This name is of Cumbrian origin and derives from the village of Stokoe or from residence at a Place (Stoc) on a hill (hlaw) - Olde English pre 6th Century. Early recordings are extremely rare, hardly surprising from an area, plagued with wars and "The Bordes", the first named holder being in fact "The Lord of the Manor of Stochowe". The Coat of Arms of Stochoe, being Silver charged with three black bouchets (water bouchets). It signifies one who effected a rescue of comrades, in war against the Turk, hence the Crescent. The three usual modern spellings are Stockoe, Skokoe and Stuckow or Stockau, although the latter are probably German in origin. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Adam de Stochowe which was dated 1332, in the Pipe Rolls of Cumberland. during the reign of King Edward 111, known as the Father of the Navy, 1327 - 1377. 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.