A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Moneypenny family of Scotland.
Reg. 4772 · Scottish, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cross symbolChristian faith and service
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Quarterly, 1st and 4th, ar. a dolphin naiant az., for MONYPENNY; 2nd and 3rd, az. three crosses crosslet fitchée issuing out of as many crescents ar., for CATHCART”
FifePitmilly · Fife, c. 1748
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Map of Scotland showing where the Moneypenny arms are recorded
The Moneypenny arms were recorded in Fife, c. 1748.
Fife was farming country between two firths, with royal palaces and old burghs along its coast. Its landed families were numerous and close to the court, and closeness to the court brought arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Scotland in this period.
George II of Great Britain
Sovereign of the period
George II of Great Britain
1727–1760
Reigning in Scotland when the Moneypenny arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Scotland
Scottish heraldry is unique because it treats a coat of arms as a piece of personal property protected by law. Only one person can own a specific design at any given time. When a family grows, the head keeps the original shield while other relatives must apply for their own distinct version with slight changes to prove their specific identity.
Granting authority
The Court of the Lord Lyon acts as the official body that regulates and controls all heraldic matters throughout Scotland.
How they got arms
Individuals obtain a legal right to their arms through a formal petition process that confirms their identity and family connection.
Where arms were recorded
All valid coats of arms are officially entered into the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings starting from 1672.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Fife.
Origin & History of the Moneypenny Family in Scotland
The Moneypenny family name is deeply rooted in the history of Scotland, with strong ties to the region of Fife. While the name sounds like a descriptive nickname, it likely originated as a locational surname from a place in the Scottish Lowlands. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the family had established a clear presence in Fife, where they became integrated into the local community and social structure. During this era, members of the family were often involved in the management of land and local administration. Their steady growth in the region allowed them to leave behind various legal and property records that provide a glimpse into their daily lives. These documents show that the Moneypenny family was part of the traditional Scottish gentry, contributing to the development of Fife through their roles as landowners and neighbors.
Moneypenny Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Moine Beinne
Gaelic for moor or mossy land and mountain or hill.
This name
MoneypennyDerived from a Scottish place name referring to a dweller by the mossy mountain.
also spelled
Moneypenny
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Anderson, William. The Scottish Nation; or, The Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours, and Biographical History of the People of Scotland. 1863
National Records of Scotland. Register of Deeds, Court of Session. 1748
Black, George F. The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. 1946
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cross symbolChristian faith and service
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
cross symbolChristian faith and service
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
