Spence Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Spence Name Meaning: Occupational-a name for someone who is employed for work in the pantry of a house or monastery.

The name is of British origin & is middle english for 'Spenser' meaning butler or steward.

Discover how your Spence ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Spence Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Spence family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 594
Agricultural Labourer 120
House Servant 47
Servant 36
Carter 32
Coal Miner 32
Dress Maker 31
Shoe Maker 27
Labourer 26
Farm Labourer 20
House Maid 19
House Keeper 19
Tailor 18
Cotton Weaver 17
General Servant 17
Farm Servant 15
Farmer 14
Mariner 12
Blacksmith 12
Butcher 11
Wife Of Above 11
Stocking Framework Knitter 11
Gardener 10
Farmers Daughter 10
Farmers Son 10

Spence Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Spence 100% 39,492
2 Spince 83% 516
3 Spens 67% 183
4 Spance 83% 125
5 Spense 83% 102

Did you know?

The surname Spence is the most popular version of all its varients

Search for the Spence family