Giovanni Battista Moroni - Portrait of Don Gabriel de la Cueva, later Duke of Alburquerque - WGA16256

Spanish nobles are persons who possess the legal status of hereditary

nobility Nobility is a social class found in many societies that have an aristocracy (class), aristocracy. It is normally ranked immediately below Royal family, royalty. Nobility has often been an Estates of the realm, estate of the realm with many e ...

according to the laws and traditions of the Spanish monarchy and historically also those who held personal nobility as bestowed by one of the three highest orders of knighthood of the Kingdom, namely the

Order of the Golden Fleece The Distinguished Order of the Golden Fleece ( es, Insigne Orden del Toisón de Oro, german: Orden vom Goldenen Vlies) is a Catholic order of chivalry founded in Bruges by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in 1430, to celebrate his marriage ...

, the

Order of Charles III The Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III, originally Royal and Much Distinguished Order of Charles III ( es, Real y Distinguida Orden Española de Carlos III, originally es, Real y Muy Distinguida Orden de Carlos III) was establ ...

and the

Order of Isabella the Catholic The Order of Isabella the Catholic ( es, Orden de Isabel la Católica) is a Spanish civil order and honor granted to persons and institutions in recognition of extraordinary services to the homeland or the promotion of international relations a ...

. A system of titles and honours of Spain and of the former kingdoms that constitute it make up the Spanish nobility. Some nobles possess various titles that may be inherited, but the creation and recognition of titles is legally a prerogative of the

King of Spain , coatofarms = File:Coat_of_Arms_of_Spanish_Monarch.svg , coatofarms_article = Coat of arms of the King of Spain , image = Felipe_VI_in_2020_(cropped).jpg , incumbent = Felipe VI , incumbentsince = 19 Ju ...

. Many noble titles and families still exist which have transmitted that status since

time immemorial Time immemorial ( la, Ab immemorabili) is a phrase meaning time extending beyond the reach of memory, record, or tradition, indefinitely ancient, "ancient beyond memory or record". The phrase is used in legally significant contexts as well as ...

. Some aristocratic families use the

nobiliary particle A nobiliary particle is used in a surname or family name in many Western cultures to signal the nobility of a family. The particle used varies depending on the country, language and period of time. In some languages, it is the same as a regular p ...

''de'' before their family name, although this was more prominent before the 20th century. During the rule of ''Generalísimo''

Francisco Franco Francisco Franco Bahamonde (; 4 December 1892 – 20 November 1975) was a Spanish general who led the Nationalist faction (Spanish Civil War), Nationalist forces in overthrowing the Second Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War ...

, some new hereditary titles were conferred on individuals, and the titles granted by the

Carlist Carlism ( eu, Karlismo; ca, Carlisme; ; ) is a Traditionalism (Spain), Traditionalist and Legitimists (disambiguation), Legitimist political movement in Spain aimed at establishing an alternative branch of the House of Bourbon, Bourbon dynasty ...

pretenders were officially recognised. Despite the accession to the throne of Spain by

Juan Carlos I Juan Carlos I (;, * ca, Joan Carles I, * gl, Xoán Carlos I, Juan Carlos Alfonso Víctor María de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias, born 5 January 1938) is a member of the Spanish royal family who reigned as King of Spain from 22 Novem ...

in 1975, the royal court of nobles holding positions and offices attached to the Royal Household was not restored. Noble titleholders are subjected to taxation, whereas under Spain's ''

Ancien Régime ''Ancien'' may refer to * the French word for "ancient, old" ** Société des anciens textes français * the French for "former, senior" ** Virelai ancien ** Ancien Régime ** Ancien Régime in France {{disambig ...

'' (until 1923) they were exempt. King Juan Carlos resumed conferral of titles to recognize those whose public service, artistic endeavour, personal achievement, philanthropy, etc. is deemed to have benefitted the Spanish nation.

Spanish nobility today

As of 2019, there are approximately 2,237 nobles in Spain and 400 Grandes de España, with 3,200 total titles of Spanish nobility. Some nobles may carry more than one title of nobility. Many are active in the worlds of business, finance, and technology, with some taking on leadership roles in major

IBEX 35 The IBEX 35 (IBerian IndEX) is the benchmark stock market index of the Bolsa de Madrid, Spain's principal stock exchange. Initiated in 1992, the index is administered and calculated by Sociedad de Bolsas, a subsidiary of Bolsas y Mercados Españo ...

companies, some of Spain's largest companies. Examples include the president of

FCC The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent agency of the United States federal government that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable across the United States. The FCC maintains jurisdictio ...

