Where Does the Despencer Surname Come From?

Some records give Spencer; others give Despencer. Both point to the same English family name. Its meaning, shared with Spencer, is “Steward, dispenser of provisions”.

• Spellings drifted because names were written down by ear in parish books, tax rolls and passenger lists.
• Other spellings include Spenser and Spence.
• Despencer is listed among the recognised spellings of Spencer.

Arms associated with the name

Looking for a Despencer coat of arms? Arms were granted to families, not to surnames, and our research shows which heraldic tradition fits yours. Research your Despencer family history with a full surname report and painted coat of arms.