The term New Christian was used to refer to the Jews that were converted to Christianity during the Spanish Inquisition. The term was introduced in order for Christians to distinguish themselves from the converts (conversos), who were also known as marranos, or pigs, in a derogatory manner.

It was believed that many New Christians were practicing Judaism in secret and, in fact, large numbers were. Many New Christians were tortured until they confessed their "heresy" and then were executed.