Writing in 1887, Thomas Morgan states that the toponym (which he spells "Penwaun") indicates the end of the moor known as the Hirwaun Gwrgant or Gwrgan's "Waun".

Many successful singers and entertainers have performed here, including Sir Tom Jones shortly before his rise to stardom in the 1960s.

Penywaun is also an electoral ward for Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.

The County Borough Councillor until 2012 was Glyn Roberts (Labour),[5] a long-serving Director of the Tower Colliery company.

[7] Two allotments (for gardening) are managed locally by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.