Monneypenny History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Monneypenny

What does the name Monneypenny mean?

Monneypenny is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Monneypenny 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 Monneypenny family

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

Early History of the Monneypenny family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Monneypenny research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1200, 1296, 1450, 1617 and 1620 are included under the topic Early Monneypenny History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Monneypenny Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Moneypenny, Manypenny, Monypenny and others.

Early Notables of the Monneypenny family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Monneypenny Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Monneypenny family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Monneypenny or a variant listed above: Clemens Moneypenny settled in Pennsylvania in 1773.

The Monneypenny 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.