What is the Nobility? Hierarchy of titles from Knight to King! Modern knights: how and why they received the title of lady or Sir Angelina Jolie, Elton John and others

Noble titles. Middle Ages.

Emperor
Emperor, lat., in Republican Rome, an honorary title given to a victorious commander, first to Scipio Africanus; from Augustus and especially from the 2nd century - the ruler of the state. The title disappeared in the west with the fall of the west. Roman Empire 476, but survived in the east. the Roman Empire before its fall. It was restored in the west by Charlemagne 800, who was crowned in Rome. The German kings bore the title of I. of the Holy Roman Empire, at first only when they were crowned in Rome (starting with Otto I 962). In Russia, Peter V. adopted the title I. 1721, and since then it has been worn by Russian monarchs. 1804 Franz 1 of Austria took the title of “Apostolic I.”; it is also worn by his heirs. 1809-89 the empire was Brazil, 1804-14 and 1852-70 France; since 1871 the King of Prussia has held the title of I. of Germany, since 1876 the Queen of Great Britain has at the same time been the Empress of India; Since 1877, the Turkish Sultan has held the title of I. Ottomans. The title of I. is also given to the rulers of China, Japan, Siam, Abyssinia, and Morocco; it also existed for a short time on the island of Haiti and Mexico.
Latin - Imperator, Imperatrix
Greek - Autokrator
English - Emperor, Empress
German - Kaiser, Kaiserin
French - Empereur, Imperatrice
Spanish - Emperador, Emperatriz
English - Tsar, Tsarina

King, Queen

The word “king” itself is relatively new and appeared only after the reign of Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor of the German nation. Actually, the word comes from his name: Karl (lat. Carolus). In addition, we can assume that the word goes back to the ancient German “Kuning”, which comes from the words “kuni, kunne” (elder of the clan), and even further to the Greek “genos”. In addition, the origin uses the Latin rex (f. - "regina" = "king and priest", derived from the word "reg" (something from priestly rites). Hence the French "roi".
Address: Your Majesty
Latin - Rex, Regina
Greek - Basileus
English - King, Queen
German - Koenig, Koenigin
French - Roi, Reine
Spanish - Rey, Reina
Portuguese - Rei, Reiha
Romanian - Regele, Raina
Bulgarian - Tsar
Norwegian - Konge, Dronning
Danish - Konge, Dronning
Swedish - Konung, Drotning
Dutch - Koning, Koningin
Irish - Ri, Rigan (High-King = Ard Ri)

Prince, princess

One of the highest titles of representatives of the aristocracy. Currently, the correspondence of the term “prince” in Western European languages ​​is used both in a generalized abstract sense (“sovereign”, “monarch”, and in several specific meanings. The female version of the title is princess, but princesses are also called the wives of princes.
The etymology of the word is similar to the Latin title "princeps" (princeps - first, chief). Initially, in the European tradition, the heirs of kings/dukes were called this way, then “princes of the blood” appeared, and in France the title became a full-fledged noble title (princes of Condé and Conti). In a number of states, the heirs to the throne bear not just the title of prince, but the title of prince of a certain province (Prince of Wales in England, Prince of Asturias in Spain). It is curious that in France the heir to the throne bore the title of Dauphin, which was associated with the acquisition of the Dauphiné region by the future French king Charles V de Valois in 1349 (formed on the territory of the Kingdom of Burgundy. The center was the county of Viennois). Dauphine became the apanage of the heirs to the throne, who adopted the title and coat of arms of the Dauphins of Vienne. The title of Dauphine was assigned by the Counts of Vienne before the sale of the plot to the French, and the name of the land came from the title.
Address: Your Highness
Latin - Princeps
English - Prince, Princess
French - Prince, Princesse
German - Prinz, Prinzessin; Fuerst, Fuerstin
Italian - Principe, Principessa
Spanish - Principe, Princesa
Portuguese - Principe, Princeza

The head of a feudal monarchical state or a separate political entity (appanage prince) in the 9th-16th centuries among the Slavs and some other peoples; representative of the feudal aristocracy; later - the highest noble title, depending on the importance, equated to a prince or duke in Western and Southern Europe, in Central Europe (the former Holy Roman Empire), this title is called Fürst, and in Northern Europe - konung. The term "prince" is used to convey Western European titles going back to princeps and Fürst, also sometimes dux (usually duke).
Grand Duke(princess) - in Russia, a noble title for members royal family.
Princess is the wife of a prince, as well as the actual title of a female person of the noble class, knyazhich is the son of a prince (only among the Slavs), princess is the daughter of a prince.

Russian - Knyaz, Knyazhna

Grand Duke

English - Grand Duke, Grand Duchess
German - Grossherzog, Grossherzogin
French - Grand Duc, Grande Duchesse
Italian - Gran-duca, Gran-duca

(old German herizogo "der vor dem Heer zieht" - "walking before the army" the dukes were relatives of the royal family, only they could have this title. That is, all dukes are members of the royal family. Derived from the German herz (lord, master, perhaps . leader) - this is how German leaders called themselves.; The other series (duc, duke) comes from the Latin word dux, which meant exactly the same thing. In Western Europe during the early Middle Ages - a tribal prince, during the period of feudal fragmentation - a large territorial ruler ( in the system of the military fief hierarchy, Germany occupied second place after the king); with the elimination of feudal fragmentation - one of the highest noble titles. In addition, there is the title of Archduke (the title of members of the Austrian royal family), the origin of which is simple: the prefix erz (first, highest ) and the word Herzog
Address: Your Grace
Latin-Dux
English - Duke, Duchess
German - Herzog, Herzogin
French - Duc, Duchesse
Italian - Duca, Duchesa
Spanish - Duque, Duquesa
Portuguese - Duque, Duqueza

