The origin of the Spencer surname can be traced directly to Robert d'Abbetot who is listed as Robert le Dispenser, a tenant-in-chief of several counties, in the Domesday Book of 1086. Robert was possibly one of the Norman knights who fought alongside (or accompanied) William the Conqueror in the defeat of Harold II, King of England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Spelling variations for Spencer include Spender, Spence, Spens, Spenser, Dispencer, Spences and Espencer. In Germany, the Spencer surname is written Speiser.