de Paz Genealogy and de Paz Family History Information

De Paz is a Spanish surname that originated in the 14th century. In his well researched book "Linajes de Salamanca" (Salamanca Lineages), Jose Sanchez Vaquero, Professor of Universidad de Salamanca, describes the old and noble Paz lineage of Salamanca. The surname originated with a grandson of Alfonso X, El Sabio, Sancho Perez (1280-1315), who was an illegitimate son of Infante Don Pedro, son of King Alfonso. Infante Pedro had a legitimate son, Sancho, who did not have descendants. Both brothers, Sancho and Sancho Perez did battle with the Arab rulers of Andalucia and their victories brought a measure of peace to the realm, hence, Sancho Perez de Paz became his name. This surname was passed on to his descendants, who spread from the Salamanca area and even reached the American continent. Some prominent members of this family, whose genealogy is traced in Sanchez Vaquero, include Dr. Luis Alvarez de Paz (c1380-1456), fourth señor de los Corrales, who was a rector of Salamanca, university professor there, Juan II counselor, and ambassador to Rome in 1431. Another member of this family, famous for the wealth he accumulated as a merchant trading with the Indies while based in Seville, was Alonso de Paz Rodriguez (1546-1597), born in Fregenal de la Sierra, Extremadura, and who upon retiring to Fregenal founded a Jesuit School and a Convent in his home town. Alonso visited Tierra Firme (Panama) briefly and did not leave descendants in the American continent.
The de Paz surname was also adopted by converted Jews in Fregenal, many of who were persecuted by the Inquisition in Fregenal and Llerena in the XV and XVI centuries. The lists of Passengers to Indias from the XVI and XVII centuries document many people of de Paz surname traveling to New Spain (now Mexico) and to South America. The name has spread widely in the American continent since then, some people descending from Jewish roots and others not and it is difficult to ascertain the difference without careful genealogical and genetic work. Dr. Sergio Aragon San Juan October 15, 2023