Marquis

novolat. marquensis, French marquis, italian marchese
1) in the Carolingian Empire the same as margrave.
2) In medieval France and Italy (from the 10th century) a major feudal lord, whose position on the hierarchical ladder was between the duke and the count.
3) Hereditary title of nobility in a number of Western European states (France, Italy, Spain).
Counts who had served the king in the service of the king usually became marquises.
Address: Your Lordship, my Lord.
English - Marquess, Marchioness
German - Markgraf, Markgrѕfin (in English, Margrave, Margravine)
French - Marquis, Marquise
Italian - Marchese, Marchesa
Spanish - Marques, Marquesa
Portuguese - Marquez, Marqueza

Graf; lat. comes (lit.: "satellite", French comte, English earl or count) English earl (from Scandinavian jarl (jarl)) originally meant higher executive, but since the time of the Norman kings it has become an honorary title.
(German Graf, English Earl, French comte, Latin comes), originally the name of an official in the Frankish state and in England. G. were appointed by the king, but by the decree of Charles the Bald (Kersian Capitulary 877), G.'s position and possessions became hereditary; G. turned into a feudal owner. (Margrave, Landgrave and Palatine). With the fall of feudalism, the title of G. became an honorary family title. The English earl originally denoted a senior official, but since the time of the Norman kings it has become an honorary title. In Russia, the title of count was introduced by Peter V.; the first G. was B. N. Sheremetyev. Count families use the title of lordship and are included in. Part V of the noble genealogy book.
Title: my lord
Latin - Comes, Comitissa
English - Earl, Countess
German - Graf, Graefin; Landgraf, Landgraefin (In English, Landgrave, Landgravine); Pfalzgraf, Pfalzgraefin (In English, Count-Palatine, Countess-Palatine)
French - Comte, Comtesse
Italian - Conte, Contessa
Spanish - Conde, Condesa
Portuguese - Conde, Condeza
Swedish - Greve, Grevinde
Danish - Greve Grevinde
Dutch - Graaf, Graafin
Irish - Ard Tiarna, Bantiarna
Hungarian - Groef, Groefin

Actually the Count's viceroy. It first came into use in France, from where the Normans brought it to England. A member of the European nobility, intermediate between a baron and an earl. A British viscount is a rank above a baron but below a British duke. A French viscount ranks higher than a baron (baron) but lower than a French count (comte). The same is true in all countries of the European continent where there is the title of Viscount. Viscount was first recorded as a rank of the British peerage in 1440, when John Beaumont, 1st Viscount Beaumont, was created as such by King Henry VI.
Title: for example Viscount Little
English - Viscount, Viscountess
French - Vicomte, Vicomtesse
Italian - Visconte, Viscontessa
Spanish - Vizconde, Vizcondesa
Portuguese - Vizconde, Vizcondeza

(from Late Lat. baro - a word of Germanic origin with the original meaning - person, man), in Western Europe direct vassal of the king, later a title of nobility (woman - baroness). The title of B. in England (where it remains to this day) is lower than the title of Viscount, occupying the last place in the hierarchy of titles of the highest nobility (in a broader sense, all the English high nobility, hereditary members of the House of Lords, belong to B.); in France and Germany this title was lower than the count's. IN Russian Empire The title of B. was introduced by Peter I for the German nobility of the Baltic states. the title of baron in England (where it remains to this day) is a title of a junior peer and is located in the hierarchical system below the title of viscount, occupying the last place in the hierarchy of titles of the highest nobility (peers).
Title: Baron.
English - Baron, Baroness
German - Baron, Baronin; Freiherr, Freifrau
French - Baron, Baronne
Italian - Barone, Baronessa
Spanish - Baron, Baronesa
Portugese - Baron, Baroneza
Irish - Tiarna, Bantiarna

Hereditary title of nobility in England. Introduced in 1611. B. occupy a middle position between the highest nobility and the lower nobility. The title of baronet, as already mentioned, arose initially as one of the degrees of knighthood. The title was created by James I in 1611 to raise money for the defense of Ulster through the sale of patents. Subsequently (under George IV) the title ceased to be knightly. However, its owner has the right to be addressed as Sir, and to distinguish baronets from knights, the letters Bt are placed after their name: Sir Percival Glyde, Bt. Neither a baronet nor a peer, however, this title is inherited.

Esquire (Chevalier)

The youngest son in a noble family who owned land. Formally, they were not considered nobility and were not included in high society. However, at the same time, they were persons of blue blood and were still nobles.
(English esquire, from Latin scutarius - shield-bearer), in early Middle Ages England, a knight's squire, then the holder of a knightly fief, who did not have knightly dignity. In the late Middle Ages and modern times, E. was an honorary title of nobility. In everyday use the term "E." often used interchangeably with the term "gentleman".
Title: Lord, Chevalier

We will talk about the French titular system, that is, the one that was widespread in the territory of the “Kingdom of France” from the Middle Ages until 1871.
It should be noted that feudal lords can be divided into three categories. Firstly, overlords, i.e. the supreme lords of a territory (state), who had full power on it, sometimes equal to royal power. These are dukes and major counts. Secondly, domain owners, i.e. land holdings that are the full personal property of the feudal lord. Thirdly, the owners of benefices, i.e. lifelong estates granted for service and owners of fiefs - hereditary estates granted for service.
Moreover, all the feudal lords listed above could be counts, dukes, barons, etc. That is, the count could be an overlord (County of Flanders), and the owner of his domain (de la Fere), and a feudal lord who received a beneficiary or fief from the king (de Broglie).

