Freiherr

Freiherr (German for "Free Lord") is a title of lower nobility in Germany, the Baltic states and Austria-Hungary, considered equal to the title Baron. When addressed, a German Freiherr is styled "Baron", although this is not the formal title. The title derives from the fact that the holder held free title to his land (unlike ordinary barons, who were originally knights (Ritter) all of which have the prefix "von"). A Freiherr usually held administrative and judgeship rights on behalf of the territorial lord -- the duke or count.

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The wife of a Freiherr is called Freifrau ("Free Lady"), a daughter of a Freiherr is called Freiherrin, often shortened Freiin.

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Usage note: Noble titles have been abolished in Germany since 1918; they are now simply part of the family name, and they may or may not be used. They do, however, have high prestige in some circles of society.

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The same title is used in Sweden and to some extent in Denmark(-Norway) and Finland; in Scandinavian it is spelled friherre and in Finnish vapaaherra.

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In accordance with English practice, a Nobleman who holds a Freiherr title may sometimes be styled Lord in English-speaking countries.

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Title: :For other uses of title, refer to Title (disambiguation)....

Nobility: The nobility represents, or has represented, the higher stratum of a society in which social classes can be distinguished. The most distinctive feature of nobilty is that once acquired, it is passed to descendants, possibly according to some rules. The word "noble" in "nobility" also means "doing an...

Baron: Baron is a specific title of nobility or a more generic feudal qualification. The word baron comes from French baron, itself from Frankish baro meaning "freeman, warrior"; it merged with cognate Old English beorn meaning "nobleman." Ultimately it seems to mean a burden bearer....