, Esther Alcocer Koplowitz, 9th Marchioness of Casa Peñalver, or Alfonso Martínez de Irujo Fitz-James Stuart,

Duke of Híjar Duke of Híjar ( es, Duque de Híjar) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1483 by Ferdinand II to Juan Fernández de Híjar, Lord of Híjar and later also Duke of Lécera and ...

, president of IE Law School in Madrid.

Legal situation

In Spain today, the possession of a title of nobility does not imply any legal or fiscal privilege; On the contrary, the possession of titles of nobility is subject to the payment of a normal level of taxation. It is a distinction of merely honorary and symbolic character, accompanied by the treatment of ''the most excellent lord'' for those titles that possess the dignity of grandees of Spain and of ''illustrious lords'' for others. The last privilege, suppressed in 1984, was the right to a diplomatic passport by the

Grandee Grandee (; es, Grande de España, ) is an official royal and noble ranks, aristocratic title conferred on some Spanish nobility. Holders of this dignity enjoyed similar privileges to those of the peerage of France during the , though in neith ...

s of Spain (Grandes de España). This privilege disappeared by Royal Decree 1023/1984. The titles without the rank of grandee of Spain never enjoyed this privilege. With the establishment of the

Second Spanish Republic The Spanish Republic (), commonly known as the Second Spanish Republic (), was the form of government in Spain from 1931 to 1939. The Republic was proclaimed on 14 April 1931, after the deposition of Alfonso XIII, King Alfonso XIII, and was di ...

in 1931, the use of noble titles was abolished by way of Decree of 1 June 1931, ratified by Law of 30 December of the same year. In 1948, legal recognition of the usage of noble titles was provided for by Law of 4 May 1948 restoring the rules as they were before 14 April 1931. At present, titles of nobility find their legal basis in article 62, section f, of the 1978 constitution, which grants the prerogative of the king to grant honors and distinctions in accordance with the laws. Spanish legislation recognizes titles of nobility and protects their legal owners against third parties. The Spanish nobility titles are in no case susceptible of purchase or sale, since their succession is strictly reserved for blood relatives of better right of the first holder of the title. The successions are processed by the

Ministry of Justice A Ministry of Justice is a common type of government department that serves as a justice ministry. Lists of current ministries of justice Named "Ministry" * Ministry of Justice (Abkhazia) * Ministry of Justice (Afghanistan) * Ministry of Just ...

and their use is subject to their respective tax. The legal status of individual titles can be checked at La Diputación de la Grandeza de España y Títulos del Reino (DGET) and using Guía de Títulos in the Navigation bar.

Classification of Spanish nobles

File:Heraldic Royal Crown of Spain (Version of the Royal Arms).svg, The crown of the

Spanish monarch , coatofarms = File:Coat_of_Arms_of_Spanish_Monarch.svg , coatofarms_article = Coat of arms of the King of Spain , image = Felipe_VI_in_2020_(cropped).jpg , incumbent = Felipe VI , incumbentsince = 19 Ju ...

File:Heraldic Crown of the Prince of Asturias.svg, The crown of the Prince or Princess of Asturias (heir apparent) File:Heraldic Crown of Spanish Infantes.svg, The coronet of an

infante ''Infante'' (, ; f. ''infanta''), also anglicised as Infant or translated as Prince, is the title and rank given in the Iberian kingdoms of Spain (including the predecessor kingdoms of Aragon, Castile, Navarre, and León) and Portugal to t ...

(prince) File:Heraldic Crown of Spanish Grandee.svg, A coronet of a

grandee Grandee (; es, Grande de España, ) is an official royal and noble ranks, aristocratic title conferred on some Spanish nobility. Holders of this dignity enjoyed similar privileges to those of the peerage of France during the , though in neith ...

File:Heraldic Crown of Spanish Dukes (Variant 1).svg, A coronet of a Spanish

duke Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and sovereign princes. As royalty or nobility, they are ran ...