The highest title in France was roi. In Russian the word "roi" is translated as "king" (on behalf of Charlemagne).

The highest “non-crowned” title in the kingdom was duce (duke), translated into Russian as “duke”. Interestingly, in Italian this word is read as “Duce”. Obviously, both words go back to the Latin "ducěre" - "to lead", and the original meaning of the French "duce" is identical modern meaning the same word in Italian. Apparently the title itself arose back in Carolingian times, when the future French, Germans and Italians were subjects of one king (later the emperor), and meant nothing more than the leader of the tribe.

The next title in the French hierarchy was the title marquis (marquis). The word "mark" had the meaning of "borderland, border land", and later came to mean a border administrative unit in the empire of Charlemagne - a mark. Accordingly, this is the imperial/royal viceroy in the mark. The German title "markgraf" (margrave) has a similar etymology.

Next in the feudal hierarchy was the comte (count). The word itself comes from the name of the territorial unit. This was the name of an imperial or royal employee, endowed with full administrative and judicial power in a certain territory (i.e. in his county). The term denoting an official of the spiritual-knightly order - komtur - has a similar etymology.

In addition to ordinary graphs, there were also their deputies vicomte (vi-comte). Literally this is “vice count”. In the later period, such a title, taking into account the rules of primogeniture, was borne by the younger sons of marquises and counts and their descendants.

The next title was the title baron (baron). This title was borne by feudal lords who owned their own domain and had vassals subordinate to them, themselves being vassals directly to the king. Perhaps this is the least common title in France (it was more common in Germany - “Freiherr” and early England - “Baron”).

However, there were nobles without domains. It is they who carry military service, constituted a large layer of knighthood. For their service, they received from their suzerain a lifelong beneficiary or hereditary fief. The etymology of the French chevalier (chevalier, cavalier) is interesting: the title of knight goes back to his occupation - service in the feudal army as a heavily armed horseman. Accordingly, elevation to knighthood was initially tantamount to acceptance into such service. Knights, as is known, served for benefices - most often for the right to conditionally hold land as a feud - and therefore did not have titles until they received the land in full possession. In addition, the layer of knighthood was heterogeneous, and the actual status of a knight depended on the status of his overlord.

Monsieur De...

Basically, the prefix “de” (from) designated any nobleman of the kingdom. But there were nobles who did not even have the title of chevalier. It would be unfair not to mention them: equier (ecuye) - squires. The word originally meant “dressing.” This was the name given to the personally independent children of the nobility who did not have the opportunity to outfit and equip themselves. The squire had the opportunity by courage in battle to win the right to own a benefice or fief. Were there any squires who, for one reason or another, did not receive land or title? They remained simply “Monsieur de...”. Over time, they merged with the Chevalier. In the English title system they retained the name “esquire”.

German titles of nobility

Let us now consider all the titles of nobility in Germany at the beginning of the 1st World War.
The highest title of the empire was, of course, the title Kaiser. This word comes from the Latin word “caesar” (Caesar, Caesar), which does not need unnecessary comments. So the title “Kaiser” is quite legitimately translated into Russian as “emperor”.
Following the imperial title came the title König. In Old German, the word sounded like the well-known “Kuning” (kuning, king), and meant “high-born”. In Russian the word "König" is translated as "king".
The highest "non-crowned" title in the empire was Herzog (duke). The word comes from the Old German "Herizogo", meaning "leader". This is what the ancient Germans called their military leaders. During the empire, the dukes were the military governors of the emperors in large areas (including several counties), and often this was the area of ​​​​settlement of one tribe.

The German word Fürst is translated as “prince,” which is not entirely correct. The word "Fürst" comes from the ancient German "virst", meaning "first" (Anglo-Saxon "first". The title itself arose in imperial times and designated the highest nobility of the empire. Subsequently, it was assigned to those of its representatives who were not kings or dukes Thus, the translation “boyar” suggests itself.

There is a derivative of this title - Kurfürst (Kufurst), given in our literature without translation. We already know what “Fürst” means, and “kur-” means “choice”. The fact is that after the fall of the Swabian Staufen dynasty at the end of the 13th century, emperors of the Holy Roman Empire began to be elected. But only a narrow circle of the highest nobles of the empire (i.e., the Fuersts), endowed with the corresponding right, took part in the elections. In Latin texts (chronicles, etc.) these nobles were called “elector” - “voter”. On German their title was "Kurfürst".

Next in the German feudal hierarchy was the Graf (count). The word itself comes from the Greek “γραθιος” (graphios) - “scribe”. This was the name given to an imperial or royal employee, endowed with full administrative and judicial power in a certain territory (i.e., in his county). In addition to ordinary graphs, there were also mark- and palatine-counts.

The word "Mark" meant "borderland, border land", and later came to designate a border administrative unit. And Markgraf (margrave), accordingly, is the imperial/royal governor of the mark. The French title marquis (marquis) has a similar etymology.

