Noble titles of medieval Europe. Table of ranks or who is cooler? What is the Nobility? Hierarchy of titles from Knight to King
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) is a noble title in Russia for members of the 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.: "companion", French comte, English earl or count) English earl (from Scandinavian jarl (jarl)) originally denoted a senior official, 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, 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 a direct vassal of the king, later a noble title (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 the Russian Empire, the title 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, and dukes, and barons, etc. That is, the count could be both 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 to the modern meaning of 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, borderland", 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 was they who, while performing military service, made up 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”. In 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
Patricius - a 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 for transfer then 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.
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. The strengthening of state power, the superiority of infantry over cavalry, the invention of firearms and the creation of a standing army by the end of the Middle Ages 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-British people, the honor of being a British knight was awarded, in particular, to the founder of 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.
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 state entity. 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 English-speaking countries, 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?
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.
About noble titles, their assignment, addressing titled persons in different countries, ranks and titles of nobles in European countries, the meaning and status of each title according to its affiliation, the origin of titles and their modern meanings. And also about the hierarchy in the Protestant and Catholic churches and the corresponding appeal to their ministers .
Titles Great Britain
. There is a fairly strict order of protocol seniority - 129 points.
Basic:
The Sovereign and his family members .
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
In Great Britain, only the head of a family has a noble title. The eldest son and the son of the eldest son (among dukes and marquises) may, by right of courtesy, also bear the title, but below the title of the head by one or more points. The title of Lord is borne by the sons of dukes and marquises. The younger sons of earls and all sons of barons and viscounts are called Honorable (abbreviated to The Hon in letters)
Ladies are the daughters of dukes, marquises and counts. Daughters of Viscounts and Barons - The Hon. Only the Duke and Duchess are invariably referred to by their full title.
Marquises, earls and viscounts are titled only on ceremonial occasions, but on other occasions they should be called Lord or Lady, the same for barons and baronesses.
France.
Sovereign
Princes
Dukes
Awnings
Graphs
Viscounts
Barons
The family title is inherited by the eldest son, the others receive the next in rank.
The title of knight is not inherited.
Appeal:
Mister Duke- Monseigneur le Duc
Madame Duchess- Madame la Duchesse
Common address in aristocratic circles: Duke + first name, Baron/Earl + last name, Sir + first and last name
Church. Appeals.
Protestant.
Archbishop - Your Grace
Bishop - Lord
Clergymen up to the rank of prebendary - Sir
Others - Reverence + first and last name
Catholic
.
Pope - Holy Father or Your Holiness in the third person
Cardinal - Eminence or Your Lordship
Archbishops and bishops - Excellency or Your Lordship in the second person
others - according to rank
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).
Prince Regent
A Prince Regent (or Regent) is a prince who rules as a monarch. Regent instead of Monarch, for example due to the Sovereign's incapacity (due to age or illness) or absence (the monarch's distance from his state, such as exile or a long trip). At the same time, the title may have a generic meaning and refers to any prince who served as a regent; historically, the title was primarily used to distinguish the small number of those princes who ruled as Regents.
In England, the use of the title Prince with the prefix Regent is usually associated with George IV, who used the title (HRH) during the inability of his father, George III, to govern. This period in British history is known as the English Regency, or simply the Regency. The title was awarded by the Regency Act of 5 February 1811. With certain restrictions during the regency period, the Prince Regent was able to exercise the powers of the King.
In Germany, the title Prinzregent (literally Prince Regent) is usually associated with Prince Lutpold of Bavaria, who served as Regent under two of his nephews, King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who was declared feeble-minded in 1886, and King Otto of Bavaria (who was declared insane in 1875). , from 1886 to 1912. The years of Lutpold's regency were marked by enormous artistic and cultural activity in Bavaria, these years were later known as Prinzregentenjahre or Prinzregentenzeit. Numerous streets in Bavarian towns and cities are called Prinzregentenstrasse. Many institutions are named after Lutpold, for example the Prinzregententheater in Munich. Prinzregententorte – a layered chocolate cream cake named after Lutpold. After Lutpold's death, in 1912, his son Prince Ludwig III of Bavaria became Prince Regent. Ludwig retained this title for a short period of less than a year, as the Bavarian Legislature decided to recognize him as king.
