Mentiplay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Mentiplay is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Mentiplay family lived in Fife. Moneypenny is a compound name composed of two elements, the Old English moning, meaning money, and the Old English pening, meaning penny. Moneypenny originated as a nickname to identify a rich man or may have been ironically used to describe a poor man. Another derivation, which is equally valid in certain cases, indicates that Moneypenny is a local name adapted from the place called Magnepeigne in Normandy.

Early Origins of the Mentiplay family

The surname Mentiplay was first found in Fife where they were granted lands by the King of Scotland.

Early History of the Mentiplay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mentiplay research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1200, 1296, and 1450 are included under the topic Early Mentiplay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mentiplay Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Mentiplay has been recorded under many different variations, including Moneypenny, Manypenny, Monypenny and others.

Early Notables of the Mentiplay family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Mentiplay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Mentiplay family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Mentiplays were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Clemens Moneypenny settled in Pennsylvania in 1773.

The Mentiplay Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Imperat aequor
Motto Translation: He rules the sea.