'simony' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'simonia', which derived from the name 'Simon' (referring to Simon Magus).

'simony' changed from Late Latin 'simonia' and Old French 'simonie' and entered Middle English as 'simony', eventually becoming the modern English word 'simony'.

Initially it referred to acts associated with the biblical figure Simon Magus (attempting to buy spiritual power), but over time it evolved into the general sense 'the buying or selling of ecclesiastical offices or sacred things'.