Kaiser
Kaiser is a German name meaning "Emperor", Kaiserin - the female equivalent - "Empress". This title is directly derived from the Latin title Caesar, which in turn was derived from the name Julius Caesar.
The style of existence (foundation of institutions, political institutions, regulation of public life) of the Roman Empire was restored in the Kingdom of the Franks by Emperor Charlemagne in 800. When his empire was divided, the title of emperor went to the ruler who ruled the Roman kingdom. Through a system of succession, this kingdom became part of the Eastern ("German") kingdom. The Holy Roman Emperors (962-1806) called themselves Kaiser, combining the imperial title with the title of King of Rome; they perceived their reign as a prototype of the reign of the Roman Emperors and used a title whose pronunciation was derived from the title "Caesar" to reflect their imagined heritage.
The rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1804-1918) were from the Habsburg dynasty, which represented all the Holy Roman Emperors since 1440. The Austrian-Hungarian rulers adopted the title Kaiser.
In English (untranslated), the word "Kaiser" is primarily associated with the emperors of the unified German Empire (1871-1918) and especially Kaiser Wilhelm II.
In 1871, a debate was held regarding the exact title for the monarch of a united Germany. Deutscher Kaiser ("German Emperor") was chosen among others such as Kaiser von Deutschland ("Emperor of Germany"), or Kaiser der Deutschen ("Emperor of the Germans"); since the selected title expressed the least degree of superiority over the rulers of other principalities. There were only three Kaisers of the (second) German Empire. All of them belonged to the Hohenzollern dynasty, which was the informal leader among the rulers of Germany - the Kings of Prussia, the largest power among the German principalities. German Kaisers:
Wilhelm I (1871-1888);
Frederick III (1888), who ruled for 99 days;
Wilhelm II (1888-1918), during his reign, the monarchy in Germany ended after the end of the First World War.
Infant
In the Spanish and former Portuguese monarchies, the (male) Infante or (female) Infanta was given to the son or daughter of the reigning King, who is not the direct heir to the throne. Also, the Princes of the Blood of the Spanish and Portuguese royal families most often received this title by inheritance (the children of aristocrats also bore the title of Infants, but in their case the title was associated with the definition of “child”, without reference to the royal family). Note that infante is also used for a hereditary title of the aristocracy, such as Los infantas de Carrión (heirs of Carrión).
The name comes from the same root as "baby", "child" in the Romance languages (French, Enfants de France), and in this case indicates that the Infante or Infanta is the child of the monarch.
The modern Infantas of Spain are Leonor and Sofia (daughters of Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia), Elena and Cristina (daughters of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia), Pilar and Margarita (daughters of Juan de Bourbon, Count of Barcelona). Carlos de Bourbon, Duke of Calabria and cousin of King Juan Carlos, also holds the title of Infante of Spain. Prince Felipe, son of King Juan Carlos, is heir apparent to the Spanish throne and therefore bears the title Prince of Asturias.
The modern Infantes of Portugal (now a republic) are Enrique, Duke of Coimbra and Miguel, Duke of Visi (brothers of the Dukes of Duarte Braganza, claimants to the Portuguese royal throne), Infante Afonso, Prince of Beira, Infanta Maria Francisca Isabel of Portugal and Infante Dinis, Duke of Porto (sons of the above Duke of Braganza).
Prince
The title "prince" has a long history. At the time when Emperor Augustus accepted the title of Emperor from the Roman Senate, it (the title) meant "one who is among equals, or equal." This title remained one of the titles of the Roman Emperor. The English word "leader" retains some of this meaning. In German the idea was translated by the title "Fürst".
