Conversos had three methods of seeking security:
  
   - 
    Conversos sought exile in the lands of neighboring aristocrats (nobelmen) where 
    feudal jurisdiction might protect them from the Office of the Holy Office of the
    inquisition. After the passage of time, they might be forgotten.
   
- 
    Conversos could claim to be of foreign origin, such as from France, Portugal, or
    Flanders. Thus investigations of Limpieza de Sangre origins (geneology) might be
    avoided.
   
- 
    Conversos with names that might be recognized as not being Christian (or which
    were indicated humble trader origins) often changed their names. Names were often
    chosen with a zoomorphic base. Examples:
   
      
       | Spanish | English | 
      
       | Bicha | Snake | 
      
       | Caballo or Caballero | horse or knight (horseman) | 
      
       | Gato | cat | 
      
       | Gavilán | sparrow hawk | 
      
       | Pichón | young pigeon | 
      
       | Garibito | market stall | 
      
       | Garivito | fruit and vegetable market stall | 
     
 
   See Ruth Pike, "Aristocrats and Traders: Sevillian 
   Society in the Sixteenth Century", Cornell University Press, 1972
 
 
 
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