As for the word Pfalz (palatinate), it comes from the Latin “palatium” - “palace”, and meant a temporary royal or imperial residence. It must be said that the kings of the early Middle Ages, as a rule, did not have permanent residences (states did not have capitals, as such). Instead, the kings preferred to alternately use several temporary residences in different parts of the country - this was justified primarily by considerations of military organization. Accordingly, in the absence of the king (emperor), all affairs in such a residence were managed by his representative, who bore the title Pfalzgraf (palatine count).

As such, the title Baron did not exist in Germany. The Russian fashion of calling all Germans barons came from Peter the Great, who began calling almost all Baltic Germans barons. In Western Europe in the Middle Ages, this was a direct vassal of the king, and the term was rather a collective one. This title was borne by feudal lords who owned their own fief and had vassals under their command. Met in Austria among the Hungarian nobility.

The lowest title in the German feudal hierarchy was Freiherr. This is what all German nobles, known among us as “barons,” wear. Literally "Freiherr" is translated as "free master". The owners of their own patrimony (domain), in contrast to the holders of estates (fiefs), could have a similar status.

With the formation of the feudal system, the concept of “title” necessarily included a relation to a specific inherited land holding. Therefore, any title in the Empire included the preposition "von" (from) and the name of the possession. In France, the preposition "de" served the same purpose.

However, there were nobles without possessions. It was they who, while performing military service, made up a large layer of knighthood. Interestingly, the Russian word "knight" directly comes from the German title Ritter (ritter). That's what they were called in the Empire. The name itself has common roots with the word "Reiter" - rider. Interestingly, the French “chevalier” (chevalier, gentleman) has the same etymology. That is, the title of knights goes back to their occupation - service in the feudal army as heavily armed horsemen. Accordingly, elevation to knighthood was initially tantamount to acceptance into such service. Knights, as is known, served for benefices - most often for the right to conditionally hold land as a feud - and therefore did not have titles until they received the land in full possession. In addition, the layer of knighthood was heterogeneous, and the actual status of a knight depended on the status of his overlord. The greatest honor was enjoyed by the “imperial knights” - vassals directly of the Kaiser. Others were less respected. But in any case, there were practically no “nobody’s” knights, and the title of knight contained a mention of his overlord: Ritter des Herzog von Bayern - knight of the Duke of Bavaria, for example. Members of knightly orders had a special position. On the territory of the Empire, the most significant was the Deutsche Orden (Deutsche Order), known to us as the “Teutonic” or “German”.

Noble titles of Byzantium

Basileus - Emperor
Augusta - the official title of the Byzantine empress
Caesar - in Byzantium until the end of the 11th century. the highest secular title after the imperial. Frequently complained to the presumed heirs to the throne
Vasileopator (lit. “father of the emperor”) is the highest title created by the emperor. Constantine VII
Kuropalat - one of the most important titles in the Byzantine hierarchy, usually complained to the emperor's closest relatives and high-ranking foreigners
Sinkel - a title most often complained to the highest spiritual nobility of the capital and provinces; its holders were part of the synclite
Parakimomen - chief sleeper, a title usually granted to eunuchs
Stratilates is a very ambiguous title, denoting a military leader of very high rank.
Master is one of the highest titles in the table of ranks, usually not associated with the performance of certain functions
Patrick - high title in the Byzantine hierarchy
Zosta patricia - title of the court lady under the empress, head of the empress's bedroom
Anfipat - a high title in the Byzantine table of ranks
Rector is an honorary title not usually associated with the performance of any specific functions.
Protospatharius - a title of medium dignity, usually complained to the military
Spafarocandidate - visa. title of relatively low rank

England - title precedence system
Since each title is described above, I will only show the hierarchy.
Dukes (of England, then Scotland, Great Britain, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Ireland)
Eldest sons of dukes of royal blood
Marquises (same seniority)
Eldest sons of dukes
Graphs
Younger sons of dukes of royal blood
Eldest sons of the marquises
Younger sons of dukes
Viscounts
Earls' eldest sons
Younger sons of the marquises
Bishops
Barons
Eldest sons of viscounts
Younger sons of counts
Eldest sons of the barons
Younger sons of the barons
Sons of life barons
Baronets
Knights of the Orders (except for the Order of the Garter - it is higher)
Knights who are not members of the Orders
Exquires
Squires

"Ladder" of titles

At the very top is the royal family (with its own hierarchy).
Next, in order of importance of titles, are:

Princes - Your Highness, Your Serene Highness
Dukes - Your Grace, Duke/Duchess
Marquises - My Lord/Milady, Marquis/Marquise (mention in conversation - Lord/Lady)
Eldest sons of dukes
Dukes' Daughters
Counts - My Lord/Milady, Your Highness (mention in conversation - Lord/Lady)
Eldest sons of the marquises
Daughters of the Marquises
Younger sons of dukes
Viscounts - My Lord/Milady, Your Grace (mention in conversation - Lord/Lady)
Earls' eldest sons
Younger sons of the marquises
Barons - My Lord/Milady, Your Grace (mention in conversation - Lord/Lady)
Eldest sons of viscounts
Younger sons of counts
Eldest sons of the barons
Younger sons of viscounts
Younger sons of the barons
Baronets - Sir
Eldest sons of younger sons of peers
Eldest sons of baronets
Younger sons of baronets

The eldest son of the title holder is his direct heir.

