'money-changer' originates from English, formed from the words 'money' and 'changer'; 'money' ultimately comes from Latin 'moneta' (via Old French 'moneie') meaning 'mint' or 'coin', and 'changer' comes from Old French 'changier' (from Late Latin 'cambiare') meaning 'to exchange'.

'money' developed from Latin 'moneta' to Old French 'moneie' and then to Middle English 'moneye', eventually becoming the modern English 'money'. 'changer' evolved from Late Latin 'cambiare' to Old French 'changier' and entered English as 'changer' meaning one who exchanges.

Initially related specifically to coins and minting (for 'money') and the act of exchanging (for 'changer'); combined, the compound came to mean a person or business whose service is exchanging currencies, a meaning that has remained stable.