Conversos had three methods of seeking security:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Click to Close