File:Heraldic Crown of Spanish Marqueses (Variant 1).svg, A coronet of a Spanish

marquess A marquess (; french: marquis ), es, marqués, pt, marquês. is a nobleman of high hereditary rank in various European peerages and in those of some of their former colonies. The German language equivalent is Markgraf (margrave). A woman wi ...

File:Heraldic Crown of Spanish Count.svg, A coronet of a Spanish

count Count (feminine: countess) is a historical title of nobility in certain European countries, varying in relative status, generally of middling rank in the hierarchy of nobility. Pine, L. G. ''Titles: How the King Became His Majesty''. New York: ...

File:Heraldic Crown of the Spanish Viscounts.svg, A coronet of a Spanish

viscount A viscount ( , for male) or viscountess (, for female) is a title used in certain European countries for a noble of varying status. In many countries a viscount, and its historical equivalents, was a non-hereditary, administrative or judicial ...

File:Heraldic Crown of Spanish Barons.svg, A coronet of a Spanish

baron Baron is a rank of nobility or title of honour, often hereditary, in various European countries, either current or historical. The female equivalent is baroness. Typically, the title denotes an aristocrat who ranks higher than a lord or knig ...

File:Heraldic Crown of Spanish Lords.svg, A coronet of a Spanish ''

señor Señor or Senor may refer to: * Spanish-language honorific meaning Mr. ''Mister'', usually written in its contracted form ''Mr.'' or ''Mr'', is a commonly used English honorific for men without a higher honorific, or professional title, or an ...

'' (lord) File:Heraldic Crown of Hispanic Hidalgos.svg, A coronet of a Spanish ''

Hidalgo Hidalgo may refer to: People * Hidalgo (nobility), members of the Spanish nobility * Hidalgo (surname) Places Mexico * Hidalgo (state), in central Mexico * Hidalgo, Coahuila, a town in the north Mexican state of Coahuila * Hidalgo, Nuevo Le� ...

'' Spanish nobles are classified as either

s, as titled nobles, or as untitled nobles. In the past, grandees were divided into first, second, and third classes, but this division has ceased to be relevant in practice while remaining a titular distinction; legally all grandees enjoy the same privileges in modern times. At one time however, each class held special privileges such as: # those who spoke to the king and received his reply with their heads covered. # those who addressed the king uncovered, but put on their hats to hear his answer. # those who awaited the permission of the king before covering themselves. Additionally, all grandees were addressed by the king as ''mi Primo'' (my Cousin), whereas ordinary nobles were only qualified as ''mi Pariente'' (my Kinsman). An individual may hold a grandeeship, whether in possession of a title of nobility or not. Normally, however, each grandeeship is attached to a title. A grandeeship is always attached to the grant of a

ducal Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and sovereign princes. As royalty or nobility, they are ran ...

title. The grant of a grandeeship with any other rank of nobility has always been at the will of the sovereign. Excepting

s and some very ancient titles of

es and

s, most Spanish titles of nobility are not attached to grandeeships. A grandee of any rank outranks a non-grandee, even if that non-grandee's title is of a higher degree, with the exception of official members of the Spanish Royal Family who may in fact hold no title at all. Thus, a

-grandee enjoys higher precedence than a marquess who is not a grandee. Since 1987, the children of Spanish

s, traditionally considered part of the royal family, have been entitled to the rank and style of a grandee but do not hold the legal dignity of grandee unless a ''grandeza'' is officially conferred by the sovereign; once the dignity has been officially bestowed, it becomes hereditary. Some notable titles, which are attached to grandeeships, are: Duke of Alba, Duke of Medinaceli, Duke of Osuna, Duke of Infantado, Duke of Albuquerque, Duke of Nájera, Duke of Frías and Duke of Medina Sidonia, Marquess of Aguilar de Campoo, Marquess of Astorga, Marquess of Santillana, Marquess of Los Vélez, Count of Benavente, Count of Lerín, Count of Olivares, Count of Oñate, and Count of Lemos.

