Spence

Spence is a surname of English and Scottish origin that is also used as a masculine given name in some cases. It is commonly found in countries with historical British influence, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The surname is believed to have originated as an occupational term referring to a steward or keeper of a pantry in a medieval household, later becoming a hereditary family name. As a given name, Spence often serves as a shortened form of Spencer or as a standalone name.

Notable people with the surname Spence have appeared across various fields, including politics, sports, the arts, and academia. The name is widely recorded in biographical references, reflecting its long-standing presence in English-speaking societies.

Spence also functions as a place name in several regions. There are towns, districts, and geographic features bearing the name, often named in honor of local landowners or notable individuals with the surname Spence. In addition, the name is used for institutions such as schools, libraries, and other facilities, typically named to recognize people who bore the surname.

In fiction and media, Spence is occasionally used as a surname for characters in literature, film, and television, reflecting its status as a conventional English name.