This surname is derived from a geographical locality. One thing is very certain, this surname has nothing to do with money generally, nor a penny specifically. Although now a recognized Scotch surname, it is early found on English soil. Lower says, 'that it is local is proved by the prefix de with which it is found in early records.' Unfortunately my instances are without any prefix.

John Manipenyn, Bedfordshire, 1273. Hundred Rolls.

Herbert Manipeni, Huntingdonshire, ibid.

Henry Muddepenyng, Close Rolls, 14 Edward III. pt. li.

John Manypany, Close Rolls, 45 Edward III.

Thomas Monipeni, Yorkshire Testamenta Eboracensia (Surtees Society).

Alex. Moneypenny. History of Norfolk.

"One thing is very certain, this surname has nothing to do with money generally, nor a penny specifically" (Bardsley); and Nisbet says:"Some conjecture that, upon the similitude of arms, the Monypennies are originally from the dauphinates in France." According to the author of The Norman people a Roger Magnepeine is in record in Nonnandy, c. 1180-95. The name Manipeni and Manipenyn occurs in the English Hundred Rolls (c. 1272). Thomas, prior of St. Andrews, c. 1200-11, gave Richard Monipenie "terram de Putmullin quam Malisius tenuit" (Sibbald, Fife, 1803, p. 348). This is probably the first record of the name in Scotland. In 1263 John, son and heir of Richard Monipennie, granted a charter of Mirton to Nichol of Milton (Stephens, Inverkeithing, p. 125). John Manipeny of Fife who rendered homage, 1296, is probably John Monipeny who served on an inquest at St. Andrews, 1303 (Rain, II, p. 209,346). John Monypeny, who witnessed donation of the land of Quilt in the sheriffdom of Peebles, 1328 (RHM., I, p. 36), is probably John de Monypeny who had (c. 1347) a charter of the lands of Petmolin, which had pertained to the said John's ancestors (RPSA., p. 404-405). William Monypeny, rector of the church of Cambuslang, founded a chaplainry in the chapel of S. Mary of Cambuslang, 1380 (RMS., I, 646), John de Monypenny, dominus de Petmuly, was juror on inquest at Carnconane, 1409 (RAA., II, 49), John Monypeny, a Scotsman, is mentioned in England, 1447, and in the same year William of Menypeny had a safe conduct to travel there (Bain, IV, 1199, 2000). Nicol Monypenny was vicar of Murhous (Murroes) in 1470 (RAA., II, 189), and in the same year William Manypeny, prior of the priory of Portencok (Portmoak in Kinrossshire), had safe conduct into England (Bain, IV, 1390). Kentigern Monepenny was dean of Ross, 1546 (OPS., II, p. 616). Isabel, a daughter of the house of Pitmilly, was mother of Cerdinal Beaton (Herkless, Cardinal Beaton, p. 59). Dr. Joseph Robertson informed Lower (Patronymica Britannica) that "about the year 1450 certain lands in Stirlingshire were erected into the barony of Monypenny, and their owner began to style himself 'de eodem' or 'of that Ilk. '" Moniepennie 1662, Monipenni 1490, Moniepennye 1611, Monupenne 1637, Mony Peny 1562. Monepennye.

This Scottish name is traditionally derived from the acquisitive habits of the first owner, which won for him the sobriquet of "monya penny but that it is local is proved by the prefix De, with which it is found in early records. The family were first in possession of Pitmilly, co. Fife. About the year 1450, certain lands in Stirlingshire were erected into the barony of Monypenny, and their owner began to style himself "de eodem," or "of that Hk." Inf. Jos. Robertson, Esq. The names Manipeni, Manypeny, and Manipenyn are found in cos. Huntingdon, Cambridge and Bedford, in H.R.

In 1211, Thomas Prior of St. Andrews, gave "Ricardo Monipinii, tenam de Putmullin quam Malisius tenuit." In 1296, John de Monypenny swore fealty to Edward I. In 1335, John de Monypenny was Ambassador from the Pope and French King, to solicit Edward III on behalf of the Scots; and 22nd January in that year he obtained a safe conduct to pass into Scotland. Sir William Monypenny was created Lord Monypenny in 1450.