Spencer is an English surname with Norman-French origins. It derives from the Old French word “despenser,” meaning “pantry keeper” or “butler.” The surname became associated with noble families who held positions of authority and privilege, such as the prominent Spencer family who rose to prominence in the 16th century. Today, the surname is still common in English-speaking countries and is often associated with traits such as nobility, elegance, and sophistication. Notable bearers of the surname include Princess Diana, poet Edmund Spencer, and novelist Spencer Johnson.
