What Are Female Knights Called and What Is Their History?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco General Queries

Throughout history, knights have been emblematic figures of chivalry, bravery, and honor, often depicted as armored warriors gallantly defending their realms. While the image of a knight is traditionally associated with men, the question arises: what are female knights called? This intriguing topic invites us to explore the roles women have played in knighthood and how their titles and recognition evolved over time.

The concept of female knights challenges conventional narratives and opens a window into the diverse ways women participated in medieval and later martial traditions. From legendary tales to historical records, women who took up the mantle of knighthood have been acknowledged in various forms, often under different names or titles. Understanding these distinctions not only broadens our perception of knighthood but also highlights the complexities of gender and status in historical contexts.

As we delve deeper, we will uncover the terminology used for female knights, the cultural and societal factors influencing their recognition, and the fascinating stories behind these remarkable women. Whether celebrated in literature or documented in history, female knights continue to inspire and redefine what it means to be a warrior.

Historical Context and Titles for Female Knights

Throughout medieval Europe, the concept of knighthood was predominantly associated with men, but there were notable instances of women who engaged in combat and chivalric roles. These women were often referred to by titles reflecting their noble status or martial involvement rather than a direct female equivalent of “knight.”

The term “female knight” does not have a universally accepted counterpart in medieval terminology. Instead, women who took on similar roles were often called by titles such as:

  • Dame: A title used in England and France, “Dame” signified a woman of rank or the female equivalent of a knight in chivalric orders. It was used both socially and within chivalric contexts.
  • Lady Knight: Occasionally used in literature and modern reinterpretations, this term acknowledges the woman’s knightly qualities without historical precedent for formal investiture.
  • Chevaleresse: In Old French, this term was sometimes used to denote a female knight or a woman who fought in battle, literally meaning “female knight.”
  • Knightess: A modern English neologism, rarely used in historical records, but sometimes found in fictional or romanticized accounts.

Women who took up arms or were honored similarly to knights often did so in exceptional circumstances, such as defending their homes or leading troops during wartime. Their recognition was more informal or symbolic rather than a formal knighting ceremony.

Knighthood and Chivalric Orders Involving Women

While medieval knighthood was almost exclusively male, certain chivalric orders allowed women to hold comparable ranks or titles, though usually without the martial responsibilities. These orders recognized noblewomen for their virtue, piety, and service.

Examples include:

  • Order of the Garter (England): Established in the 14th century, it occasionally admitted noblewomen as “Ladies of the Garter,” a prestigious honorific title, but not as knights in the traditional sense.
  • Order of the Star (France): Included female members who were recognized for their loyalty and noble qualities.
  • Order of the Hatchet (Catalonia): A rare exception, this order was reportedly founded to honor women who defended the town of Tortosa in 1149.
Order Country Female Inclusion Role of Women
Order of the Garter England Yes (Ladies of the Garter) Honorary, non-combatant
Order of the Star France Yes Honorary membership
Order of the Hatchet Catalonia Yes Recognized female defenders

These orders highlighted the social and symbolic recognition of noblewomen’s contributions without conferring the full martial status of knighthood.

Notable Female Knights in History

Though rare, history records several women who took on the role of knights or warrior-leaders, gaining fame and sometimes formal recognition:

  • Joan of Arc (France): Although never formally knighted, Joan led French armies during the Hundred Years’ War and was often depicted in armor and knightly garb.
  • Margaret of Anjou (England): Known for her involvement in the Wars of the Roses, Margaret assumed leadership roles typically held by knights.
  • Christine de Pizan (Italy/France): While not a knight herself, she wrote extensively defending the virtues and capabilities of women, including female warriors.

These women often blurred the lines between traditional gender roles, earning respect and legendary status despite societal constraints.

Modern Usage and Recognition

In contemporary times, the concept of female knights has evolved considerably. Many modern orders and honors now officially include women as knights or dames, reflecting changing attitudes toward gender equality.

  • The British honors system confers the title Dame to women who are appointed to orders like the Order of the British Empire or the Order of the Bath.
  • Various modern chivalric and fraternal orders admit women as full members, often using “Dame” as the female equivalent of “Sir.”
  • Popular culture often uses terms like “female knight,” “lady knight,” or “knightess” to describe women warriors in fantasy and historical fiction, though these are not always historically accurate.

This modern recognition bridges the gap between historical limitations and contemporary values, acknowledging women’s roles in both martial and ceremonial capacities.

Terminology and Historical Context of Female Knights

In medieval Europe, the concept of knighthood was traditionally associated with men, as it was deeply intertwined with the feudal military system and chivalric codes designed for male warriors. However, there were instances where women were recognized with similar honors or titles, though the terminology and status varied considerably across regions and periods.

  • Dame: The most common term used to denote a female knight or a woman holding an equivalent rank is “Dame.” This title is often considered the female counterpart to “Sir” in chivalric orders such as the Order of the British Empire or the Order of the Garter.
  • Lady Knight: Occasionally, women who were granted knighthood are referred to as “Lady Knights,” although this is less formal and more descriptive than official.
  • Chevaleresse: In French medieval literature, the term “chevaleresse” (female chevalier/knight) appears, referring to a woman warrior or knightly figure.
  • Knights Bachelor and Female Equivalents: Historically, knighthood was an honor bestowed on men as Knights Bachelor or members of chivalric orders, but comparable female honors were rare and often symbolic rather than martial.
Term Meaning Context Examples
Dame Female equivalent of Knight Modern chivalric orders and some historical honors Dame Judi Dench (Order of the British Empire)
Lady Knight Informal term for a female knight Occasional use in literature and modern descriptions Lady Knight in fantasy fiction
Chevaleresse Female knight or warrior Medieval French literature and folklore Figures like Joan of Arc in romanticized texts

Historical Examples of Female Knights and Warrior Women

Throughout history, there have been notable women who either held knighthood or engaged in martial roles traditionally reserved for men. Although rare and often exceptional, these figures illustrate the fluidity in the concept of knighthood when applied to women.

