This famous surname has is of French origins, and was one of the few than can be proven to have entered England in 1066. Now recorded in the spellings of Mouncey, Mounsey, Mounsie, Monsey, Muncey, Munsey, Munchay, and probably other rare forms as well, it is locational and originates from the various places called "Monceaux" in Calvados, or "Monchaux" in Nord and Seine-Maritime. These places all take their names from the word "moncel", meaning a small hill. The first named holder as shown below held the manor and estate called "Herstmoneaux" in Sussex, and this was recorded as "Hurst quod fuit Willelmi de Munceus" from the Old English "hyrst", meaning wooded hill. Early recordings include Milisant de Munceehaus and Edoned de Munchaus in 'The register of the Knight Templars (Crusaders) of Lincoln' in 1185, whilst the Feet of Fines for Gloucestershire mention a William Munci in 1198. Sir Walter de Mouncy is recorded at the battle of Falkirk in 1298 and a the siege of Carlaverock, Scotland, in the year 1300. Other later church register recordings are those of William Munsy, who was christened at the church of St. Bartholomew Exchange, London, on August 25th 1577, Elizabeth Monsie, who married Anthony Allen, at St. Mary Woolchurch on August 29th 1559, and Ada Ellen Muncey, who was baptised in London on August 25th 1866. The coat of arms granted by Edward 1st, had the distinctive blazon of chequy, silver and red. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William de Moncels, which was dated 1086, in the Domesday Book for England, during the reign of King William 1, known as 'The conqueror', 1066 - 1087. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.