Ladyship vs. Lordship — What’s the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Ladyship vs. Lordship — What’s the Difference? ›

“Lordship” can also be used in the UK as a polite and formal way of referring to a male peer without using his full title. For example, rather than saying “the Lord Voldemort of Slytherin is visiting London today”, one might say “His Lordship is visiting London today”. “Ladyship” is simply the female equivalent.

Yes, under common law you may legally call yourself laird, lord or lady as long as you do not do so to obtain money by deception. Scottish estate owners have a long tradition for styling themselves laird (lord) or lady.

Judges of the High Court and Court of Appeal are addressed (when sitting in those courts) as "My Lord" or "My Lady" and referred to as "Your Lordship" or "Your Ladyship".

Gender-based divisions were unnecessary when male judges were referred to as “Lordship” and female judges as “Ladyship”. In an era where gender equality is being pushed as the main social objective, using a singular, gender-neutral term like “Sir” is inclusive and appropriate.

Lord and lady titles were also used in medieval Europe to identify members of the nobility. In many cases, a lord or lady title was granted to a person who owned land. In some cases, these titles were also conferred on members of the nobility who gained political power.

The highest grade is duke/duch*ess, followed by marquess/marchioness, earl/countess, viscount/viscountess and baron/baroness. Dukes and duch*esses are addressed with their actual title, but all other ranks of the peerage have the appellation Lord or Lady. Non hereditary life peers are also addressed as Lord or Lady.

No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.

A duch*ess is one of the highest female title honors bestowed within the nobility system. This title is typically given to a Duke's wife, though at times the title was bestowed or given by a reigning monarch or even the Pope himself.

The appellation "lord" is primarily applied to men, while for women the appellation "lady" is used. This is no longer universal: the Lord of Mann, a title previously held by the Queen of the United Kingdom, and female Lords Mayor are examples of women who are styled as "Lord".

TL;DR: Use “Lord/Lady [NAME]” at first mention, then generally use “my lord” or “my lady.” To speak of a Lord or Lady in a formal way, use “His/Her Lordship/Ladyship.” When using “you” or “your” with a peer, opt for “Your Lordship” or “Your Ladyship.”

What does a ladyship do? ›

Meaning of ladyship in English

a polite way of referring to or talking to a woman or girl who has the rank of a peer or knight without using her title: We are honoured to welcome your ladyship (= you) here tonight.

Yes, you can change your honorific title in most instances (this includes items such as stationery, tickets, reservations, membership cards, debit cards, credit cards, social media, employers, professional bodies etc).

Lady: for female peers with the rank of baroness, viscountess, countess, and marchioness, or the wives of men who hold the equivalent titles. By courtesy the title is often also used for wives of Knights and Baronets. (Style: Your Ladyship or My Lady).

You may choose to title yourself with the title of Lord, Laird or Lady. Every Lordship or Ladyship title pack contributes to the preservation and protection of woodland areas in Scotland. As the intention is for the land to be kept in its natural state, we ask that all interested parties do bear this in mind.

"My lady" is the accepted way to address female judges in South Africa, while the male equivalent is "my lord."

“Lordship” can also be used in the UK as a polite and formal way of referring to a male peer without using his full title. For example, rather than saying “the Lord Voldemort of Slytherin is visiting London today”, one might say “His Lordship is visiting London today”. “Ladyship” is simply the female equivalent.

The English lordships that can be acquired come from English custom law as explained above, and are most commonly called 'Lord of the Manor' titles. As they are a legal property they can be bought and sold like any other property, but as they have no physical presence their acquisition is fraught with dangers.

Titles you can use on your passport

Put the details in the 'other title' box of your application and send evidence of your title. Your title will be on the 'observations' page of your passport - it will not be part of your name, except if it's a title of nobility, for example knight, dame or a lord.

Yes, you can change your honorific title in most instances (this includes items such as stationery, tickets, reservations, membership cards, debit cards, credit cards, social media, employers, professional bodies etc).

The appellation "lord" is primarily applied to men, while for women the appellation "lady" is used. This is no longer universal: the Lord of Mann, a title previously held by the Queen of the United Kingdom, and female Lords Mayor are examples of women who are styled as "Lord".