NameCensus.

UK surname

Spencer

An occupational surname referring to someone who dispensed supplies or provisions.

In the 1881 census there were 27,278 people recorded with the Spencer surname, ranking it #117 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 35,887, ranked #145, down from #117 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Rochdale, London parishes and Halifax. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Derbyshire Dales and Rossendale.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Spencer is 37,715 in 1999. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 31.6%.

1881 census count

27,278

Ranked #117

Modern count

35,887

2016, ranked #145

Peak year

1999

37,715 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Spencer had 27,278 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #117 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 35,887 in 2016, ranked #145.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 36,928 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Spencer surname distribution map

The map shows where the Spencer surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Spencer surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Spencer over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 18,060 #121
1861 historical 19,444 #109
1881 historical 27,278 #117
1891 historical 29,671 #113
1901 historical 33,316 #122
1911 historical 36,928 #104
1997 modern 36,378 #132
1998 modern 37,523 #132
1999 modern 37,715 #133
2000 modern 37,272 #135
2001 modern 36,356 #134
2002 modern 36,952 #136
2003 modern 36,007 #139
2004 modern 35,942 #140
2005 modern 35,407 #140
2006 modern 35,304 #140
2007 modern 35,477 #141
2008 modern 35,667 #140
2009 modern 36,481 #140
2010 modern 37,209 #140
2011 modern 36,624 #140
2012 modern 35,710 #142
2013 modern 36,473 #142
2014 modern 36,670 #142
2015 modern 36,163 #142
2016 modern 35,887 #145

Geography

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Where Spencers are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Rochdale, London parishes, Halifax and Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Derbyshire Dales and Rossendale. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Rochdale Lancashire
2 London parishes London 1
3 Halifax Yorkshire, West Riding
4 Lenton, Radford, Papplewick, Nuthall, Greasley, Brewhouse Yard Nottinghamshire
5 London parishes London 3

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Derbyshire Dales 007 Derbyshire Dales
2 Derbyshire Dales 006 Derbyshire Dales
3 Derbyshire Dales 008 Derbyshire Dales
4 Rossendale 010 Rossendale
5 Derbyshire Dales 005 Derbyshire Dales

Forenames

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First names often paired with Spencer

These lists show first names that appear often with the Spencer surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Spencer

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Spencer, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Spencer surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Spencer household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers

Within London, Spencer is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector Professional Support Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Mainly located in Inner London, these neighbourhoods retain a diverse employment structure, with some concentration in associated professional and technical occupations rather than skilled trades or construction. Social renting is more common and levels of homeownership are low. Many residents identify as Black. There is a lower than average rate of marriage or civil partnership, few that are very old (85 or over) and higher than average incidence of disability.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Spencer is most concentrated in decile 8 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

8
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Spencer falls in decile 1 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname towards the more deprived end of the index.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

1
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Spencer is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Spencer, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Spencer

The surname Spencer originated in England, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the late 12th century. It is derived from the Old French word "despenser," meaning "steward" or "officer in charge of provisions." The name likely emerged from the occupation of a household steward or butler.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Spencer surname appears in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1176, referring to a person named William le Despenser. The name was also found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript survey of England completed in 1086 under the orders of William the Conqueror.

In the 13th century, the Spencer family rose to prominence in England, with members holding important positions in the royal court. One notable figure was Hugh le Despenser (c. 1262-1326), a powerful nobleman and the chief adviser to King Edward II. He was executed during the reign of Edward III for his alleged abuse of power and influence over the king.

Another prominent Spencer was Henry Spencer (c. 1517-1591), a member of the landed gentry in Northamptonshire. He served as a Member of Parliament and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1559. His descendants played influential roles in English politics and society over the following centuries.

In the 17th century, Robert Spencer (1570-1627), a wealthy landowner from Northamptonshire, was created Baron Spencer of Wormleighton in 1603. His son, Henry Spencer (1620-1643), was killed in the English Civil War while fighting for the Royalist cause.