The eldest son of a duke, marquis or earl receives a "courtesy title" - the eldest from the list of titles belonging to the father (usually the road to the title passed through several lower titles, which then "remained in the family". Usually this is the next most senior title (for example , the heir of a duke is a marquess), but not necessarily. In the general hierarchy, the place of the sons of the title holder was determined by the title of their father, and not by their "courtesy title".
The eldest son of a duke, marquess, earl or viscount comes immediately after the holder of the title next in seniority to his father's title. (see "Ladder of titles"

Thus, the heir of a duke always stands immediately behind the marquis, even if his “courtesy title” is only that of count.

The younger sons of dukes and marquises are lords.

In the vast majority of cases, the title holder was a man. In exceptional cases, a title could belong to a woman if the title allowed transmission through the female line. This was the exception to the rule. Mostly women's titles - all these countesses, marquises, etc. - are “courtesy titles” and do not entitle the holder to the privileges accorded to the holder of the title. A woman became a countess by marrying a count; marquise, marrying a marquis; etc.

In the general hierarchy, the wife occupies a place determined by the title of her husband. You can say that she is standing on the same step of the stairs as her husband, right behind him.

Note: You should pay attention to the following nuance: For example, there are marquises, wives of marquises and marquises, wives of the eldest sons of dukes (who have the “courtesy title” of marquis, see section Sons). So, the former always occupy a higher position than the latter (again, the position of the wife is determined by the position of the husband, and the marquis, the son of a duke, always ranks below the marquis as such).

Women are title holders “by right.”

In some cases, the title could be inherited through the female line. There could be two options here.
1. The woman became, as it were, the custodian of the title, then passing it on to her eldest son. If there was no son, the title, under the same conditions, passed to the next female heir to then be transferred to her son... At the birth of a male heir, the title passed to him.
2. A woman received the title “in her own right.” In this case, she became the owner of the title. However, unlike male title holders, the woman did not receive the right to sit in the House of Lords along with this title, and hold positions associated with this title.

If a woman got married, then her husband did not receive the title (both in the first and second cases).

Note: Who occupies a higher position, the Baroness "in her own right" or the Baron's wife? After all, the title of the first belongs directly to her, and the second enjoys the “title of courtesy.”
According to Debrett, a woman's position is entirely determined by that of her father or husband, unless the woman has the title "in her own right." In this case, her position is determined by the title itself. Thus, of the two baronesses, the one whose barony is older is higher in position. (two title holders are compared).

In the literature, in relation to the widows of titled aristocrats, you can often find a kind of prefix to the title - Dowager, i.e. Dowager. Can every widow be called a "Widower"? No.

Example. The widow of the fifth Earl of Chatham may be called the Dowager Countess of Chatham if the following conditions are simultaneously met:
1. The next Earl of Chatham became the direct heir of her late husband (i.e. his son, grandson, etc.)
2. If there is no other Dowager Countess of Chatham alive (for example, the widow of the fourth Earl, the father of her late husband).
In all other cases, she is Mary, Countess of Chatham, i.e. name + title of her late husband. For example, if she is the widow of a count, but the widow of her husband's father is still alive. Or if after the death of her husband his nephew became the count.

If the current holder of the title is not yet married, then the widow of the previous holder of the title continues to be called Countess of Chatham (for example), and becomes "Dowager" (if eligible) after the current holder of the title marries and a new Countess of Chatham is created.

How is the position of a widow in society determined? - By the title of her late husband. Thus, the widow of the 4th Earl of Chatham is higher in position than the wife of the 5th Earl of Chatham. Moreover, the age of women does not play any role here.

If a widow remarries, her position is determined by that of her new husband.

Daughters of dukes, marquises and counts occupy the next step in the hierarchy after the eldest son in the family (if there is one) and his wife (if there is one). They stand above all other sons in the family.
The daughter of a Duke, Marquis or Earl receives the courtesy title "Lady". She retains this title even if she marries an untitled person. But when she marries a titled man, she receives the title of her husband.

We select title names from France. Why from there? Because people use French names most often. With the exception of some used in Russia. And on this page we will tell you who is doing what.

Titles and ranks, as a rule, are presented in order: from the highest to the simplest. Titles going from Emperors to Chevaliers (Knights) are usually called noble titles. For reference: A nobleman is one of the highest classes of feudal society (along with the clergy), which served the monarch and performed government activities. In other words, a nobleman is a person in the service of the court, usually a prince or king.

Emperor– the title of a monarch or several monarchs at once, the head of an empire. An emperor is usually the owner of several countries or peoples at once. As a rule, he takes land of his own free will. The highest title currently in existence. Feminine- Empress.

Caesar (Russian – Tsar) - a sovereign sovereign, the owner of a kingdom or a large state. A king is a person chosen by God, the people, etc. Usually associated with the highest dignity of the emperor. In Russia, by the way, the current “tsar” is currently called the president, but in reality this is not so. The king, as a rule, takes charge of the entire country, and the president leads the country through others. Feminine - Queen.

King- the title of a monarch, usually hereditary, but sometimes elective, the head of a kingdom or a small state. Feminine - Queen.

Prince- who it? It seems that everyone knows, but I’ll tell you anyway: this is the son of a monarch (king, czar or emperor). And when the king dies, the prince takes his place, being the new king. Feminine - Princess.

