Count and prince in what. Titles of the highest nobility in the Russian Empire

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 future French king Charles V de Valois in 1349 the region of Dauphine (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(former Holy Roman Empire), this title is called Fürst, and in the North - 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 were called; another row (duc, duke) comes from the Latin word dux, which meant exactly the same thing in Western Europe in the early Middle Ages - tribal prince. feudal fragmentation- a major territorial ruler (in the system of the military-feudal hierarchy, Georgies 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 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 a direct vassal of the king, later a noble title (woman - baroness). The title B. in England (where it remains to this day) is below the title of Viscount, occupying the last place in the hierarchy of titles high 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, 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 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" meant "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 - commander - has a similar etymology.

In addition to ordinary graphs, there were also their substitutes 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”. 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. I wonder what Russian word"knight" comes directly from the German title Ritter. That's what they were called in the Empire. The very name has common roots with the word "Reiter" (writer) - 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 among 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 is a title most often granted 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 an 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 the 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 was 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.

"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 Grace
Dukes- Your Grace, Duke/Duchess
Awnings- My Lord/Milady, Marquis/Marquise (mention in conversation - Lord/Lady)
Eldest sons of dukes
Dukes' Daughters
Graphs- My Lord/Milady, Your Excellency (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

sons

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”). This is usually the next most senior title (for example, a duke's heir 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.

Women

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.

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, a woman did not receive, along with this title, the right to sit in the House of Lords or 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).

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).

Widows

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

Daughters

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.

Ruler titles

Inherited:
Prince
Tsar heir Tsarevich (not always)
King heir Dauphin, Prince or Infant
Emperor
Caliph
Maharajah
Khan
Shah

Elected:
Doge
Caliph of the Kharijites

Noble titles:

Boyarin
Marquis
Baron
Graph
Duke
Prince
Viscount
Chevalier
Kazoku - Japanese title system

Monarchs

Emperor(Latin imperator - ruler) - the title of the monarch, head of state (empire). Since the time of the Roman emperor Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD) and his successors, the title of emperor acquired a monarchical character. Since the time of Emperor Diocletian (284-305), the Roman Empire has almost always been led by two emperors with the titles of Augusti (their co-rulers bore the title of Caesars).

It is also used to designate the rulers of a number of eastern monarchies (China, Korea, Mongolia, Ethiopia, Japan, pre-Columbian states of America), despite the fact that the name of the title in the official languages of these countries does not come from the Latin imperator.

Today, only the Emperor of Japan, Akihito, has this title in the world.

King(Latin rex, French roi, English king, German Konig) - the title of a monarch, usually hereditary, but sometimes elective, head of the kingdom.
Queen- the female ruler of a kingdom or the consort of a king.

Tsar(from tsar, tssar, lat. caesar - one of the Slavic titles of the monarch, usually associated with the highest dignity of the emperor. In an allegorical speech to denote primacy, dominance: “the lion is the king of beasts.”

The queen is the reigning person or the wife of the king.
Tsarevich - the son of a king or queen (in pre-Petrine times). In addition, the title of prince was given to some descendants of independent Tatar khans, for example, the descendants of Kuchum Khan of Siberia had the title of prince of Siberia.
Tsesarevich is a male heir, the full title is Heir Tsesarevich, informally shortened in Russia to Heir (with a capital letter) and rarely to Tsesarevich.
Tsesarevna is the wife of the Tsarevich.
A princess is the daughter of a king or queen.

Titled nobility

Prince(German Prinz, English and French prince, Spanish principe, from Latin princeps - first) - one of the highest titles of representatives of the aristocracy. The Russian word “prince” means direct descendants of monarchs, as well as, by special decree, other members royal family

Duke(Duc) - Duchess (Duchess)
Duke(German Herzog, French duc, English duke, Italian duca) among the ancient Germans - a military leader elected by the tribal nobility; in Western Europe, during the early Middle Ages, - a tribal prince, and during the period of feudal fragmentation - a large territorial ruler, occupying first place after the king in the military-feudal hierarchy.