In most general terms, unless referring to the children of a king, "prince" refers to the supreme or one of the paramount men, that is, the person who has direct personal rule over a relatively small territory, such as modern Monaco and Liechtenstein.
Since the German lands were ruled by a large number of princes, the people were more loyal to the Princes than other European nations outside the Empire (meaning the Holy Roman Empire, it did not occupy all of Europe), and therefore the German language has an additional title to define a prince in the common European sense of the title - this is "Furst". "Prince" in German does not have a royal imprint on an aristocrat's title, and sometimes this title may be classified as a lesser title than Duke, or "Gro?herzog" depending on the history of the particular titular family. "Fürst" is a uniquely German title that is best translated as "prince" and should be regarded as a title above "prince". This title identifies the head of a royal house, or the head of the ruling branch of such a house. For example, the German form of Prince Rainier's name is "Fürst von Monaco".
The electors of the Holy Roman Empire were called "Electors". "Gro?furst" is the word used in German for the Russian Grand Duke (son of the Tsar).
From the above examples it is clear that in the German system (and in other continental systems), a prince sometimes represents something more than a mere nobleman, but not necessarily of royal blood, and it is this difference that makes comparison of this title with the British system difficult.
In the Russian system, "prince" (translated into European languages as prince, e.g. Prince Potemkin) is the highest degree of nobility, and sometimes, represents the average title for the senior branch of the dynasty by birth (for example, the Bagrations), who passed into the Russian nobility under Russian imperial dynasty (previously the Bagrations were a royal dynasty that ruled the Georgian state); this term was also used originally by the Rurik dynasty.
"Prince" is also the term used to translate the highest level of old Gaelic nobility.
Graph
Earl or Jarl was an Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian title meaning "chief" and referring primarily to the chiefs ruling over territory on land owned by the king (a detached manor or castle). In Scandinavia the title became obsolete and fell out of use in the Middle Ages, being replaced by the title of Duke (hertig/hertug), while in Great Britain the title became synonymous with the continental title of Earl.
Today, an earl is a member of the British nobility, and in the aristocratic ranks is ranked below the Marquess and above the Viscount.
The word "earl" comes from the Middle English word "erl" meaning warrior, nobleman, and is the equivalent of jarl in Old Norse. It remains unclear whether there is a real etymological connection with the Anglo-Saxon concept of "Ealdorman", which translates literally as "Elder", and denotes a title that was subsequently replaced by Earl during the eleventh century.
Earls were originally the king's "governors" (that is, appointed administrators). Although the title of Earl was nominally equivalent to the continental sense of a similar title, unlike in continental Europe, counts were not the actual rulers of their own domains. After the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror attempted to rule England using the traditional system, but ultimately changed it to his own system of government and division of lands. Counties became the largest secular divisions in England.
There was only one person in Iceland who ever held the title of Earl (or Jarl). It was Gissur Borvaldsson who was made Count of Iceland by King Haakon IV of Norway for his efforts in bringing Iceland under Norwegian royal rule.
Khan
Khan is a sovereign (from sovereign, independent ruler) and military title to designate a ruler in Altaic languages. The title originally came from the Turkish language, meaning the tribal leaders of the Mongols and Turks. This title now has many equivalent meanings, such as commander, leader, or ruler. Now the Khans exist mainly in South Asia, Central Asia and Iran. Female alternative titles are Khatun, Khatan and Khanum.
The Khan rules the Khanate (sometimes written as Khanate). The Khan heads the ruling dynasty, and is the ruler in a monarchical state. The Khan is also sometimes perceived in the European sense as a king or prince, but this is wrong. Initially, the khans only headed relatively minor tribal domains, in the vast Eurasian steppe, where the tribes led a largely nomadic lifestyle.
.
The title Khan of Khans was among the numerous titles used by the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, as well as by the rulers of the Golden Horde and its descendant states. The title Khan was also used in the Seljuk Turkish dynasties of the Middle East to designate the head of a variety of tribes, clans, or nations.
