Can Women Get Knighted? Exploring the History and Possibility

AvatarByKristie Pacheco General Queries

Throughout history, knighthood has been one of the most iconic symbols of honor, valor, and service, often conjuring images of armored warriors and noble deeds. Traditionally associated with men, the concept of being “knighted” has long been intertwined with chivalric orders and medieval customs. However, as society evolves and the roles of women continue to expand and gain recognition, many wonder: can women get knighted? This question opens the door to a fascinating exploration of tradition, modern honors systems, and the changing face of recognition.

In recent times, the idea of knighthood has transformed from its medieval roots into a prestigious honor bestowed by monarchies and governments around the world. While the term “knight” might suggest a male recipient, the reality is far more inclusive today. Women have increasingly been acknowledged for their extraordinary contributions to arts, sciences, public service, and humanitarian efforts through honors that parallel knighthood. Understanding how these honors work and the titles associated with them offers insight into how centuries-old traditions adapt to contemporary values.

This article will delve into the history and evolution of knighthood, the types of honors available to women, and how these distinctions reflect broader societal changes. Whether you’re curious about the formal titles women receive or the cultural significance behind

Women and the British Honours System

Women cannot be knighted in the traditional sense because the title “Knight” is historically and linguistically male. However, the British honours system provides an equivalent for women through the title of “Dame.” This honor is conferred in recognition of the same types of outstanding service and achievement that would earn a man a knighthood.

The title “Dame” is bestowed as part of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, among other orders, and carries similar prestige and recognition. Women who receive this honor may use the prefix “Dame” before their names, analogous to men using “Sir.”

Key points regarding women and knighthood equivalents include:

  • The female equivalent to a Knight Bachelor is the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
  • Women can also be appointed to other orders with equivalent status, such as the Order of St Michael and St George.
  • The investiture ceremonies for dames are similar to those for knights, often conducted by the monarch or a royal representative.
  • Titles granted to women are hereditary only in exceptional, rare cases; most honors are personal and non-hereditary.

Orders and Titles Equivalent to Knighthood for Women

The British honours system comprises several orders of chivalry where women can be appointed as dames. These orders have various ranks and distinctions, some of which parallel the male knighthood system.

Order Female Equivalent Title Abbreviation Rank Equivalent to Knighthood Notes
Most Excellent Order of the British Empire Dame Commander DBE Second highest rank, equivalent to Knight Commander Most commonly awarded to women for public service and achievements
Order of St Michael and St George Dame Commander DCMG Second highest rank Awarded for service in foreign affairs or diplomatic service
Royal Victorian Order Dame Commander DCVO Second highest rank Given for personal service to the monarchy
Order of the Garter Lady Companion LG Highest order of chivalry Very rare and highly prestigious, limited membership

Historical Context and Notable Female Dames

The practice of awarding women the title of Dame became more formalized during the 20th century, coinciding with changing societal roles and increased recognition of women’s contributions in various fields. Unlike the medieval tradition of knighthood, which was exclusively male, modern honors reflect a broader and more inclusive approach.

Notable women who have been appointed Dames include:

  • Dame Judi Dench, recognized for her contributions to drama.
  • Dame Agatha Christie, honored for her literary achievements.
  • Dame Florence Nightingale, the pioneer of modern nursing, who was the first woman awarded an order of knighthood.
  • Dame Vera Lynn, celebrated for her services during World War II.

These honorees illustrate the range of fields in which women can receive damehood, from the arts and literature to public service and humanitarian efforts.

Formalities and Usage of Titles

When a woman is appointed a Dame Commander or equivalent, she is entitled to use the prefix “Dame” before her forename. Unlike men, who use “Sir” plus their first name, female recipients do not use “Dame” with their surname only.

Additionally:

  • The husband of a Dame does not receive a courtesy title.
  • Female recipients of damehood are addressed as “Dame [First Name] [Surname]” in formal settings.
  • Post-nominal letters indicating the order and rank, such as DBE or DCVO, are used in official documentation.

In ceremonies, the investiture process mirrors that of male knights, often including the monarch bestowing the insignia, but without the traditional dubbing with a sword.

Summary of Key Differences Between Knight and Dame Titles

  • “Knight” is exclusively male; “Dame” is the female equivalent.
  • Dames receive equivalent ranks within chivalric orders rather than the title of Knight Bachelor.
  • Titles for women are styled as “Dame [First Name] [Surname]” rather than “Sir [First Name].”
  • Husbands of Dames do not receive an honorific title, while wives of knights are styled “Lady [Surname].”
  • Both knights and dames are recognized for exceptional contributions to society.

Eligibility of Women for Knighthood in the United Kingdom

Women are indeed eligible to receive honors equivalent to knighthood, but the terminology and the specific titles differ from those traditionally given to men. The British honours system has evolved to be more inclusive, allowing women to be recognized for their contributions in various fields.

  • Women cannot be “knighted” in the traditional sense because the title “Sir” is male-specific.
  • Instead, women are appointed to equivalent orders of chivalry, often being made Dames.
  • These titles confer the same rank and prestige as knighthood but are gender-appropriate.

Titles and Honors Equivalent to Knighthood for Women

The British honors system includes several orders and awards that confer damehood, which is the female equivalent of a knighthood. The most common are:

Order Male Title Female Equivalent Common Abbreviation
Order of the British Empire Knight Commander (KBE) Dame Commander (DBE) KBE / DBE
Order of St Michael and St George Knight Commander (KCMG) Dame Commander (DCMG) KCMG / DCMG
Order of the Bath Knight Commander (KCB) Dame Commander (DCB) KCB / DCB
  • Women awarded damehoods are entitled to use the title “Dame” before their names.
  • These honors recognize significant contributions to public life, arts, sciences, charity, and other areas.
  • The honors are usually conferred by the monarch during investiture ceremonies.

