What is a Vicomte: Meaning & History

The conventional hierarchy of aristocratic ranks is rich with names and titles that are familiar in popular culture. Even though the realm of nobles originated in the Middle Ages, many of these ancient titles have survived to modern times. 

Noble ranks such as Duke, Count, Baron and Lord are terms that many people around the world would recognize. However, there are some historic aristocratic titles that are less familiar. One such title is the noble rank of Vicomte. 

What Is A Vicomte? 

Vicomte is a French noble title, regarded as the equivalent of Viscount in many of the European systems of aristocracy. 

In the French hierarchy of nobility, a Vicomte ranks above a Baron and below a Comte (the French equivalent of a European Count or an English Earl.) 

The female equivalent of Vicomte is Vicomtess. This would be the title of a woman married to a Vicomte, or a woman who inherits the title from a Vicomte, or Vicomtess. It can also be a courtesy title granted to royals with higher ranking titles, such as Prince or Princess. 

The History Of Viscounts & Vicomtes

The origin of the term Vicomte dates back to medieval times, and evolved from the noble title of Viscount. 

Henri de La Tour d’Auvergne, Vicomte de Turenne – Circle of Philippe de Champaigne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

During the Middle Ages, monarchs and military leaders would assign various roles of power and responsibility to the best in their command. These military roles were given names and titles, to reflect the nature of the position. 

For example, the man appointed to be a big-ranking leader may be given the title of Duke (or Duc, in French), which stems from the Latin word for commander. Similarly, the man assigned to govern the dangerous border territories, known as marques, may be granted the title of Marquess (or Marquis, in French), 

Medieval Counts

One of the most important assignments of government during this period was the control or leadership of a county, an entire region or a large area of land. The title assigned to this role was that of Count, hence the word county, and this term stemmed from the Latin word comes, meaning companion or personal counselor.

In this sense, the earliest Counts were a type of attendant to the king or queen, who would govern regions in their stead. As such, the rank and role of a Count was a highly esteemed position. As the aristocratic ranks and titles evolved over the centuries, the ancient history of the specific military duties gradually gave way to more honorary roles, usually more administerial positions, rather than active duties on the frontlines of battle. 

Even during the more genteel centuries of the aristocracy, the role of Count remained an esteemed noble title. Its position in the middle of the conventional social hierarchy established the title of Count as an eminent rank.  

Viscount: A Count’s Deputy

Like many high-ranking military positions, the Counts of the Middle Ages would have had deputies or assistants. These acted as a kind of right-hand man who supported the Count in their leadership or assisted with administrative tasks. The titles given to these deputies were known as Viscounts, a term that represents their role as a vice-count – a Count’s proxy or delegate. 

Just as the French version of the title of Count is Comte, the French equivalent of a Viscount is Vicomte. 

Vicomte: A French Viscount

Beyond the administrative roles and duties as a military aide or deputy, the role of Vicomte became an esteemed and established noble rank within the system of French aristocracy. 

Given the history of the title and the original roles of medieval Vicomtes, it’s not too surprising that the rank of a Vicomte is below that of a Comte (Count). 

Throughout the centuries, Viscounts and Vicomtes have been held in high esteem as middle-ranking aristocrats. Their place in the hierarchy is beneath those of Dukes, Marquesses and Counts, and above those of Barons, Baronets, Knights and Lords. 

As one of the most ancient and highly regarded titles of the French Nobility, the Vicomtes of the ages have been respected characters of the famous ancien régime – the iconic order of royals and aristocrats of France and its great territories. 

Vicomtess: A French Viscountess

Vicomtess, or sometimes spelt Vicomtesse, is another historic title from the French Nobility. As the Gallic equivalent of a Viscountess, A French Vicomtess would be an esteemed position within the aristocracy. 

The women who have held such a role throughout the heyday of the nobility would have been richly elegant, sophisticated ladies. It’s likely they would have enjoyed privileged lifestyles, surrounded by wealth and finery. Their days would be a whirl of social engagements, moving in the highest circles and counting the great royals and nobles of the ages among their acquaintances, friends, foes, and dalliances.

A French Vicomtess remains an eminent and illustrative noble title. The ancien régime has long since given way to a revolution and republican order, and the absolute right of kings has been replaced by more modern democratic sensibilities. Yet, the allure and intrigue of the noble titles and characters that have endured to modern times are still regarded with a high degree of esteem and admiration. 

People from all walks of life, from all corners of the globe, and from all backgrounds and social classes, are still entranced and enchanted by the history of the French Nobility, as well as the modern nobles and noblewomen of today. 

Vicomtes & Vicomtesses – Eminent French Nobles

The noble ranks of the French Aristocracy originated in the medieval era, thrived during the Renaissance period, and endured right up to contemporary times. The bearers of these titles have been some of the most fascinating, influential and socially powerful members of the world’s aristocracy. 

From the early Vicomtes working alongside their Comtes, Marquises and Ducs during the battles of the Middle Ages, to the magnificent Vicomtesses attending society balls during the Renaissance, up to the elegant modern nobles who enjoy these eminent ranks today, the stories of the French Vicomtes and Vicomtesses of the ages continue to capture the imagination of millions, the whole world over.

If learning about these impressive-sounding 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.