moniker

Unknown; first attested in 1849. Suggested derivations are:

Backslang for ekename (compare nickname);

From Shelta munik, munika;

From monk;

Partridge (A Dictionary of Historical Slang) suggests a corruption of monogram, which is suggestive of the sense signature.

From monarch in the sense 'king or No. 1, and thus with frank egotism, "I, myself".' (The Gentleman's Magazine, Vol. 281, pg. 349.)

Online Etymological Dictionary's entry cites the Saturday Review (London newspaper) of 1857, which noted, "the word has a certain Coptic or Egyptian twang".