Explore the Family Name Spens
The meaning of Spens
Scottish (Lanarkshire): variant of Spence. This surname is also found in Sweden. History: A Scottish family with the name Spens are descended from Henry de Spens (died c.1300), who was compelled to submit to Edward I of England in 1296. The family became established in France in 1450 when Patrick de Spens went there as an officer in Charles VII’s bodyguard of Scots Guards, settled in Gascony and married the heiress of the Estignols family; this family has since been known by the name de Spens d’Estignols. The surname Spens was also established in Sweden by Sir James Spens, originally sent as an ambassador of James I of England, and created Baron of Orreholmen in 1635.
Dictionary of American Family Names, 2nd edition, © Oxford University Press, 2022.
How common is the last name Spens in the United States?
Based on the Decennial U.S. Census data, the popularity of the surname 'Spens' has increased over a decade. In 2000, it was ranked 74,957 in terms of prevalence, but by 2010, it had risen to the 71,042nd position, showing a change of 5.22%. The count of individuals bearing this surname also rose from 240 in 2000 to 275 by 2010, an increase of 14.58%. However, the proportion per 100K remained constant at 0.09.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #74,957 | #71,042 | 5.22% |
| Count | 240 | 275 | 14.58% |
| Proportion per 100k | 0.09 | 0.09 | 0% |
Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Spens
For ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data reveals a slight shift. In 2000, no individuals with the Spens surname identified as Asian/Pacific Islander, but by 2010, 1.82% did. Interestingly, the percentage identifying with two or more races dropped from 2.08% in 2000 to none by 2010. The majority of Spens bearers identify as White, with 95% in 2000 and a slight increase to 95.27% by 2010. There were no individuals who identified as Hispanic, Black, or American Indian and Alaskan Native in either year.
| 2000 | 2010 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 95% | 95.27% | 0.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0% | 1.82% | 0% |
| Two or More Races | 2.08% | 0% | 0% |
| Hispanic | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Black | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0% | 0% | 0% |