What Is Nobility? 

The root of the word nobility relates to a quality of being well-born – from the Latin nobilitas. However, this unassuming definition gives little indication of the rich history this term has come to incorporate, as well as the evocative range of meanings associated with the word. 

Here are some of the most popular definitions of the word nobility that are relevant for modern usage. 

Nobility (Noun): The Noble Classes

One of the most historic definitions of the word nobility is as a noun that represents the elite social group known as The Nobility. 

Throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, a social order emerged that allocated noble titles and ranks to certain individuals. These titles were often related to military skill or political leadership, and they include many terms that we still know today, such as Duke, Marquis, Count, Viscount, Baron, Knight and Lord. Collectively, they became known as The Nobility. 

Over time, these elevated individuals formed a social class that was made up of more than just the individual leaders. It began to include their wives, sons and daughters, becoming more of a social elite than a collective of ruling officials. 

It became the practice for the original noblemen with titles to pass on their rank and position to their children and future generations. This is how the noble classes grew and endured over many centuries. In addition to these hereditary titles, kings, queens, and popes would also grant new ranks and titles – a practice called ‘ennobling. 

The Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Large numbers of English nobility perished in the Wars of the Roses. – Tewkesbury1.jpg: Unknownderivative work: Jappalang, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As this social group became established across Europe, a formal ranking system evolved, which set out the hierarchy of titles, i.e. which noble titles ranked highest and lowest in a kind of social pecking order. By the late Middle Ages, the Nobility of Europe was a powerful and distinguished social order, that would rise in both wealth and esteem to the extent that it became second only to royalty. 

This elite class of noblemen and noblewomen and their families enjoyed privileged lifestyles of luxury, opulence and decadence, akin to that normally associated with the rich sovereigns of the ages. Towards the end of the 18th century, social revolutions began to erode the power and elitism of the noble classes, ushering in a new age of egalitarianism. After centuries of abolishment and uprisings, the Nobility of Europe entered a new phase of reduced power and diminished social superiority. 

Despite the social and political upheavals, there are still members of the nobility in contemporary society. These are often called aristocrats, and they are the descendants of the rich and powerful nobles who dominated the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Although many noble titles were abolished during the European revolutions, some still remain. These modern nobles often enjoy the great fortunes associated with their ancestors – some even have far greater wealth than their own monarch. Yet, their political power is, at least officially, a fraction of what it was during the heyday of the Nobility. 

The 21st-century Nobility still possesses a great degree of appeal for the masses, with the lives and stories of celebrity nobles being an endless source of fascination in the media and online. These modern aristocrats may not benefit from the formal social eminence that their forebears enjoyed, yet there is still a good deal of admiration and respect for those with noble lineage and aristocratic status. 

Nobility (Adjective): A Character Trait

The word nobility can also represent a range of character traits, such as strength of character, integrity, stateliness, honor, majesty and greatness. While these characteristics can be applied to any type of person from any kind of background or family heritage, they allude to the original traits that led to the creation of the official noble classes. 

In modern usage, nobility has come to represent positive values with a degree of elevation from the norm. This is synonymous with the social elevation of the nobles throughout the ages, yet to describe someone as having a sense or air of nobility usually refers more to their character than to any kind of social status or lineage. 

For example, to say, “She possessed an undeniable nobility,” would suggest something about the individual’s demeanor, poise, dignity or self-esteem, rather than any literal links to noble classes or aristocratic ranks. In this sense, it’s not necessary to have any kind of noble title or family heritage to attain the character trait of nobility. 

Nobility (Adjective): A State Or Quality

As well as describing a person, the word nobility can be used as an adjective to elaborate on a place or event. For example, when describing a solemn ceremony or prestigious event, you might refer to ‘the nobility of the occasion’. This immediately summons a sense of grandeur or magnificence. Again, these traits are inextricably linked with the history of the noble classes, yet they’re not limited to places and occasions that have a direct connection with the Nobility of today. 

The nobles and aristocrats of the ages have played a distinguished and influential role in the development of civilized society. In many ways, the history of the Nobility is the story of human evolution as we know it today – a story of social organization, culture, altruism, ambition, lineage and honour. 

So, it’s perhaps not surprising that we have a number of terms to describe these characteristics – adjectives that call to mind the images of the noblemen and noblewomen of history. While the social elite may be less of a formal structure of modern culture, there is still undoubtedly a place for the history and hierarchy that endure in the noble titles of today. 

After some tumultuous centuries, the modern Nobility continues to represent many of the values and traits that gave rise to this captivating social order. While the strict hierarchy and social rules have given way to a more democratic order throughout Europe, the realms of nobles and aristocrats continue to fascinate and entertain people all around the world, from all kinds of backgrounds – something that looks set to continue for many generations to come.

If learning about the noble classes 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.