The Spencer family continued to hold significant wealth and influence in England, with several members serving as Members of Parliament and holding various titles and estates. One of the most famous Spencers was Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), who was born Diana Spencer before her marriage to Prince Charles.

Other notable individuals with the Spencer surname include Gilbert Spencer (1892-1979), a British painter and etcher; Edmund Spenser (c. 1552-1599), an English poet best known for his epic work "The Faerie Queene"; and Lilian Spencer (1898-1981), an American chemist and the first African American woman to earn a doctoral degree in chemistry.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Spencer families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Spencer surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Lancashire leads with 5,592 Spencers recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.77x.

County Total Index
Lancashire 5,592 1.77x
Yorkshire 4,601 1.74x
Middlesex 2,301 0.86x
Derbyshire 1,552 3.72x
Nottinghamshire 1,302 3.62x
Warwickshire 1,135 1.69x
Surrey 1,116 0.86x
Hampshire 894 1.64x
Leicestershire 804 2.72x
Lincolnshire 665 1.56x
Staffordshire 611 0.68x
Northamptonshire 604 2.41x
Cheshire 571 0.97x
Gloucestershire 492 0.94x
Kent 461 0.51x
Durham 403 0.51x
Essex 302 0.57x
Norfolk 286 0.70x
Worcestershire 276 0.79x
Wiltshire 264 1.12x
Devon 242 0.44x
Somerset 241 0.56x
Northumberland 217 0.55x
Sussex 210 0.47x
Hertfordshire 182 0.99x
Dorset 174 0.99x
Shropshire 160 0.69x
Glamorgan 144 0.31x
Berkshire 141 0.70x
Oxfordshire 132 0.80x
Monmouthshire 131 0.68x
Herefordshire 120 1.10x
Lanarkshire 108 0.13x
Suffolk 108 0.33x
Buckinghamshire 102 0.63x
Bedfordshire 94 0.68x
Huntingdonshire 71 1.34x
Cambridgeshire 70 0.41x
Cumberland 50 0.22x
Ayrshire 47 0.24x
Rutland 39 1.99x
Flintshire 38 0.53x
Midlothian 30 0.08x
Channel Islands 24 0.30x
Renfrewshire 24 0.12x
Royal Navy 24 0.76x
Westmorland 23 0.39x
Carmarthenshire 20 0.18x
Cornwall 20 0.07x
Isle of Man 18 0.36x
Montgomeryshire 18 0.29x
Pembrokeshire 9 0.11x
Brecknockshire 8 0.15x
Perthshire 8 0.07x
Aberdeenshire 7 0.03x
Angus 7 0.03x
Orkney 7 0.24x
Buteshire 5 0.31x
Radnorshire 5 0.23x
Roxburghshire 5 0.10x
Anglesey 4 0.08x
Argyllshire 3 0.04x
Merionethshire 3 0.06x
Stirlingshire 3 0.03x
Caernarfonshire 2 0.02x
Denbighshire 2 0.02x
East Lothian 2 0.06x
Kirkcudbrightshire 2 0.05x
Berwickshire 1 0.03x
Dunbartonshire 1 0.01x
Fife 1 0.01x
Peeblesshire 1 0.08x
West Lothian 1 0.02x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Aston in Warwickshire leads with 294 Spencers recorded in 1881 and an index of 1.59x.