Marquis(Marquess) - Marchioness
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.

Graph(Earl) - Countess
Graph(from German Graf; Latin comes (lit.: “companion”), French comte, English earl or count) - a royal official in the Early Middle Ages in Western Europe. The title originated in the 4th century in the Roman Empire and was originally assigned to high dignitaries (for example, comes sacrarum largitionum - chief treasurer). In the Frankish state, from the second half of the 6th century, the count in his district-county had judicial, administrative and military power. By decree of Charles II the Bald (Capitulary of Quersea, 877), the count's position and possessions became hereditary.

The English earl (OE eorl) originally denoted a senior official, but since the time of the Norman kings it has become an honorary title.

During the period of feudal fragmentation - the feudal ruler of the county, then (with the elimination of feudal fragmentation) the title of the highest nobility (female - countess). It continues to be formally retained as a title in most European countries with a monarchical form of government.

Viscount(Viscount) - Viscountess
Viscount- (French Vicornte, English Viscount, Italian Visconte, Spanish Vicecomte) - this was the name in the Middle Ages for a governor in some possession of a count (from vice comes). Subsequently, individual V. became so strong that they became independent and owned well-known destinies (Beaumont, Poitiers, etc.) and began to be associated with the title of V. Currently, this title in France and England occupies a middle place between count and baron. The eldest son of a count usually bears the title V.

Baron(Baron) - Baroness (Baroness)
Baron(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.

Baronet(Baronet) - (there is no female version of the title)
Baronet(Baronet) - (there is no female version of the title) - although this is a hereditary title, baronets do not actually belong to the peerage (titled aristocracy) and do not have seats in the House of Lords.

All others fall under the definition of "commoner", i.e. untitled (including Knight, Esquire, Gentleman)

Note: In the vast majority of cases, the title belongs to the man. In rare cases, a woman may hold the title herself. Thus, Duchess, Marchioness, Countess, Viscountess, Baroness - in the vast majority of cases these are "courtesy titles"

Within a title there is a hierarchy based on when the title was created and whether the title is English, Scottish or Irish.

English titles are higher than Scottish ones, and Scottish ones, in turn, are higher than Irish ones. With all this, the “older” titles are at a higher level.

Note: about English, Scottish and Irish titles.
At different times in England the following titles were created:
before 1707 - peers of England, Scotland and Ireland
1701-1801 - Peers of Great Britain and Ireland
after 1801 - peers of the United Kingdom (and Ireland).

Thus, an Irish earl with a title created before 1707 is lower in the hierarchy than an English earl with a title of the same time; but higher than Earl of Great Britain with a title created after 1707

Lord

Lord(English Lord - lord, master, ruler) - a title of nobility in Great Britain.

Initially, this title was used to designate everyone belonging to the class of feudal landowners. In this sense, the lord (French seigneur (“senior”)) opposed the peasants who lived on his lands and owed him allegiance and feudal obligations. Later, a narrower meaning appeared - the holder of lands directly from the king, in contrast to knights (gentry in England, lairds in Scotland), who owned lands belonging to other nobles. Thus, the title of lord became a collective title for the five ranks of the peerage (duke, marquis, earl, viscount and baron).

With the emergence of parliaments in England and Scotland in the 13th century, lords received the right to directly participate in parliament, and in England a separate, upper house of lords of parliament was formed. Nobles with the title of lord sat in the House of Lords by birthright, while other feudal lords had to elect their representatives to the House of Commons by county.

In a narrower sense, the title of lord was usually used as equivalent to the title of baron, the lowest in the peerage system. This is especially true in Scotland, where the title of baron is not widespread. The granting of the title of lord by the Scottish kings to the nobles gave them the opportunity to directly participate in the country's parliament, and was often not associated with the appearance of land holdings in such persons by right of holding from the king. Thus the title of Lords of Parliament arose in Scotland.

Only the king had the right to assign the title of lord to a nobleman. This title was inherited through the male line and in accordance with the principle of primogeniture. However, the title of lord also began to be used by the children of nobles of the highest ranks (dukes, marquises, viscounts). In this sense, the wearing of this title did not require special sanction from the monarch.

