This interesting surname has its origins firmly in France, although perhaps oddly its first recording would seem to be in Scotland (see below). The name derives from "Louche" and was originally a nickname given to one who had a quick mind and who was able to make a deal. Later the meaning changed to "dubious", but this was long after the surname became established. That the name was considered complimentary is borne out by the grant of Arms to a family called Louch(e), the charges being two red bars of command, a red lion rampant in chief, all on a silver (white) field. The name recordings include the following examples: Alice Louch, who married John Bowth at the Church of St. Andrew by the Wardrobe, London, on October 31st 1574, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1 (1558 - 1603). Later, on October 21st 1610, in the reign of King James 1 of England and V1 of Scotland, the last independent Scottish monarch, Clemens Louch married Denis Wright at Stapleford Tawney, in the county of Essex. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ade de Louche, which was dated 1330, the Provost of Peebles, Scotland, during the reign of King David 11 of Scotland, 1329 - 1371. 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.