Chevalier: Pronunciation & Definition

There are some noble and aristocratic titles that are familiar to most people. Ranks and titles such as Duke and Duchess, Count and Countess, Lord and Lady etc are well-known within popular culture, all around the world. 

Then there are some other noble titles that are less familiar to the majority of people, yet they’re no less captivating or esteemed. One such title is the noble rank of Chevalier. 

What is a Chevalier? 

Historically, a Chevalier was a French nobleman, usually a skilled horseman, who had been granted the title of Chevalier. Over time, this noble title became a part of the established aristocratic ranks, with a position comparable to that of a Knight. 

How Do You Pronounce Chevalier? 

Chevalier is a French word, and the French pronunciation is: shev-allee-yay. 

It’s possible that the pronunciation of Chevalier outside of France may be confused with the English word cavalier. Although the French pronunciation is correct, the two words do share a similar origin. Both chevalier and cavalier stem from the Latin word caballarius, which meant an armed horseman or mounted knight, generally of noble origin or merit. 

Variations of this term also appear throughout other European countries. In Spanish, the word caballero referred to a noble horseman or knight. Similarly, the Italian word cavalieri also represents a mounted military rider or man of noble background. 

The root words, caval or cabal, come from the original words for horse. For example, the English word cavalry refers to soldiers on horseback. Similarly, a cavalcade is a type of procession that usually includes horses, such as riders and horse-drawn carriages. 

In French, the word for horse is cheval, making it easy to remember that a Chevalier was originally a horseman, in a similar manner to the English Knights, the Spanish Caballeros and the Italian Cavalieres. 

Notably, the German equivalent of Chevalier or Knight doesn’t stem from the same root word. Instead, it  uses the German word for rider, which is Ritter, but it still distinguishes the original bearer of the title as a horseman. 

Chevaliers: Ancient & Modern

During the early days of the ranking system that would evolve into the aristocratic hierarchy we know today, the title of Chevalier was customarily granted to the most skilled or notable horseman within the French territories. These esteemed ranks were in recognition of particular merit or bravery, and to be ennobled from a mere soldier to the rank of Chevalier was a great honor. 

Philippe of Lorraine, called the Chevalier de Lorraine (1643-1702) – Unidentified painter, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

These noble titles were often granted as hereditary titles, meaning that they could be passed on to future generations. This led to the tradition of celebrated horsemen establishing a line of nobility for their family and descendants. In many cases, the sons who inherited these honors and titles would follow their father’s vocation, continuing the tradition of skilled or notable horsemanship. 

Originally, these family traditions would be related to military positions or orders of knights, with the early Chevaliers entering the fields of battle on horseback, or defending vulnerable travelers. Over time, as the conflicts between nations became less frequent, and the noble classes spent less time on the battlefields, the role of a Chevalier evolved. 

During the Renaissance period, many of the newly ennobled or hereditary Chevaliers were honored and esteemed more for their horsemanship in the fields of sport or entertainment than for their bravery in battle. Jousting was a very popular form of sport, and those who proved themselves to be worthy champions often became the most celebrated Chevaliers in the region or in the royal court. 

Although the spectacle of jousting was regarded as entertainment, rather than a crucial military practice, it was still a highly dangerous endeavor, one that required great skill and courage. As a result, the Chevaliers who proved themselves in this arena continued to enjoy the kind of esteem and admiration that the earlier battle-bound knights would have known. 

The role of a Chevalier would evolve again in later times, as those who inherited the title became more of an honorary knight, as opposed to a skilled horseman. These were the Chevaliers who inherited the titles from their fathers or ancestors, yet who had less interest or skill as valiant horsemen. 

Like many of the international variations of the rank of Knight, the French title eventually became more of an aristocratic rank than a representation of the active duties of a knight or the skill of a mounted soldier.  

The Noble Rank of Chevalier

As the title of Chevalier evolved over the centuries, it took on a position within the aristocratic hierarchy, similar to the other types of knights in France’s neighboring European countries. This rank endures to the present day, and so a Chevalier, like most knights or the equivalent, is positioned as follows in the conventional ranking system of noble titles; 

• Duke 
• Marquess
• Count
• Viscount
• Baron
• Baronet 
• Knight
• Lord

In terms of French titles, the noble ranks are; 

• Duc
• Marquis
• Comte
• Vicomte
• Baron
• Chevalier
• Seigneur or Sieur
• Gentilhomme
• Ecuyer

Can You Become a Chevalier Today? 

The noble title of Chevalier, like the majority of aristocratic ranks of France, was historically granted by the reigning sovereign, i.e. the French King or Queen. As many of these titles were hereditary, it was also possible to inherit a Chevalier title. Otherwise, the only way to become a Chevalier was to impress the monarch, either with military prowess, altruism or skill in the jousting field, though in later times, the title was sometimes awarded more as an honorary gesture of esteem. 

France no longer has a reigning monarchy, and so the possibility of becoming a Chevalier in the traditional way, i.e. a grant from the monarch, is no longer an option. There are occasionally opportunities to purchase a genuine Chevalier title, yet these are very rare, and becoming increasingly scarce over time. 

Some countries do still grant knighthoods, and the female equivalent – damehoods, though these are generally awarded for a lifetime of service to a particular cause, or excellence within a few distinct fields. 

The scarcity and rarity of the Chevalier title ensure that this historic and captivating noble rank maintains its air of esteem and exclusivity even in the modern world.

If learning about these impressive titles has made you curious about acquiring a prestigious Noble Title of your own get in touch using the enquiry form in the sidebar or you can contact our Geneva office directly between 10.00-19.00, Monday to Friday on +41 225 181 360.