Declining since 1999, #360 for boys today.
Popularity of Spencer since 1880
Babies named Spencer per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 313 |
| 1890s | 309 |
| 1900s | 396 |
| 1910s | 1,373 |
| 1920s | 1,866 |
| 1930s | 1,786 |
| 1940s | 3,036 |
| 1950s | 3,154 |
| 1960s | 4,416 |
| 1970s | 6,897 |
| 1980s | 15,183 |
| 1990s | 38,182 |
| 2000s | 27,452 |
| 2010s | 13,826 |
| 2020s | 5,742 |
Meaning & origin
Spencer has been in consistent use since 1880, when it first appeared in U.S. birth records. It reached its peak rank of 48 in 1998, reflecting a surge in popularity during the 1990s. Since 1999, however, it has been on a downward trajectory, falling to rank 360 in 2025, with roughly 1 in 1,881 newborns given the name. The states where Spencer has been most common include South Dakota, Maine, and West Virginia, suggesting a concentration in the Midwest and Northeast. While no longer near its peak, Spencer maintains steady usage as a classic surname-style first name. The decline from its 1990s high reflects broader naming trends away from once-fashionable choices, but it remains a familiar and well-regarded option.
Spencer derives from the Middle English term 'spenser,' meaning 'steward' or 'butler,' in turn from Old French 'despensier' (one who dispenses provisions). The name originally referred to an official responsible for managing household supplies. It evolved from an occupational surname into a given name in the 19th century, gaining popularity especially in the United States.
Where Spencer is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Spencer” around the world
Where Spencer lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#83
in 2025
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Australia (NSW)
#47
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec) · NSW Registry of BDM (Australia (NSW)).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Spence, Spennie, Spencey
Variants: Spenser
Sibling names for Spencer
Names that share Spencer's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Evelyn, Grace, Charlotte, Audrey, Harper, Elyse, Palmer, Sevyn, Maelynn, Symone, Dabney, Laurelle, Jeneva, Sinclaire, Subrina, Bennette, Meridee, Sabrie
Brothers: Harrison, Ethan, Logan, Samuel, Owen, Cameron, Berry, Carlton, Garrick, Quintin, Stanford, Sterling, Winston, Carleton, Carlisle, Chancellor, Courtland, Mercer, Spenser, Thornton, Wellington, Chanler, Fielding, Fuller, Langdon, Fitzroy, Grantham, Prescott, Etheridge, Forrester, Grainger, Jasmond, Kipper, Sanuel, Seager, Waller
Names like Spencer
Names whose popularity has moved with Spencer's over the last 50 years.
