Spenser Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationSPEN-ser / /ˈspɛnsər/English; French
Meaning
English: steward; French: from the land of the Spencers
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Spenser is derived from the Old French word 'despenser,' meaning 'to distribute or manage.' It was originally a surname that denoted someone who was a steward or a dispenser of provisions. The name gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. It is often associated with the poet Edmund Spenser, who was a prominent figure in the English Renaissance.
Trend Summary
The name Spenser has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable rise in the late 20th century.
Similar Names
Variants
- Spencer
International Variants
- Spenser (English)
Famous people named Spenser
Spenser Smith is a musician known for his work with the band Panic! At The Disco.
Spenser Tracy was an acclaimed American actor, recognized for his performances in classic films.
Spenser Cohen is a screenwriter known for his work in the film industry.
Spenser Hawes is a professional athlete known for his contributions to the sport of basketball.
Fictional characters named Spenser
Spenser is the main character in the 'Spenser' series of detective novels by Robert B. Parker.
Spenser is a character in the animated series 'The Amazing World of Gumball,' known for his humorous antics.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Spenser was first seen in the United States in 1968. Spenser has ranked as high as #841 nationally, which occurred in 1988, and has been most popular in California, Florida, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Spenser has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Spenser (2007)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1968 | 6 |
| 1970 | 7 |
| 1971 | 6 |
| 1976 | 8 |
| 1977 | 5 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1979 | 7 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 24 |
| 1986 | 93 |
| 1987 | 248 |
| 1988 | 333 |
| 1989 | 261 |
| 1990 | 218 |
| 1991 | 182 |
| 1992 | 161 |
| 1993 | 108 |
| 1994 | 127 |
| 1995 | 170 |
| 1996 | 137 |
| 1997 | 110 |
| 1998 | 94 |
| 1999 | 83 |
| 2000 | 84 |
| 2001 | 67 |
| 2002 | 64 |
| 2003 | 51 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 29 |
| 2006 | 22 |
| 2007 | 31 |
| 2008 | 21 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2011 | 16 |
| 2012 | 15 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 14 |
| 2015 | 13 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 11 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 8 |