This is a very bare boned basic breakdown. Remember to do your own research for your own communities!
King/ Queen
The highest sovereign title. Typically a patriarchal title, some countries, like England, are based on a Matriarchal rule. The only title higher than King and Queen was Emperor/ Empress, a title that had only been used by the Japanese and the Holy Roman Empire.
Prince/ Princess
The hereditary title of royalty, though can also be used by a member of a monarch or former monarch's family. They are first in line for succession.
In feudalism, noble ranks were held in a legal system known as Peerage, or a system of hereditary titles.
Duke/ Duchess (Rank of Peerage)
The closest and highest ranking peers of the king and Queen. Typically, Dukes were relatives of the sovereign family (Uncles/ Aunts/ Nieces/ Nephews). Land owned by a Duke was called a 'Duchy'.
Marquess/ Marchioness (Rank of Peerage)
Rulers of frontier areas called 'Marks' or 'Marches'. The Marquess was responsible for the defense of border lands and typically had more men at arms than other nobles.
Earl (Count)/ Countess (Rank of Peerage)
Earl was considered an honorary title given by a monarch for services rendered. It was not a hereditary title, though Counts who's estates were extensive could pass their lands down to their sons. Land granted to Counts were called 'Countships' or 'Counties'.
Viscount/ Viscountess (Rank of Peerage)
The deputy of a count or vice-count, though it was also considered a courtesy title reserved for the heir of a marquess or count. Early uses of the title were the equivalents of sheriffs and were thus appointed by a monarch. It was one of the few titles that became hereditary, or passed down through a family line. Land granted to a Viscount was called a 'Viscounty', a 'Viscountship' or a 'Viscountcy'.
Baron/ Baroness
A vassal whose title and land was granted directly to him or her through the monarch, often as a reward for loyalty to the King and Queen.
Originally, anyone who was given land from the King and Queen as a result of Military Service, be they Counts or Earls, were considered Barons. A Barony was what land granted to a Baron was known as. A Barony was often passed down from father to son and kept in the family.
Baronet/ Baronetess
A title gifted to a commoner. A unique hereditary honor but one that does not grant one a seat on parliament/ council.
Knight/ Dame
An honorary title granted by a monarch or political leader for service to the monarch or country, especially in a military capacity. Historically, it was a title appointed those who were mounted warriors. It was considered a class of lower nobility. Knights were considered vassals who served a Lord, and were payed in the form of land holdings known as 'Fiefs' or 'Fiefdoms'. A woman granted this honor was known as a Dame.
Esquire
Also known as a Squire, the assistant to a knight. A shield bearer. They were the eldest sons of knights or the sons of nobleman assigned to a knight.
Gentleman/ Lady
A man or woman with income derived from property, a legacy or some other source. One who was independently wealthy and did not need to work. They could not claim nobility or the rank of esquire.
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