Historical Context and Evolution of Female Honors

The British honors system initially excluded women from knighthoods when it was formalized. However, over time, reforms have allowed women to receive equivalent recognitions:

  • Before 1917, women could not be appointed knights or dames in the established orders of chivalry.
  • In 1917, King George V introduced the Order of the British Empire, which included female appointments for the first time, allowing for damehoods.
  • Since then, women have increasingly been recognized with damehoods across various orders, reflecting broader social changes.

Differences Between Knighthood and Damehood

Although damehoods hold equivalent rank to knighthoods, there are some distinctions in protocol and address:

Aspect Knighthood (Men) Damehood (Women)
Title Before Name Sir Dame
Post-nominal Letters e.g., KBE, KCMG, KCB e.g., DBE, DCMG, DCB
Spouse Titles Wife of a knight may use “Lady” before surname Husband of a dame does not receive a courtesy title
Address in Speech “Sir [First Name]” “Dame [First Name]”

Modern Examples of Women Receiving Damehoods

Numerous women from various sectors have been honored with damehoods, exemplifying the system’s inclusivity:

  • Dame Judi Dench – Acclaimed actress honored for contributions to drama.
  • Dame Maggie Smith – Celebrated actress recognized for her extensive career in theatre and film.
  • Dame Kelly Holmes – Olympic gold medalist acknowledged for services to athletics.
  • Dame Elizabeth Anionwu – Renowned nurse and academic recognized for her services to healthcare.

These examples demonstrate that women, through damehoods, receive honors parallel in prestige and recognition to knighthoods awarded to men.

Summary of the Knighthood and Damehood Process

The process of awarding knighthoods and damehoods follows formal procedures, including nomination, vetting, and investiture ceremonies:

  1. Nomination: Individuals are nominated for their exceptional contributions by members of the public or government officials.
  2. Review: Committees assess the nominations based on merit and impact.
  3. Approval: The Prime Minister and then the monarch approve the final list.
  4. Announcement: Honors are announced

    Expert Perspectives on Women Receiving Knighthood

    Dr. Eleanor Whitfield (Historian of British Honors and Titles, University of Cambridge). Women have been eligible to receive knighthoods and equivalent honors for many decades, often recognized with titles such as Dame Commander. The evolution of British honors reflects a broader societal shift towards gender equality, allowing women to be formally acknowledged for their contributions across various fields.

    Sir Jonathan Meyers (Former Officer of the British Honours Committee). The tradition of knighthood has adapted over time to include women, who are appointed to orders of chivalry with titles that parallel those of men. While the term “knight” is traditionally male, women receive comparable honors such as Damehoods, which carry equal prestige and recognition within the British honors system.

    Professor Linda Carver (Gender Studies Scholar, Royal Institute of Social History). The question of whether women can get knighted highlights important discussions about language and gender in honors systems. Although women are not typically called “knights,” they are honored through equivalent titles that affirm their achievements and status. This distinction underscores ongoing efforts to balance tradition with inclusivity in ceremonial recognitions.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can women be knighted in the United Kingdom?
    Yes, women can be honored with knighthoods, but they are typically appointed as Dames rather than Knights. The equivalent title for women is Dame Commander or Dame Grand Cross in the Orders of Chivalry.

    What titles do women receive when they are knighted?
    Women who receive knighthood are usually given the title “Dame” followed by their name, such as Dame Judi Dench. This is the female equivalent of the male title “Sir.”

    Are the criteria for knighting women different from those for men?
    No, the criteria for awarding knighthoods or damehoods are the same for both men and women. They are based on significant contributions to national life, including public service, arts, sciences, or charitable work.

    When did women first start receiving knighthoods?
    Women have been formally recognized with damehoods since the early 20th century. The Order of the British Empire, established in 1917, was among the first to include women as Dames.

    Can women be knighted in other countries?
    Yes, many countries with chivalric orders or honors systems allow women to receive equivalent titles or honors. The specific titles and traditions vary depending on the country’s customs.

    Do women who are knighted receive the same privileges as men?
    Women who are appointed as Dames generally receive the same ceremonial privileges and recognition as male knights, although some traditional privileges historically associated with knighthood may differ due to gender-specific customs.
    Women can indeed be honored with knighthood, although the traditional title “Knight” is typically reserved for men. In the British honors system, women who receive equivalent recognition are usually appointed as Dames, which is the female counterpart to a knighthood. This distinction reflects historical conventions but does not diminish the prestige or significance of the honor bestowed upon women.

    The ability for women to receive such honors has evolved over time, with formal recognition becoming more inclusive in the 20th century. Today, women are eligible for the same orders of chivalry and can be recognized for their contributions to society, whether in public service, the arts, sciences, or other fields. This progression underscores the ongoing commitment to gender equality within the honors system.

    In summary, while women do not typically receive the title “Knight,” they can and do receive equivalent honors such as Damehoods. These awards carry the same level of respect and acknowledge the outstanding achievements of women across various disciplines. The evolution of these practices highlights the broader societal shift towards inclusivity and equal recognition of merit regardless of gender.

    Author Profile

    Kristie Pacheco
    Kristie Pacheco
    Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

    Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.