French nobility titles

French nobility titles categorize the hierarchy of noble ranks, historically granted by the king or queen. From highest to lower ranks, common titles include "Duke" (duché), "Marquis" (marquis), "Count" (comté), "Viscount" (vicomté), "Baron" (baronnie), and "Knight" (chevalier). These titles signified social status, landownership, and political influence. Some titles were inherited, others bestowed as rewards. Over time, the significance of these titles diminished, but they remain symbols of historical aristocratic structure and are often used in cultural or ceremonial contexts today.