Place Total Index
Aston 294 1.59x
Birmingham 276 1.23x
Nottingham St Mary 249 2.68x
Bury 237 6.56x
St Pancras London 221 1.03x
Burnley 211 7.92x
Bradford 209 3.27x
Lambeth 209 0.90x
Islington London 204 0.79x
Everton 200 1.98x
Leicester St Margaret 185 2.57x
Leeds 183 1.23x
Habergham Eaves 177 6.12x
Oldham 173 1.69x
Manchester 172 1.21x
Belper 168 20.75x
Preston 167 1.97x
Halifax 165 4.25x
West Derby 165 1.78x
Liverpool 157 0.82x
Newchurch 155 5.99x
Camberwell 153 0.90x
Portsea 150 1.40x
St Marylebone London 139 0.98x
Basford 135 8.15x
Shoreditch London 135 1.17x
Sheffield 133 1.58x
Keighley 132 4.69x
Northowram 126 6.80x
Hackney London 124 0.83x
Battersea 122 1.24x
Blackburn 120 1.43x
Kensington London 117 0.79x
Middleton By Wirksworth 116 263.64x
Warrington 115 3.07x
Castleton 110 3.48x
West Ham 107 0.92x
Salford 105 1.13x
Huddersfield 99 2.57x
Mile End Old Town 99 2.35x
Horton In Bradford 95 2.30x
Bethnal Green London 94 0.81x
Holy Trinity 92 1.45x
Skircoat 91 8.73x
Leicester St Mary 88 3.68x
Sutton In Ashfield 88 11.28x
Colne 86 9.12x
Brighton 85 0.94x
Nether Hallam 84 2.35x
Northwood 84 10.79x
St George Hanover 84 2.41x
Bowling 81 3.09x
Manningham 80 2.46x
North Meols 80 2.58x
Ecclesall Bierlow 79 1.47x
Paddington London 77 0.79x
Accrington 75 2.61x
Hulme 75 1.14x
Middletonby Wirksworth 74 180.14x
Bingley 73 4.34x
Toxteth Park 71 0.66x
Alfreton 70 5.52x
Cheltenham 70 1.73x
Southampton St Mary 70 2.04x
Thornton In Bradford 70 7.96x
Higher Booths 69 12.09x
Derby St Peter 68 5.11x
Bermondsey 67 0.84x
Hunslet 66 1.60x
Tottington Lower End 66 4.39x
West Bromwich 65 1.26x
Bromley London 64 1.09x
Lathom 64 16.75x
Snenton 63 4.46x
Brightside Bierlow 62 1.20x
Chelsea London 62 0.77x
Chorlton On Medlock 61 1.21x
Cowpe Lench Newhall Hey 61 18.04x
Deptford St Paul 61 0.87x
Idle 60 4.90x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Spencer surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 1,977
Sarah 1,087
Elizabeth 1,067
Ann 555
Jane 512
Alice 487
Ellen 464
Emma 405
Annie 386
Eliza 370
Hannah 311
Martha 305
Margaret 298
Emily 291
Harriet 186
Fanny 182
Ada 181
Louisa 170
Charlotte 158
Maria 157
Florence 146
Edith 129
Clara 124
Caroline 122
Catherine 122
Kate 110
Lucy 110
Agnes 98
Frances 97
Isabella 97
Anne 86
Harriett 72
Matilda 71
Susan 71
Esther 67
Selina 63
Rebecca 61
Rose 57
Amelia 56
Elizth. 56
Amy 55
Susannah 55
Lydia 53
Ruth 49
Betsy 47
Eleanor 46
Minnie 43
Sophia 43
Gertrude 40
Grace 40

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Spencer surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 1,670
William 1,580
Thomas 943
George 903
James 862
Henry 557
Joseph 478
Charles 471
Robert 331
Edward 317
Samuel 314
Arthur 273
Richard 273
Alfred 248
Frederick 227
Walter 179
Harry 176
Albert 158
Herbert 123
Frank 117
Edwin 105
Ernest 84
David 80
Francis 75
Fred 70
Benjamin 65
Wm. 64
Isaac 58
Tom 52
Thos. 51
Stephen 42
Edmund 39
Peter 38
Daniel 37
Hugh 37
Abraham 36
Fredk. 29
Christopher 27
Geo. 25
Matthew 25
Mark 24
Jonathan 23
Sidney 23
Percy 22
Harold 21
Michael 21
Anthony 20
Sam 20
Jesse 19
Jno. 19

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Spencer households.

FAQ

Spencer surname: questions and answers

How common was the Spencer surname in 1881?

In 1881, 27,278 people were recorded with the Spencer surname. That placed it at #117 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Spencer surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 35,887 in 2016. That gives Spencer a modern rank of #145.

What does the Spencer surname mean?

An occupational surname referring to someone who dispensed supplies or provisions.

What does the Spencer map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Spencer bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.