' or 'steward'. This is thought to originate from the Anglo Saxon spion, which means 'one who dispenses provisions'.
In Scotland, the Spens family had significant power, both politically and socially, for many centuries. From the 13th century, Sir John De Spens (1180-1249) served as an important official in the court of William the Lion, King of Scotland.
The surname Spens has several variations, including Spence, Spens, Spencer, Spenser, and Speans. These different spellings can be found across multiple countries and regions. For example, records show the family name in Scotland and England, as well as other parts of Scandinavia and Europe.
In Scotland today, the Spens name is primarily found in the Highlands, mostly around the counties of Inverness-shire, Aberdeenshire, and Ross. Census data from 1891 and 1901 shows that the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Spens lived in and around Aberdeenshire.
Due the population growth, and to an increase in international migration, the last name Spens is now found around the world. For example, in developed countries such as the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, the Spens surname is quite common.
The Spens family has had an important legacy in Scotland. From humble beginnings, the name has spread across the globe, and today, has become an easily recognizable last name.
Variations of the surname Spens
The surname Spens is a coastal name of many variants and spellings. Originating from the Gaelic Mac Spàin or Mac Spàine, it is primarily rooted in Scotland, with some examples having been found in Caithness (pronounced kayth-ness).
Variants include Spence, Spyns and Spinks. Clans with similar spellings include Spaans, Spains, Spanes, Spanos, Spauns, Spohns and Spanos. Additional variations exist, such as Spanne, Speinz and Speins.
The Edinburgh directory of 1913 lists an abundance of people with the surname Spens living in the city, including Spence, Spinks and Spyns. As a coastal name, the vast majority lived near an area of sea, such as The Exchequer Close near Leith Walk.
The records of the Clan Tartan index the surname as belonging to the Dalgleish clan, where the most prominent septs are the Dunbar, Spence and Seton. The Tartan index also suggests additional tartan patterns that might be attributed to the surname.
Overall, the surname is an old Scottish name associated with the seacoast, with variations of spelling that could be seen as both a blessing and a curse. It is highly likely that anyone who bears the surname Spens is related, and the variants are numerous enough that each can create a unique identity with their different spelling choices.
Famous people with the name Spens
- Magnus Spens, Scottish Professional Footballer
- William Spens, Baron Spens of the Court of the Exchequer
- Buruzu Spens, Liberian Politician
- Evelyn Spens, Social Activist
- William Spens, British Politician and painter
- Dorothy Spens, British Screenwriter
- Edwin Spens, Australian Military Officer
- Joanne Spens, American Author
- Thomas Spens, British Naval Officer
- Carrie Spens, English Social Activist