Form of address

Dukes, Grandees, their spouses and heirs are entitled to the

honorific An honorific is a title that conveys esteem, courtesy, or respect for position or rank when used in addressing or referring to a person. Sometimes, the term "honorific" is used in a more specific sense to refer to an honorary academic title. It ...

style Style is a manner of doing or presenting things and may refer to: * Architectural style, the features that make a building or structure historically identifiable * Design, the process of creating something * Fashion, a prevailing mode of clothing ...

of ''

The Most Excellent The Most Excellent (Spanish language, Spanish: ''Excelentísimo Señor'' (male) or ''Excelentísima Señora'' (female), literally "Most Excellent Sir/Madam") is an honorific prefix that is traditionally applied to certain people in Spain and certa ...

Lord/Lady''. Non-Grandee titled nobles, their spouses and offspring use the style of ''

The Most Illustrious The Most Illustrious (Spanish language, Spanish: ''Ilustrísimo Señor'' (male) or ''Ilustrísima Señora'' (female), literally "Illustrious Sir/Mister") is an honorific prefix that is traditionally applied to certain people in Spain and certain S ...

Lord/Lady''.

Ranks

The ordinary Spanish nobility is divided into six ranks. From highest to lowest, these are: ''Duque'' (Duke), ''Marqués'' (Marquess), ''Conde'' (Count), ''Vizconde'' (Viscount), ''Barón'' (Baron), and ''Señor'' (Lord) (as well as the feminine forms of these titles). Nobility descends from the first man of a family who was raised to the nobility (or recognized as belonging to the hereditary nobility) to all his legitimate descendants, male and female, in the

male line Patrilineality, also known as the male line, the spear side or agnatic kinship, is a common kinship system in which an individual's family membership derives from and is recorded through their father's lineage. It generally involves the inheritan ...

. Thus, most persons who are legally noble hold no noble title. Hereditary titles formerly descended by male-preference

primogeniture Primogeniture ( ) is the right, by law or custom, of the firstborn legitimate child to inherit the parent's entire or main estate in preference to shared inheritance among all or some children, any illegitimate child or any collateral relativ ...

, a woman being eligible to inherit only if she had no brother or if her brothers also inherited titles. However, by Spanish law, all hereditary titles descend by absolute primogeniture, gender no longer being a criterion for preference in inheritance, since 2005. On October 21, 2022, the Spanish authorities abolished 33 aristocratic titles: In early October, the Senate (upper house of parliament) of Spain approved a bill on historical memory, declaring the dictatorship of Francisco Franco and the judicial decisions made under his regime illegal.

Princes

The often overlooked title of 'prince' (''príncipe/princesa'') has historically been borne by those who have been granted or have inherited that title. It is often not included in lists of the Spanish nobility because it is rare. Prince/Princess are English translations of Infante/Infanta, referring to the son or daughter of a king; such titles are reserved for members of the

royal family A royal family is the immediate family of kings/queens, emirs/emiras, sultans/ sultanas, or raja/ rani and sometimes their extended family. The term imperial family appropriately describes the family of an emperor or empress, and the term ...

(the heir to the throne or the consort of the Queen regnant). Historically, infante or infanta could refer to offspring, siblings, uncles and aunts of a king. The heir's princely titles derive from the ancient kingdoms which united to form Spain. Three titles of prince are held by the heir to the Spanish throne. *

Prince of Asturias Prince or Princess of Asturias ( es, link=no, Príncipe/Princesa de Asturias; ast, Príncipe d'Asturies) is the main substantive title used by the heir apparent or heir presumptive to the monarchy of Spain, throne of Spain. According to the Sp ...

as heir apparent to the throne of the

Kingdom of Castile and León The Crown of Castile was a medieval polity in the Iberian Peninsula that formed in 1230 as a result of the third and definitive union of the crowns and, some decades later, the parliaments of the kingdoms of Kingdom of Castile, Castile and King ...

. *

Prince of Girona 200px, The Coat of Arms of the Princes of Girona The Prince or Princess of Girona ( ca, Príncep o Princesa de Girona) is a title that was historically accorded to the heir apparent or heir presumptive to the Crown of Aragon. Current legislatio ...

as heir apparent to the throne of the

Kingdom of Aragon The Kingdom of Aragon ( an, Reino d'Aragón, ca, Regne d'Aragó, la, Regnum Aragoniae, es, Reino de Aragón) was a medieval and early modern kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula, corresponding to the modern-day autonomous community of Aragon, ...

