Rodrigo Vélaz

Rodrigo Vélaz (died June 1144) was the dominant figure in mountainous eastern Galicia while the House of Traba dominated its western seaboard under three monarchs—Alfonso VI, Urraca, and Alfonso VII. He was notably loyal to the monarchy, never joining any rebellion. The near-contemporary Chronica Adefonsi imperatoris calls him the "count of Galicia, who held Sarria".

He was a son of Count Vela Ovéquiz and Aldonza Muñoz, daughter of Count Muño Fernández and Elvira. Rodrigo married Urraca Álvarez, daughter of Álvar Fáñez and Mayor Pérez, a daughter of Pedro Ansúrez. Rodrigo and his wife were descended on all sides from the highest ranks of the nobility of León and Castile. The couple had three daughters—Aldonza, Berenguela, and Elvira—and one son, Álvaro Rodríguez, who was later a count like his father. On 6 August 1130 Rodrigo and Urraca made a donation to the Cathedral of Lugo, their first recorded act as husband and wife.