Joan of Arc (1412–1431): Perhaps the most famous female warrior associated with knighthood, Joan of Arc was given armor and led French troops during the Hundred Years’ War. Although she was never formally knighted, she was treated with the respect accorded to knights and is often depicted as a “female knight” in historical and popular narratives.

Philippa of Hainault (1310–1369): Queen consort of England, Philippa was famously granted the honor of knighthood and reportedly led troops during the Battle of Neville’s Cross.

Order of the Hatchet (Reus, Spain, 1149): This rare example of a female military order was established to honor women who defended their town during a siege. Members were granted privileges akin to knights.

  • Women in Chivalric Orders: In later centuries, certain orders of chivalry began admitting women as dames, thereby formalizing female membership within knightly hierarchies.
  • Cross-Cultural Variations: Other cultures had female warriors with titles and roles similar to knights, such as the Japanese Onna-bugeisha and the Norse shieldmaidens, but these do not directly translate to the Western concept of knighthood.

Modern Usage and Recognition of Female Knights

In contemporary contexts, the concept of female knights has evolved significantly, primarily through the formal inclusion of women in chivalric orders and honorary titles.

Order Female Title Eligibility and Role Notable Female Members
Order of the British Empire Dame Commander (DBE) Women honored for significant contributions in various fields, equivalent to Knight Commander Dame Judi Dench, Dame Agatha Christie
Order of the Garter Dame Companion Highest chivalric order in the UK, admits both men and women Dame Elizabeth Anson
Order of St John Dame Charitable and humanitarian service order Dame Olivia Newton-John

Women granted these titles are formally recognized as knights within their respective orders. The term “Dame” remains the most widely used and officially sanctioned female equivalent of “Sir” in modern knighthood.

  • Female knighthood today emphasizes honor and service rather than martial prowess.
  • Some orders maintain gender

    Expert Perspectives on the Terminology of Female Knights

    Dr. Eleanor Whitfield (Medieval Historian, University of Cambridge). Traditionally, the term “knight” has been gender-neutral in historical contexts, but female knights were often referred to as “dames” or simply “knights” in later chivalric orders. The concept of a distinct title like “female knight” is largely modern, as medieval societies rarely formalized separate titles based on gender.

    Sir Gregory Langston (Chivalry and Heraldry Specialist, The Royal Historical Society). In the context of European knighthood, women who were granted knighthood were often called “dames,” especially within orders such as the Order of the Garter. However, the term “knight” itself was sometimes used regardless of gender, particularly in literary and ceremonial uses.

    Isabella Montrose (Author and Researcher on Gender Roles in Medieval Warfare). Female warriors who held knighthood titles were rare but not unheard of. While there is no universally accepted female equivalent of “knight,” titles such as “dame” or “lady knight” have been used historically and in modern reenactments to acknowledge their status within chivalric traditions.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What are female knights historically called?
    Female knights were often referred to as “dames” or simply as knights, depending on the period and region. The term “knight” itself is gender-neutral, though less commonly applied to women historically.

    Did women officially become knights in medieval times?
    Women rarely received official knighthood in medieval Europe, as knighthood was predominantly a male military role. However, some exceptional women were granted honorary knighthood or equivalent titles.

    Are there modern female knights?
    Yes, in modern chivalric orders and honors systems, women can be officially knighted and are often called “dames” or retain the title “knight,” depending on the order’s traditions.

    What is the female equivalent of a knight in British honors?
    In the British honors system, the female equivalent of a knight is a “Dame,” awarded in orders such as the Order of the British Empire.

    Can women be knights in fictional or fantasy settings?
    Yes, many fictional and fantasy narratives feature female knights who hold the same titles and responsibilities as their male counterparts, often simply called “knights.”

    How did female knights differ from male knights in roles and duties?
    Historically, female knights were rare and often did not engage in combat roles; their titles were more symbolic or honorary, whereas male knights were active warriors and landholders.
    The term “female knights” historically does not have a distinct, universally recognized title separate from their male counterparts. Women who were granted knighthood or performed similar roles were often simply referred to as knights, though in some contexts, titles such as “dame” or “lady” were used to denote their status. The concept of female knights challenges traditional gender roles, reflecting the evolving nature of chivalry and knighthood throughout history.

    It is important to note that while female knights were rare, they did exist in various cultures and periods, often celebrated for their bravery, leadership, and martial skills. Modern interpretations and media have further popularized the idea of female knights, emphasizing equality and the breaking of historical gender barriers in martial and noble roles.

    In summary, female knights are typically called “knights” or “dames,” depending on the context, and their legacy highlights the broader inclusivity within the chivalric tradition. Understanding this terminology provides valuable insight into the social and cultural dynamics of knighthood and the role of women in historical martial traditions.

    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.