. *

Prince of Viana The Prince or Princess of Viana ( es, Príncipe de Viana, eu, Vianako Printzea) is one of the titles of the heir of the Crown of Spain. Other associated titles originate from the rest of the kingdoms that formed Spain: Prince of Asturias, Prin ...

as heir apparent to the throne of the

Kingdom of Navarre The Kingdom of Navarre (; , , , ), originally the Kingdom of Pamplona (), was a Basque kingdom that occupied lands on both sides of the western Pyrenees, alongside the Atlantic Ocean between present-day Spain and France. The medieval state took ...

. Other titles of 'prince' were frequently granted by the kings of Spain, but usually in their capacity as kings of Naples or of Sicily. Such nobles often sojourned at the Spanish court where their titles were acknowledged, but rarely were Spanish nobles the recipients of a title of prince in Spain. The most notable exceptions were the title Prince of the Peace conferred in 1795 on

Manuel Godoy Manuel Godoy y Álvarez de Faria, Prince of the Peace, 1st Duke of Alcudia, 1st Duke of Sueca, 1st Baron of Mascalbó (12 May 17674 October 1851) was First Secretary of State of Spain from 1792 to 1797 and from 1801 to 1808. He received many t ...

, a

favourite A favourite (British English) or favorite (American English) was the intimate companion of a ruler or other important person. In post-classical and early-modern Europe, among other times and places, the term was used of individuals delegated si ...

of the Spanish king and the title Prince of Vergara conferred to

Baldomero Espartero Baldomero Fernández-Espartero y Álvarez de Toro (27 February 17938 January 1879) was a Spanish marshal and statesman. He served as the Regent of the Realm, three times as Prime Minister and briefly as President of the Congress of Deputies. ...

. And

Joseph Bonaparte it, Giuseppe-Napoleone Buonaparte es, José Napoleón Bonaparte , house = Bonaparte , father = Carlo Buonaparte , mother = Letizia Ramolino , birth_date = 7 January 1768 , birth_place = Corte, Corsica, Republic of ...

conferred the title to be hereditary on his grandchildren in both the male and female line, Although legislation of the twentieth century ended official recognition of the title of prince outside the royal bloodline family, it did allow the holder of a princedom to have the dignity converted to a ducal title of the same name. When military dictator

appointed

Juan Carlos de Borbón Juan Carlos I (;, * ca, Joan Carles I, * gl, Xoán Carlos I, Juan Carlos Alfonso Víctor María de Borbón y Borbón-Dos Sicilias, born 5 January 1938) is a member of the Spanish royal family who reigned as King of Spain from 22 Novem ...

as his heir apparent with the future title of king, he created the new titles of

prince of Spain Prince of Spain ( es, Príncipe de España), was the title created on 22 July 1969 designated by law proclaiming Juan Carlos de Borbón as the successor of Francisco Franco. Juan Carlos held the title until 22 November 1975, when he became Kin ...

for him.

Duke/Duchess (''Duque''/''Duquesa'')

All dukedoms (except Fernandina) are attached to a grandeeship. A partial list includes: *

Duke of Abrantes Duke of Abrantes ( es, Duque de Abrantes) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1642 by Philip IV to Alfonso de Láncaster, son of the 3rd Duke of Aveiro and a great-grandchild ...

Duke of Acerenza Prince of Belmonte ( it, Principe di Belmonte; es, Príncipe de Belmonte) is a noble title created in 1619 by the Spanish crown for the Barons of Badolato and Belmonte. The name of the title is taken from the fortress town of Belmonte in Calabria ...

* Duke of Ahumada *

Duke of Alba Duke of Alba de Tormes ( es, Duque de Alba de Tormes), commonly known as Duke of Alba, is a title of Spanish nobility that is accompanied by the dignity of Grandee of Spain. In 1472, the title of ''Count of Alba de Tormes'', inherited by ...

Duke of Alburquerque Duke of Alburquerque ( es, Duque de Alburquerque) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1464 by Henry IV to Beltrán de la Cueva, his "royal favourite" and grand master of the Order ...

Duke of Alcalá de los Gazules Duke of Alcalá de los Gazules ( es, Duque de Alcalá de los Gazules), commonly known as Duke of Alcalá, is an hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1558 by Philip II to Pedro Afán de Rib ...

Duke of Alcudia Duke of la Alcudia (Spanish: ''Duque de la Alcudia'') is a title of Spanish nobility, Grandee of Spain 1st class. It was created by King Charles IV of Spain in 1792 for Manuel Godoy, who was the Prime Minister of Spain from 1792 to 1797 ...