Lord, this is not a title - it is an address to the nobility, e.g. Lord Stone.

Lord (lord, in the original meaning - owner, head of a house, family, from Anglo-Saxon hlaford, literally - keeper, protector of bread), 1) originally in medieval England in general meaning- a feudal landowner (lord of the manor, landlord) and lord of his vassals, in a more special meaning - a large feudal lord, the direct holder of the king - a baron. Gradually, the title of L. became the collective title of the English high nobility (dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, barons), which was received (since the 14th century) by the peers of the kingdom, constituting the upper house of the British parliament - the House of Lords. The title of L. is transmitted through the male line and seniority, but can also be granted by the crown (on the recommendation of the Prime Minister). Since the 19th century complains (“for special merits”) not only to large landowners, as was previously customary, but also to representatives of big capital, as well as some scientists, cultural figures, etc. Until 1958, seats in the House of Lithuania were filled only by inheritance of this title. Since 1958, the appointment by the monarch of some of the members of the House of Lithuania has been introduced, and those appointed by Lithuania sit in the House for life; their title is not inherited. In 1963, hereditary L. received the right to resign their title. 2) An integral part of the official title of some senior and local officials of Great Britain, for example, Lord Chancellor, Lord Mayor and others. Lord Chancellor, Supreme Law of Great Britain, is one of the oldest government positions (established in the 11th century); in modern Great Britain, the L. Chancellor is a member of the government and a representative of the House of Lords. Mainly performs the functions of the Minister of Justice: appoints judges in the counties, heads the Supreme Court, is the custodian of the great state seal. Lord Mayor is a title preserved from the Middle Ages for the head of local government in London (in the City area) and a number of other large cities (Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester and others). 3) In the 15th-17th centuries, an integral part of the title of L.-protector, which was assigned to some high-ranking statesmen of England, for example, regents under a minor king. In 1653-58, the title of L. Protector was also held by O. Cromwell.

Which title is higher: count or prince?

Prince!!!
prince!! 1
Definitely a prince
Count (from German Graf; Latin comes (lit.: satellite), French comte, English earl or count) a royal official in the Early Middle Ages in Western Europe. The title originated in the 4th century in the Roman Empire and was originally assigned to high dignitaries (for example, comes sacrarum largitionum chief treasurer). In the Frankish state, from the second half of the 6th century, the count in his district-county had judicial, administrative and military power. According to the decree of Charles II the Bald (Cersian Capitulary, 877), the count's position and possessions became hereditary.
The English earl (Old English eorl) originally denoted a senior official, but since the time of the Norman kings it has become an honorary title.

During the period of feudal fragmentation, the feudal ruler of the county, then (with the elimination of feudal fragmentation) the title of the highest nobility (female countess). It continues to be formally retained as a title in most European countries with a monarchical form of government.

In Russia, the title was introduced by Peter I (the first to receive it in 1706 was B.P. Sheremetev). IN late XIX century, over 300 count families were recorded. The title of count in Russia was abolished by the Decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee and the Council of People's Commissars of November 11, 1917.

Prince is 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 F#252;rst, and in Northern Europe - konung. The term prince is used to convey Western European titles going back to princeps and F#252;rst, also sometimes dux (usually duke).
Grand Duke (Princess) is a title of nobility in Russia, a member 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, prince is the son of a prince (only among the Slavs), princess is the daughter of a prince.
prince
Here's what I dug up on the net:
Titles in ascending order.
1. Untitled nobleman. IN different countries called by different names. Chevalier (France), hidalgo (Spain), ritter (Germany).

2. One English king found convenient way replenishing the treasury by selling rights to the title of baronet. The title itself, as they say, has no analogues.

3. Baron. First noble title.

4. Viscount (vice-count). Initially, the position was deputy count. Then the title that his heir or younger son bears, who will not become a count. This is where independent viscounts emerge.

