Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
SPENCER
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: Nor. Fr.) Le Despenser, a steward. The ancestor of the family assumed the name Le Despenser (Latin, dispensator), from being steward to the household of William the Conqueror.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English