Duke of Algeciras Duke of Algeciras ( es, Duque de Algeciras), is a title of Spanish nobility that is accompanied by the dignity of Grandee of Spain. It was granted to Isabel Gutiérrez de Castro in 1906 by Alfonso XIII. The title was granted in honor of the fir ...

Duke of Algete Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and sovereign princes. As royalty or nobility, they are rank ...

* Duke of Aliaga *

Duke of Almazán Duke of Almazán ( es, Duque de Almazán) is a title of Spanish nobility that is accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, Grandee of Spain. It was granted to Bernardo Abarca de Bolea y Ornes in 1698 by King Charles II of Spain, Charles II.Elenc ...

* Duke of Almazán de Saint Priest * Duke of Almodóvar del Río *

Duke of Amalfi Medieval Amalfi was ruled, in the tenth and eleventh centuries, by a series of dukes ( la, duces), sometimes called ''dogi'' (singular: ''doge''), corresponding with the republic of Venice, a maritime rival throughout the Middle Ages. Before the t ...

Duke of Andría Duke of Andría ( es, Duque de Andría) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1507 by Ferdinand II to "El Gran Capitán" (Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba), a general who negotiated ...

* Duke of Arco *

Duke of Arcos Duke of Arcos ( es, Duque de Arcos) is an hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted by Isabella I in 1493 to Rodrigo Ponce de León, then 4th Count of Arcos. The dukedom is among the first 25 titles which reached the rank of Grandee o ...

Duke of Arión Duke of Arión ( es, Duque de Arión) is an hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1725 by Philip V to Baltasar de Zúñiga, viceroy of New Spain. The title makes reference to the town of C ...

Duke of Arjona Duke of Arjona ( es, Duque de Arjona) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1423 by John II to Fadrique Enríquez de Castilla, Count of Trastámara and a great-grandchild of Alfon ...

Duke of Aveiro Duke of Aveiro ( pt, Duque de Aveiro) was a Portuguese title of nobility, granted in 1535 by King John III of Portugal to his 4th cousin, John of Lencastre, son of Infante George of Lencastre, a natural son of King John II of Portugal. Joh ...

Duke of Bailén Duke of Bailén ( es, Duque de Bailén) is a hereditary title in the peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1833 by Ferdinand VII to Francisco Javier Castaños for his military achievements during the Peninsular ...

Duke of Béjar Duke of Béjar ( es, Duque de Béjar) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1485 by the Catholic Monarchs to Álvaro de Zúñiga, 1st Duke of Plasencia and chief justice of Casti ...

Duke of Benavente Duke of Benavente ( es, Duque de Benavente) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1473 by Henry IV to Rodrigo Alonso Pimentel, 4th Count of Benavente. Since the Countship of Ben ...

Duke of Bivona The Sicilian title Duke of Bivona stems from the middle 16th century. Bivona is in Sicily, which had been conquered by Peter III of Aragon in 1282. It was given to people related to the powerful medieval Aragonese family of Luna, Zaragoza. " ...

Duke of Cádiz The Dukedom of Cádiz is a title of Spanish nobility. Its name refers to the Andalusian city of Cádiz. History Rodrigo Ponce de León was a Castilian military leader who was granted the title of Duke of Cádiz in 1484. After the death of the ...

* Duke of Camiña *

Duke of Cardona Duke of Cardona ( es, Duque de Cardona) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1482 by Ferdinand II to Juan Ramón Folch de Cardona, 5th Count of Cardona, as an elevation to dukedom ...

Duke of Ciudad Real Duke of Ciudad Real ( es, Duque de Ciudad Real) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility, Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1613 by Philip III of Spain, Philip III to Alonso de Idiázquez, 1st Count of Arama ...

Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo Duke of Ciudad Rodrigo ( es, Duque de Ciudad Rodrigo) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee. It was conferred by Ferdinand VII on the British General Arthur Wellesley, then 1st Viscount Wellingt ...

, bestowed on the 1st Duke of Wellington for his services to the Spanish King * Duke of Feria *

Duke of Franco Duke of Franco ( es, Duque de Franco) was a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility. The title was created in 1975 by King Juan Carlos and bestowed upon Carmen Franco, the daughter and only child of Spain's ''Caudillo'', General Francisco Franc ...