5. Count. (initially an administrative position, then a hereditary title).

6. Marquis, margrave (German) - above the count. Over time, the title lost its meaning as count of the border lands.

7. Duke. This is great.

8. Prince or duke. It’s the same thing, it’s just that in the West they say prince (yeah, Prince Potemkin, that’s right), and in Russia and some places else they say prince.

There is a nuance. A member of the royal family is a prince by birthright, but he can also bear another title by which he is often called. Usually - ducal. Those who have read "The Countess de Monsoreau" remember the Duke of Anjou - the prince, brother of the king, heir to the crown. So, as a relative of the king, he is a prince, and in his possessions (the Duchy of Anjou) he bears the title.

At the same time, there are principalities (this is a translation feature - in Europe they say “prince”, but in Russian they don’t say “princeship”, therefore land ownership giving the right to the title of prince is translated as a principality), which are independent (semi-independent) states ( the Prince of Orange, for example), or a long-standing feudal tradition allows a given person to be called a prince (the heir to the Dukes of La Rochefoucauld bore the title of Prince Marsiliac - prince-heir to the house of La Rochefoucauld. This claim to similarity with the royal house caused considerable irritation to other nobles).

As far as I understand, the crown prince is the prince of the royal house in Prussia, and the archduke is the prince of the imperial house in the Holy Roman Empire. The emperor in this empire was elected by a panel of 7 or 8 electors, who bore the title of electors.

Sometimes there is such a title as Landgrave. I believe he is the ruler of a large hereditary estate in Germany. He is practically an independent sovereign, but his title is by no means royal. However, this is not a simple count or even a duke, but the ruler of the country, although nominally a vassal of the emperor.

What else do we have left? A couple of French tricks. Addressing members of the royal family, which become titles in themselves.

Monseigneur (always capitalized) is the official title of the heir to the throne in France. If you see this word with a capital letter, that’s what we’re talking about.

Monsieur (also capitalized) is the title of the king's elder brother. IN colloquial speech stands out in meaning, but if the text is Monsieur, we are talking about the older brother of the reigning monarch.

Madame (again with a capital letter) is his wife.
Well, I don’t play like that, everyone has already given the correct answer, and I’m lost again.
Of course the prince...
prince
prince
If you remember the works of Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace, Count Bezukhov was richer than the Balkonsky Princes, I believe that the count came out
The prince is of books, of course, he is higher.
Prince
Prince
Of course, he is a prince from the reigning family.
Prince, because of royal blood.
Prince

The term “prince” is common Slavic and meant the title of a ruler, later a representative of the highest nobility. Initially, this was the name of the leader of the tribe. After the settlement of the Slavs across the East European Plain and the formation of the eastern branch of the Slavs (see Origin and settlement Eastern Slavs) princes became bearers of public power in the 7th-8th centuries. pre-state political formations - tribal principalities and their unions. With its spread during the 9th-10th centuries. the power of the great Kyiv princes over the entire East Slavic territory, local reigns were liquidated; as a result, by the 11th century. the right to a princely title in Rus' remained only with representatives of the Rurik dynasty (see Rus' in the 9th - early 12th centuries).

Princes in early medieval Rus', performing the functions of the supreme state power, were not sovereign monarchs: all the most important decisions were made by them after council with the top of the squad. In the second half of the X-XI centuries. Princely land ownership is gradually being formed; but the main income of the princes came from the exploitation of the personally free population through tribute and other forms of payments. After the collapse of Kievan Rus in the 12th century. for individual independent principalities, the strongest princes began to use the title “Grand Duke” to emphasize political supremacy (previously, the princes of Vladimir, the rulers of North-Eastern Rus'). In the XIV-XV centuries. The Grand Dukes of Vladimir from the Moscow princely house gradually acquired the title “Grand Duke of All Rus'.” From that time on, the princely title began to be recognized in Rus' not only for the Rurikovichs, but also for the Lithuanian princes - the Gediminovichs. During the period of the Horde yoke (see Horde yoke and its overthrow) in North-Eastern Rus', the power of the strongest princes gradually began to acquire monarchical features, and the size of their own princely land holdings increased. With the strengthening of the Moscow princes, many small princes went into their service. By the 16th century, after the formation of the Russian centralized state, the title “prince,” while retaining the memory of a special nobility of origin, no longer guaranteed membership in the highest aristocracy; many princely families were shredded and impoverished. At the same time, princely dignity began to be recognized for people from a number of noble Tatar families. In the Russian Empire of the 18th - early 20th centuries. the princely title finally lost its strict connection with origin: he could now complain to the tsar for services to the state (thus, for example, A.D. Menshikov and M.I. Kutuzov became princes). Members of the imperial family were called grand dukes.

