Monsey

Recorded in the spellings of Mouncey, Mounsey, Mounsie, Monsey, Muncey, Munsey, Munchay, and probably other rare forms as well, this is a surname of ancient French origins. Introduced into England at the Conquest of 1066, it is locational and originates from the various places called either Monceaux in the departement of Calvados, or Monchaux in the departements of Nord and Seine-Maritime. These places all take their names from the word "moncel", meaning a small hill. The first named holder of the surname held the manor and estate called "Herstmoneaux" in the county of Sussex. This is recorded as "Hurst quod fuit Willelmi de Munceus" in the famous Domesday Book of 1086. Early recordings include Milisant de Munceehaus and Edoned de Munchaus in the register of the Knight Templars (Crusaders) of Lincolnshire in 1185, whilst the tax register known as the Feet of Fines for Gloucestershire mentions a William Munci in 1198. Sir Walter de Mouncy is recorded at the battle of Falkirk in 1298, and at the siege of Carlaverock, Scotland, in the year 1300. Other later church register recordings taken from surviving records of the diocese of Greater London include those of William Munsy, who was christened at the church of St. Bartholomew Exchange, on August 25th 1577, Elizabeth Monsie, who married Anthony Allen, at St. Mary Woolchurch on August 29th 1559, and Ada Ellen Mouncey, who was baptised at St Brides, Fleet Street, on August 25th 1766. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.