Duke (Russian – Prince) - leader of the army and ruler of the region. The head of a feudal monarchical state or a separate political entity, a representative of the feudal aristocracy. Highest noble title. Feminine - Duchess or Princess.

Marquis (Russian – Zemsky Boyar) - a noble title higher than a count, but lower than a duke. Marquises usually became counts who had served the king well and received permission to rule a border mark (administrative unit). Hence, by the way, the name of the title. Feminine - Marquise or Boyarina.

Graph (Russian – Princely Boyar) – a title of nobility in Western Europe and pre-revolutionary Russia. It originally denoted a senior official, but since the time of the Norman kings it has become an honorary title. Generally higher than baron and viscount, but lower than marquis and duke. Feminine - Countess.

Viscount- a member of the European nobility, halfway between a baron and a count. As a rule, the eldest son of an earl (during his father's lifetime) bears the title of viscount. In the Russian nobility the title of Viscount is absent. Feminine - Viscountess.

Baron (Russian – Master or Boyarin) is a noble title, lower than count and viscount. A noble person, in the narrow sense, the highest stratum of feudal society. In medieval feudal Western Europe - a major ruling nobleman and feudal lord, later - an honorary title of nobility. Feminine - Baroness or Boyarina.

Chevalier (Russian – Knight) – he is also a Knight as well. The youngest title of nobility who owned land. Formally, they were not considered nobility and were not included in high society, but at the same time they were persons of blue blood and were still nobles.

Gentleman– initially the word “gentleman” meant a man of noble birth, this was the basic definition of an aristocrat, the next title was Esquire. But then they began to call an educated and well-mannered man, respectable and balanced. Gentleman, as a rule, does not apply to the title of nobility. But there is no female equivalent to the word “Gentleman”. They are called Ladies.

Lord- this is not a title, but a general name for representatives of the upper class. Lord from English means "lord". It can be called any ruler, regardless of rank. Although, if we talk about Great Britain, then Lord is still a title, but in other nations dukes, marquises, counts, etc. are also called lord.

Few people know, unfortunately, that the knighthood title Sir can only precede a given name (and never a surname). That is, you can say Sir Alec Guinness or Sir Alec, but Sir Guinness - in no case.

With the title of lord the situation is almost the opposite, but not always.

The highest English nobility, the peerage, has five degrees: duke, marquis (marquess, as opposed to the French title marquis), earl, by no means count - this is the title of the European continental aristocracy; although wife The English count will still be countess), viscount (viscount) and baron (baron).

The lowest, baronial title is usually assigned to new, lifelong members of the House of Lords, who receive nobility for services to the state. In any case, this title is omitted in circulation and ceremonial, and the title of Lord is used instead, which can only precede the title. The name of the title is not a surname, but may coincide with it (Lord Byron). Instead of the full title Baron Olivier of Brighton, it would be correct to say Lord Olivier. The name in these cases always precedes the title: Alfred, Lord Tennyson, or George Gordon, Lord Byron.

The titles of marquess, earl and viscount are also dropped in informal contexts and replaced with lord (e.g. Lord Salisbury instead of Marquess of Salisbury - note that with the title lord the preposition of disappears). These titles, however, are necessarily heard in full in the ceremony. The name of the title, if not the same as the surname, is territorial, for example Anthony Eden, Earl of Avon, and then it would be correct to say Lord Avon (in this case, the title is preceded by both the first and surname).

The title of duke is never replaced by the title of lord.

There are, however, so-called titles of courtesy (courtesy titles), which do not have a legal basis, among which is also the title of lord. In this traditional system The Duke's eldest son bears the title of Marquis; the eldest son of the marquis - the title of count; The Earl's eldest son is titled Viscount. The younger sons of dukes and marquises bear the title of lord, but in this case the title precedes the name: Lord Peter Wimsey. All daughters of dukes, marquesses and earls have the title of lady, which precedes the given name: Lady Jane or Lady Jane Seymour. However, if a woman receives the title of lady through her husband, then it can only precede the surname: Joan Plowright, according to etiquette, should be called Lady Olivier, but not Lady Joan.

The sons and daughters of viscounts and barons, as well as the younger sons of earls, bear the title the Honourable. There is also the title Right Honourable, which serves as a kind of free addition to the titles of Earl, Viscount and Baron, and also comes before the title of Lord for the younger sons of Dukes and Marquises. The title of Marquis is preceded in ceremonial by the title Most Honourable.

Update. The origin of titles varies greatly. The barons appeared immediately after Norman conquest, but originally this word meant a vassal knight, primarily a royal one. By the 13th century, a division into greater and lesser barons had already developed; were the first to become owners of the corresponding title.

The first English viscount was John, Lord Beaumont in 1440.

The title of earl (count) is Anglo-Saxon, and originally meant the manager of a certain large territory. William the Conqueror tried to replace it with the title count, but was unsuccessful.

The first English marquess was Richard II's favorite, Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford, who received the title Marquess of Dublin in 1385.

Edward III's eldest son, Edward "The Black Prince", became the first English duke, Duke of Cornwall, in 1338. Before this he was Earl of Cornwall.

The title of knight, which gives its holder the right to the polite address sir, is personal and is not inherited. This is the lowest title of nobility: knights are not included in the peerage. Few people know that this title has various degrees.

The lowest degree of knighthood is called knight bachelor. Historically, these were, as a rule, young knights who were not members of any of the knightly orders and did not have the right to unfurl their own banner.