Previously, even the child knew who to call Your Excellency, whom Your Grace.
Now go figure out how the prince differs from the count.
There were many Grand Dukes in Rus' - Ryazan, Smolensk, Tver and Yaroslavl, but with the subordination of these principalities to Moscow, only the “Grand Dukes of Moscow” remained.
After Grand Duke Ivan IV accepted the royal title, the royal sons began to bear the titles of “princes” and “grand dukes,” and the daughters began to bear the titles of “princesses” and “grand duchesses.” “Tsar” in Russia was supplemented by the title “autocrat”, which historically meant the independence of tsarist power from the Golden Horde

In 1721, Peter I took the title of "emperor". In Western Europe, this title usually belonged to the ruler of a powerful monarchy, and its receipt was sanctioned by the authority of the Pope.
With the introduction of the title of emperor in Russia, the title “prince” remained with the tsar’s sons, and daughters began to be called not “princesses”, but “crown princesses”. Subsequently, Emperor Paul I abolished these titles, and granted the titles of “Grand Dukes” and “Grand Duchesses” along with “Imperial Highness” to all his descendants up to the fifth generation.

A special class category included noble titles - the most serene princes, princes, and count and baronial dignities introduced by Peter I. Historically, each title signified a degree of feudal independence. Only the monarch could bestow a family title, and it was passed on to descendants only through the male line. When a woman got married, she joined her husband’s family name and became a princess, baroness or countess. When their daughter got married, she lost her title, since it could not be passed on to her husband.

In Russia there were only three noble titles: prince, count and baron.

The highest degree of princely title was the title "Grand Duke", which belonged only to members of the imperial family.

At the turn of the 17th–18th centuries, a new noble title appeared in Russia - count. At first, the meaning of this title was not very clear to Russian people
COUNT (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.

soon this title became very honorable, as prominent nobles, noble dignitaries and people close to the sovereign began to wear it.

The most honorable title in medieval Europe was the title of baron, where “baron” meant not only the highest government officials, but generally all feudal rulers, even if they had other titles (ducal, princely, margrave, etc.)
In Russia, the word “baron” was translated as “free master,” but before the reign of Peter I there were no “Russian” barons at all. In 1710, this title was first granted to the sub-chancellor P.P. Shafirov.
Among Russian subjects, this title was mainly held by nobles of the Baltic lands and immigrants from Germany.
In many cases, the grant of barony also meant the grant of nobility. This was the first stage of the titled nobility.

In Russia, the titles in descending order for the tsar are:
1) Tsarevich (first heir to the throne)
2) Grand Duke
3) Prince of the Imperial Blood
4) Prince
5) Duke
(complained only to foreign rulers, and also once to A.D. Menshikov)
6) Count
7) Baron
8) landowner,
.
When addressing persons who had certain ranks, persons of equal rank or inferior had to use the following titles:
"Yours Imperial Majesty" - to the emperor, empress and empress dowager;

“Your Imperial Highness” - to the grand dukes (children and grandchildren of the emperor), and in 1797–1886 to the great-grandsons and great-great-grandchildren of the emperor;

“Your Highness” - to princes of imperial blood;

“Your Grace” - to the younger children of the emperor’s great-grandsons and their male descendants, as well as to the most serene princes by grant;

“Your Excellency” - when addressing princes, counts, dukes and barons.

About “Your Honor” and “Your Highness” is a separate story.