The Spence Family History

What Does the Spence Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Spence has its roots in both English and Scottish heritage, deriving from the Latin term 'dispendere' and the Old French word 'despense,' both of which pertain to the act of distributing or dispensing. Additionally, a Middle English term, 'spense,' denoted a storeroom or pantry. Variations of the surname Spence include Spencley, Spense, Despenser, Spens, Spencer, and Spenser. In England, individuals bearing the Spence surname predominantly reside in the northern regions, with significant populations in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, Northumberland, and extending into London. In contrast, in Scotland, the Spence surname is found throughout the country, with a higher concentration in the eastern coastal counties, including Aberdeenshire, Angus, Fife, Midlothian, Lanarkshire, as well as the Shetland and Orkney Islands. In the United States, the Spence family name first emerged in states such as Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and Alabama. Noteworthy individuals with the surname Spence include Russell Spence, an English race car driver; Lewis Spence, a journalist; Steve Spence, a champion long-distance runner; Fiona Spence, an English actress; George Spence, a Scottish footballer; John Spence, a musician; Alan Spence, a Scottish poet; Gerry Spence, a prominent trial lawyer; Louie Spence, a professional dancer; Jonathan Spence, a historical researcher and writer; and Joe Spence, an English footballer.