The second degree is called knight banneret (knight-standard-bearer). A knight was promoted to this rank on the battlefield for outstanding courage by tearing off the “tabs” of his flag (pennon), which was thus turned into a banner. After the reign of Elizabeth I, this knighthood almost ceased to exist. The last knight-standard bearer was Colonel John Smith in 1642, who recaptured the royal standard of Charles I from the enemy at the Battle of Edgehill.

The title of baronet was originally also a degree of knighthood (knight baronet), but did not take root in this capacity. More about baronets below.

The highest degree of knighthood are members of orders of chivalry, of which there are nine in England. Chief among them is The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded by Edward III around 1348. Other orders in order of preference:

Order of the Thistle (The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, 1687);
Order of St. Patrick (The Most Illustrious Order of St Patrick, 1788, actually no longer exists);
Order of the Bath (The Most Honorable Order of the Bath, 1399, restored in 1715);
Order of the Star of India (The Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, 1861, awarded until 1947);
Order of St. Michael and St. George (The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, 1818);
Order of the Indian Empire (The Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire, 1877, awarded until 1947);
The Royal Victorian Order, 1896;
Order British Empire(The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 1917).

The situation is further complicated by the fact that some orders have three or five degrees, and each degree has its own abbreviated name, which is traditionally placed after the holder’s surname. As an example, I will name the degrees of the Order of the Bath: Knight/Dame Grand Cross (abbreviated G.C.B. - Grand Cross of the Bath); Knight/Dame Commander of the Bath (K.C.B. or D.C.B.) and Companion of the Bath (C.B.) Moreover, regardless of the number of degrees of the order, only the first two are knightly.

As I already wrote, the knighthood title Sir can only appear before a knight's name, and for his wife the title Lady - only before her surname (unless she is also the holder of a hereditary courtesy title, in which case Lady will precede her name).

The title of baronet, as already mentioned, arose initially as one of the degrees of knighthood. The title was created by James I in 1611 to raise money for the defense of Ulster through the sale of patents. Subsequently (under George IV) the title ceased to be knightly. However, its owner has the right to be addressed as Sir, and to distinguish baronets from knights, the letters Bt are placed after their name: Sir Percival Glyde, Bt. Neither a baronet nor a peer, however, this title is inherited.

The concept of esquire in the narrow sense implies an untitled nobleman, and in the broad sense it is actually equivalent to the courtesy title Mister. However, Esquire can in no case be a title, and always follows only the surname, as a rule in documents and letters: Sherlock Holmes, Esq.

The unofficial title of squire historically meant a knightly squire, but from the end of the 16th century this began to be called relatively large landowners who were informal “first persons” in a particular rural area. Moreover, the squire could be either a titled aristocrat or an untitled landowner.

I made this extract from the encyclopedia.

KING(on behalf of Charlemagne), head of a monarchical state, kingdom

TSAR(from Latin caesar - Caesar), in Russia in 1547-1721 the official title of the head of state. The first Tsar was Ivan IV the Terrible. Under Peter I, the title Emperor was replaced, but unofficially existed on a par with him.

ARCHDUKE(German: Erzherzog), title of the Austrian monarchs of the Habsburg dynasty.
The title appeared in 1453 and is based on the privilege received by the Austrian dukes in the 12th century from the Holy Roman Emperor, which made them equal to the electors. For some time, the Austrian dukes were also called Erzfuersts. When the Habsburgs themselves took possession of the imperial throne, they began to own two titles - Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Archduke directly. In 1806, Holy Roman Emperor Francis II of Habsburg was forced to resign as emperor. In return, he proclaimed himself Emperor Francis I of Austria, and the title of Archduke passed to his children. From then until 1918, the princes of the House of Habsburg were called archdukes.

PRINCE(German Prinz, from Latin princeps - first), the title of a non-reigning member of a royal or other ruling house.

THE HIGHEST PRINCE, in Russia 18-19 centuries. a noble title given for special personal merit (the first His Serene Highness Prince - A.D. Menshikov, from 1707).

PRINCE,
1) leader of a tribe, ruler of a state or public education. In medieval Germany, a prince (German Furst) was a representative of the highest imperial aristocracy who had special privileges. In the countries of Romance languages, the title of prince is denoted by the word prince (from the Latin princeps - first, see Art. Prince). In Rus', the eldest of the princes was called the Grand Duke, the rest - appanage princes.
2) Honorary hereditary noble title; from the 18th century complained to the king for special merits.

GRAPH(German Graf), in the early Middle Ages in the West. In Europe, an official who represented the king's authority in the county. During the period of feudal fragmentation, the counts turned into independent large feudal lords. In the future, count is a noble title (in Russia from the time of Peter I until 1917

Marquis(French marquis, Novolat. marchisus or marchio, from German Markgraf, in Italy marchese) - a Western European noble title, standing in the middle between count and duke; in England, besides M. in the proper sense, this title (Marquess) is given to the eldest sons of dukes.

DUKE(German: Herzog), among the ancient Germans, the military leader of the tribe; in the Middle Ages in the West. In Europe, a major feudal ruler, since the end of the Middle Ages - one of the highest noble titles.

BARON(from the Middle Ages. Lat. baro, gen. p. baronis), in Western. In Europe in the Middle Ages, a direct vassal of the king, later a title of nobility (in Russia introduced by Peter I for the highest Baltic nobility of German origin).