Baron
Baron is a specific aristocratic title. The word Baron itself comes from the old French word baron, and directly from the Frankish word baro, which meant "honorary citizen, warrior"; this word later merged with the related Old English beorn to mean "nobleman".
In the British system of titles of nobility, barons rank below viscounts, being the lowest rank in the peerage (a peer is the name given to aristocrats of all titles). A woman from a family with a baronial title has her own equivalent - a baroness. A baron can hold a barony (multiple baronies) if the title has an original relationship to a feudal barony.
William the First introduced the title of "baron" as a title of nobility in England to distinguish nobles who pledged their loyalty to him. Previously, in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Britain, the king's companions held the title of earls, and in Scotland, the title of Thane.
In Scotland, the title of Baron is an aristocratic title associated with the feudal nobility of Scotland, and refers to the holder of a feudal barony having its own holdings.
In the twentieth century, Great Britain introduced the concept of non-hereditary life peers. All appointees accept the title of baron, but cannot pass it on to their children.
During the Ancien Regime, the French baronies were very similar to the Scottish ones. Feudal tenants had the right to call themselves barons if they were nobles.
In pre-Republican Germany, all noble families (sometimes distinguished by the prefix "von") were eventually recognized as barons. Families who always held this status were called Original Aristocrats. Today there are no legal privileges associated with hereditary titles. The offspring of those who possessed aristocratic titles may want to distinguish themselves from later "ennobled" families, however, many Baron surnames do not contain any such prefix (von). In general, all male members of a baronial family inherited the title of Baron from birth.
In Spain the title is one of the lowest. The Baron's wife takes the title of "Baronese". The term Baronesa was also used for a woman who was granted a title based on her merits. In general, the title of "Baron" until the nineteenth century corresponded to a title of nobility, derived from the "Crown of Aragon". The title lost territorial jurisdiction around the mid-nineteenth century, and since then it has been used only as an honorific.
The title was very common in most European countries; in various languages the title was pronounced with virtually no changes in sound.
Like other major Western noble titles, Baron is sometimes used to designate a similar title outside the Western world.
In some republics of continental Europe, the unofficial title of "Baron" is retained as a socially prestigious title, without specific political privileges.
In the Polynesian monarchy of the island of Tonga, in contrast to Europe, barons are given power, and barons usually carry out certain political activities while vested with power.
Viscount
A viscount is a member of the European nobility, a title usually ranked equivalent to the British peerage, above baron, below earl (in Britain) or duke (its continental equivalent).
The word Viscount has been used in English since 1387, and comes from the Old French word visconte (Modern French: vicomte), which in turn comes from the Medieval Latin term vicecomitem (originally meaning companion; later Roman imperial courtier).
As a rank in the British peerage, this title was first registered in 1440, when John Beaumont, 1st Viscount Beaumont, became King Henry VI. According to early sources, early viscounts were not initially granted titles or honors by the monarch, and the title was not hereditary.
A viscount is said to hold a "viscountcy" or area belonging to the viscount. The female equivalent of a viscount is a viscountess.
In British practice, the title of Viscount can be either a place name or a surname, or sometimes a combination of both.
It is certainly British custom to use the title Viscount as an expression of respect for the heir to an earl or marquess. The heir apparent to a peer is sometimes also referred to as a viscount. More often than not, it is not the eldest son of a British duke who receives the title of marquis; with exceptions such as the Duchy of Norfolk, which does not have the title of Marquess, thus the heir receives the next title below Duke, namely that of Earl.
The son of a marquis or earl may be referred to as a viscount when the title of viscount is not the second-highest title in the family. For example, the second most "senior" title of the Marquess of Salisbury is Earl of Salisbury. The eldest son of a Marquess does not use the title Earl of Salisbury, but the eldest title, Viscount Granborne.
