House of Carrillo

The House of Carrillo is a Spanish noble house that traces its origins from the ancient Kingdom of Castile. There are several branches that exist such as Carrillo de Albornoz, Carrillo de Mendoza, Carrillo de Figueroa, Carrillo de Toledo and Carrillo Tablas among others. There are also several variations in spelling of the surname Carrillo such as "Carillo". Records prove that both surnames are one and the same.

History

Name Origins

Reference to the origin of the name Carrillo is found in an ancient Spanish book called Casa de los Infantes de Lara (The House of the Princesses of Lara). The name is referred to as a Spanish surname. According to sources, there were two brothers of a lineage that came from an old royal bloodline (their country of origin is unknown, but it has been speculated that that it could have been Italy or France). When they traveled into Spain for the first time, it was difficult for the Castilians to pronounce their original name. The Castilians gave place to the surname Carrillo (which was pronounced Cai-reel-lyo), and originally meant "loyal or devoted", implying that the brothers were very close one to another like the "carillon bells of the church towers" (they were never seen traveling alone and were very protective of one another). The brothers endeared themselves to the Castilians, and two daughters of the Count of Castilla, whom they married. The Count of Castilla gave the two brothers the titles of Count of Priego for the elder brother, and Marquis De La Guardia for the younger. All lines of the Carrillo family are said to branch from these two brothers.

The surname "Carrillo" is first found in Castile, Spain, in Burgos, Palencia, Soria, Logroño, Navarre, and Andalucia. Family members later went off to help in the conquest and establishment of colonies outside Spain, and included Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Philippines, Argentina, and the United States of America, predominately, California.

Other Origins

There is another account of folklore, which is not entirely corroborated by historical evidence, but has basis in historical literature. The account states that at the time of Count Fernán González of Castile, there were two brothers that were so loyal to each other, they never left each other's side. The brothers were of royal blood, and were always seen traveling together. Eventually, the people began to make reference to them, comparing them to "two wheels on a cart" (which in most dictionaries of today, has come to define Carrillo—a small cart, or wheels of a cart). The legendary brothers were supposed cousins of Berengar I, King of Italy and descendants of Louis the Pious and Charlemagne. It is said the brothers accidentally killed a favorite courtier of their King which forced them to flee into hiding to avoid the King's rage (it is said that the brothers dueled with the courtier over the honor of a beautiful Spanish maiden). The brothers eventually arrived in Spain after being placed under the protection of Count Fernán González of Castile.[1][2][3]

The origin of the term carrillo in the Spanish language usually refers to any “small cart”. It has been suggested that the term was derived from the word carril, which usually means a cart, cartway, a narrow road or rail.[4] Although this definition could pose some relevance to the name of Carrillo, most dictionaries do not take into account that "Carrillo" originally came into existence as a surname. Other dictionaries refer to the definition of "carrillo" as "characterized with a physical deformity", "a pronounced cheek or jowl", or a "shameless person". However, these definitions lack congruity, have no solid historical backing, nor do they seem to be derived from any other archaic term(s) pertaining to word origins.

Influence and Service

Coat of arms of Cardinal Alonso Carrillo

The House of Carrillo frequently served the government through holding many offices and providing military leaders for Spain. Several prominent members of the house have been granted titles of nobility for services rendered to the state. The House of Carrillo has also produced three Catholic Cardinals, Cardinal Alonso de Carrillo Laso, Cardinal Alonso Carrillo de Albornoz and Cardinal Gil Alvarez Carrillo de Albornoz.

The most famous military leader produced by the House of Carrillo is José Carrillo de Albornoz, 1st Duke of Montemar who was Viceroy of Sicily. He victoriously lead the Spanish forces at the Battle of Bitonto. Because of his services, he was ennobled by King Philip V of Spain.

The Farce of Avila

Don Alfonso Carrillo, the Archbishop of Toledo, was said to have been the personification of intrigue. Jealous of the attention given to the Count Beltran de la Cueva, Carrillo headed the clique that went against King Enrique IV and was one of the people involved in the event known in history as the Farce of Avila. They later proceeded to take over the government by placing a dummy-King on the throne, proclaiming the Archbishop as Prince Alfonso. Carrillo was the main force in the matter and instigated the marriage of Prince Alfonso to Princess Isabel, later becoming the Princess’ spokesperson. But the tides soon turned against them and the Archbishop had to retreat from the affairs of court until his death.[5]

Prominent Members

Duke Jose Carrillo de Albornoz of Montemar
Santiago Carrillo

Below are some of the members and descendants of the House of Carrillo:

References

  1. ↑ (Alberto y Arturo García Carrafa, 2003)
  2. ↑ (Nobiliario, Cardinal Alonso de Carrillo Laso)
  3. ↑ (Claros Varones, Hernán Pérez de Guzmán,)
  4. ↑ The New World Spanish/English, English/Spanish Dictionary, 1996.
  5. ↑ (Blasoneshispanos, 2003)
  6. ↑ (A. Costa: La obra poética de Luis Carrillo y Sotomayor (Córdoba, 1984))
  7. ↑ (Birmingham, 1986)
  8. ↑ J. de Mata Carriazo, ed. (1946). Crónica del halconero de Juan II. Madrid.
  9. ↑ Guzman, Daniel S.: El Sol de Orizaba, 13 de agosto de 2008.