BARONET(English baronet), hereditary title of nobility in England.
VISCOUNT(French vicomte), title of nobility in Western countries. Europe.

LORD(English lord),
1) in medieval England, initially a feudal landowner (lord of the manor, landlord), then a collective title of the English high nobility; assigned to the peers of the kingdom, forming the House of Lords of the British Parliament. Since the 19th century The title lord is granted for the merits of scientists and cultural figures.
2) An integral part of the names of some positions in the UK (for example, Lord Chancellor - chairman of the House of Lords, Lord Mayor - head of local authorities in London and other large cities).

SIR(English sir),
1) in Great Britain, a title preceding the name of a baronet (originally a knight).
2) In countries in English respectful address to a man.

ESQ(squire) (English esquire, from Latin scutarius - shield-bearer), in early Middle Ages England, a knight's squire, then a fief holder who did not have knightly dignity. In the late Middle Ages and in modern times - an honorary title of nobility. In everyday life, the term is often used as equivalent to the word “gentleman”.

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It is not clear how titles were distributed at a time when they ceased to have a specific meaning. For what reason was Porthos given a baron and not a marquis? Which one is cooler? Why did the son of Athos become a viscount and not a count, who called him that?

Most people associate the courageous and somewhat romanticized image of a knight with the Middle Ages. After all, as is known, “knighthood as a military and landowning class arose among the Franks in connection with the transition in the 8th century from the people’s foot army to the cavalry army of vassals. Having been influenced by the church and poetry, it developed the moral and aesthetic ideal of a warrior, and in the era of the Crusades , under the influence of the spiritual knightly orders that arose at that time, became isolated in a hereditary aristocracy. Strengthening state power, the superiority of infantry over cavalry, the invention of firearms and the creation standing army by the end of the Middle Ages they turned feudal knighthood into a political class of untitled nobility."

At that time, knighting in medieval Latin texts was designated by the words “putting on a military belt.” At that time anyone could be a knight. At first, knighthood was given, according to German tradition, at the age of 12, 15, 19, but in the 13th century there was a noticeable desire to push it back to adulthood, that is, to the 21st year. Although the era of firearms abolished knighthood as a military class, the modern world also has its knights.

The British Scheme of Awards for personal bravery, achievement or service to the United Kingdom includes the following:

Honors- to recognize virtues in terms of achievement and service;

Medals- to recognize bravery, long and/or valuable service, and/or good behavior; A

Award badges usually given for specific achievements.

Well, knights today exist in cavalry orders like the Order of the Garter (1348) or the Knights of Honor (1917) and in a class known as knights bachelors. Although, unlike knights of British orders, knight bachelors do not have special letters after their name indicating membership in a specific order of chivalry, a knight bachelor is entitled to the title sir.

Let's talk about them. As you know, not only subjects of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, but also foreign citizens can receive the honorary title. Of the famous non-Britons, the honor of being a British knight was awarded, in particular, to the founder Microsoft Bill Gates, singer Placido Doming oh, film director Steven Spielberg, scientist and historian Simon Wiesenthal, also known as the "Nazi hunter".

Among British citizens, actors Sean Connery and Roger Moore (playing James Bond), singers Sting (Gordon Sumner), Paul McCartney, Elton John and many others are considered honorary knights.

Back in 1992, a wonderful composer received the right to use the prefix “sir” Andrew Lloyd Webber, author of music from the musicals "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats", from the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar".

Sir Paul McCartney- knight since 1997. This is not the first royal award for the famous Beatle - after all, back in the mid-sixties, each of the Fab Four received an Order of the British Empire. But John Lennon later returned his medal in protest at Britain's support for the US war effort in Vietnam.

In the same year, 1997, another king of British music was knighted - Elton John.

And, having been included in the lists of prospective knights more than once, another talented and legendary British musician was finally initiated into them in 2003, on his 60th birthday. Mick Jagger. The ceremonial atmosphere calls for ceremonial attire, but the lead singer of the rock band The Rolling Stones appeared in a long leather coat, a red scarf and black sneakers, which caused universal condemnation.

Let's finish the theme of music with a solemn ceremony, which took place in 2007 at the residence of the British Ambassador in Dublin. Here he was awarded an honorary knighthood for his service to the UK in the music industry and humanitarian work Bono(real name Paul Newson), Irish musician and public figure, leader of the rock band U-2.

As you know, the title of Knight Bachelor is given only to men, the equivalent title for women is Dame of the Order of the British Empire. So, March 26, 2015 Joan Collins became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. The award ceremony was hosted by Prince Charles.

A year earlier, Queen Elizabeth II awarded Angelina Jolie the title of Dame Dame and the Order of St. Michael and St. George for humanitarian work. October 10, 2014.

He became a knight for his contribution to cinema in 2000. Sean Connery. After he was knighted, newspapers came out with headlines: “My name is Sean, Sir Sean” - this is how the famous greeting of agent 007 was paraphrased.

By the way, the famous Russian actor Vasily Livanov, known even to children for his role as Sherlock Holmes, was also awarded the title of knight in 2006 precisely for his unforgettable recreation of this literary image.

It would take a long time to list individuals who, with their talent and hard work, deserved and were awarded the honorary title of knight. But for today, having mentioned music and cinema, we will end with sports. In 1999, the world learned the name of another knight: the Scottish football player and coach Sir Sir Alex Ferguson.