What is the nationality of the surname Spencer?

Answer 1

Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to develop often leading to variants of the original spelling.

Answer 2

Spencer (also Spenser) is a British surname. Its earliest occurrence is traced to the county of Leicestershire. It derives from Middle English spenser "butler, steward", from Old French despencier "larder", ultimately from Middle Latin dispensa.

Answer 3

The surname Spencer is an English occupational name for someone employed in the pantry of a great house or monastery, from Middle English spense 'larder' + the agent suffix -er.

Answer 4

Ancestors of the Spencers came to England following the Norman Conquest. The surname is first found in the records of Leicestershire, where they'd held a family seat.