The Spanish village of Castrillo Matajudios – which translates as Camp Kill Jews – has officially changed its name back to Castrillo Mota de Judios (Jews’ Hill Camp) following a referendum and regional government approval.

The village, with about 50 inhabitants, voted last year to change the name after the mayor argued that the term was offensive and that the village should honour its Jewish origins.

Documents show the village’s original name was Jews’ Hill Camp and that the Kill Jews name dates from 1627. A 1492 Spanish edict ordered Jews to become Catholics or flee the country, and those who refused faced the Spanish inquisition, with many burned at the stake.

Although Jews were killed in the area, researchers believe the village got its name from Jewish residents who converted to Catholicism and wanted to reinforce their repudiation of Judaism to convince Spanish authorities of their loyalty. Others suspect the change may have come from a slip of the pen.

No Jews live in the village today, but many residents have ancient Jewish roots and the town’s official shield includes the Star of David.

The name change was approved by the regional government of Castilla y Leon and published in the region’s gazette.

This month, Spain’s lower house of parliament approved a law setting a citizenship path for descendants of Jews who were forced to flee the country centuries ago.

Spain also has an ancient south-eastern town called Valle de Matamoros, which translate as Kill Muslims Valley. The town has said it has no plans to change its name. Matamoros is also a surname in Spain.