Sometimes the son of a peer may be referred to as a viscount, even when he may use a more senior title. In this case, family tradition plays a role. For example, the eldest son of the Marquess of Londonderry is Viscount Castlereagh, even though the Marquess is also the Earl of Vane.
The title of viscount is less common in Italy ("visconte"), although the noble Visconti family, the rulers of Milan, are among the most prominent representatives of the modernization of this title.
In the former kingdom of Portugal, the visconde ranks above the baron, and below the conde.
In the Kingdom of Spain, this title began to be awarded from the time of Felipe IV (1621-65; Habsburg dynasty) until 1846.
There are non-etymological equivalents to the title Viscount in several languages, including German. For example, in Dutch, Burggraaf is a title above Baron but below Earl in the kingdoms of the Netherlands and Belgium. In Welsh this title is rendered as Isiarll.
There are also non-Western copies of this title:
Korean jajak or Pansoh
Chinese Tzu or Zi, fourth class hereditary title
Japanese Shishaku or Shi, the fourth and lowest, but one of the five ranks of noble titles
Duke
The Latin Duke was a military title that could be equivalent to "field marshal". The historical core of the title is found in the stories of King Arthur, and most likely relates to Duke Bellorus, who was responsible for the forces holding back the barbarian attack on early post-Roman Britain. English kings introduced the French ducal structure into the British system, and it was initially primarily a royal title. In France especially after 1600, however, as in Great Britain, the title no longer meant royalty.
However, the perception of the title Duke as a royal one was strong in Germany, perhaps more so than ever in Great Britain and other parts of Europe, where all children of the head of the ruling house automatically received the title Duke, and descendants of the Imperial Family were Archdukes or Archduchesses.
A duchy (or grand duchy) is a territory ruled by a duke (or grand duke). There are properly only two duchies in Great Britain, Lancaster and Cornwall; they are essentially "corporations" that provide income to the Queen (who is the "Duchess" of Lancaster) and the Prince of Wales (who also holds the title Duke of Cornwall).
A Duke is a nobleman, historically the highest rank below a King or Queen, and usually rules a Duchy. The word itself comes from the Latin word meaning chief, which was understood as a "military commander" and was used by the Germanic peoples themselves, as well as by Roman authors.
In the Modern era, the title became a nominal title without an actual principality. Duke is still the highest nominal aristocratic title in France, Portugal, Spain, Great Britain, and Italy.
During the Middle Ages, after the collapse of Roman power in Western Europe, the title was still used in the Germanic kingdoms, most often by the rulers of old Roman regions and colonies.
In the 19th century, the supreme dukes of Parma and Modena in Italy, and Anhalt, Brunswick-Lüneburg, Nassau (state), Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Saxe-Main and Saxe-Altenburg in Germany survived Napoleon's restructuring. Since the unification of Italy in 1870 and the end of the monarchy in Germany in 1918, there have been no more ruling dukes in Europe; only the Grand Duke remains, who rules Luxembourg.
Spanish infantas were usually given a dukedom upon marriage. This title is currently not hereditary. Modern royal duchesses: HRH Duchess of Badajoz (Infanta Maria del Pilar), HRH Duchess of Soria (Infanta Margherita) (although she inherited the title of Duchess of Hernani from her cousin and is the second holder of that title), HRH Duchess of Lugo (Infanta Elena) and HRH Duchess of Palma de Mallorca (Infanta Cristina).
Emperor
An emperor is a (male) monarch, usually the supreme ruler of an empire or other type of "imperial" kingdom. Empress is the feminine form of the title. As a title, "empress" can refer to either the wife of the emperor (empress consort) or the woman who is the reigning monarch (empress regnant). Emperors are generally recognized to be superior to kings in the aristocratic hierarchy. Today, the Emperor of Japan is the only reigning emperor in the world.
Both kings and emperors are monarchs. Within the European context of monarchical titles, "emperor" is considered the highest of monarchical titles. Emperors were once given primacy over kings in international diplomatic relations; Currently, such primacy is limited to the duration of the period on the throne of the head of state.
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