, bestowed upon the descendants of General Francisco Franco (Defunct as of October 2022) *

Duke of Gandia Duke is a male title either of a monarch ruling over a duchy, or of a member of royalty, or nobility. As rulers, dukes are ranked below emperors, kings, grand princes, grand dukes, and sovereign princes. As royalty or nobility, they are ranke ...

* Duke of Granada de Ega *

Duke of Infantado Duke of the Infantado ( es, Duque del Infantado) is a Spanish peerage title that was granted to Diego Hurtado de Mendoza y Figueroa, son of Íñigo López de Mendoza, 1st Marquis of Santillana, by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon a ...

* Duke of Lugo * Duke of Mandas *

Duke of Medina Sidonia Duke of Medina Sidonia ( es, Duque de Medina Sidonia) is a peerage grandee title of Spain in Medina-Sidonia, holding the oldest extant dukedom in the kingdom, first awarded by King John II of Castile in 1380.Duke of Medinaceli Duke of Medinaceli () is an hereditary title in the peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee. The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, created the title and awarded it on 31 October 1479 to Lui ...

Duke of Moctezuma de Tultengo Duke of Moctezuma de Tultengo ( es, Duque de Moctezuma de Tultengo) is a hereditary title of Spanish nobility held by a line of descendants of Emperor Moctezuma II, the ninth ''Tlatoani'', or ruler, of Tenochtitlan. Since 1766, the title has b ...

, held by the descendants of the

Aztec The Aztecs () were a Mesoamerican culture that flourished in central Mexico in the post-classic period from 1300 to 1521. The Aztec people included different Indigenous peoples of Mexico, ethnic groups of central Mexico, particularly those g ...

Emperor

Moctezuma II Moctezuma Xocoyotzin ( – 29 June 1520; oteːkˈsoːmaḁ ʃoːkoˈjoːt͡sĩn̥), nci-IPA, Motēuczōmah Xōcoyōtzin, moteːkʷˈsoːma ʃoːkoˈjoːtsin variant spellings include Motewksomah, Motecuhzomatzin, Montezuma, Moteuczoma, Motecu ...

* Duke of Mola, held by the descendants of Emilio Mola, a leader of the 1936 military putsch (Defunct as of October 2022) *

Duke of Osuna Duke of Osuna is a Spanish noble title that was first awarded in 1562 by King Philip II of Spain to Pedro Girón de la Cueva, (Osuna, Seville, 29 July 1537 – 1590). Pedro was also Viceroy of Naples, (1582–1586), Ambassador in Portugal and ...

* Duke of Palma de Mallorca * Duke of Primo de Rivera *

Duke of Seville Duke of Seville ( es, Duque de Sevilla) is a title of Spanish nobility that was granted in 1823 by King Ferdinand VII of Spain to his nephew, Infante Enrique of Spain. The Dukes of Seville are members of the Spanish branch of the House of Bo ...

Duke of Suárez Duke of Suárez ( es, Duque de Suárez) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility. The dukedom was bestowed by King Juan Carlos on Adolfo Suarez González on 25 February 1981, following his resignation as Spanish Prime Minister, in recogn ...

Duke of Sueca Duke of Sueca is a title of Spanish nobility, Grandee of Spain 1st class. It was created by King Charles IV of Spain in 1804 for Manuel Godoy, who was the Prime Minister of Spain from 1792 to 1797 and from 1801 to 1808. Its name refers to '' Su ...

* Duke of Tamames *

Duke of Tetuán Duke of Tetuán ( es, Duque de Tetuán) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1860 by Isabella II to Leopoldo O'Donnell, 1st Count of Lucena and Prime Minister of Spain for several l ...

Duke of Veragua The Duchy of Veragua ( es, Ducado de Veragua) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain. It was also a Spanish hereditary domain created in 1537 in the reign of King Charles I in a small section of the territory of Veragua (''Gobernación ...

, held by the descendants of

Christopher Columbus Christopher Columbus * lij, Cristoffa C(or)ombo * es, link=no, Cristóbal Colón * pt, Cristóvão Colombo * ca, Cristòfor (or ) * la, Christophorus Columbus. (; born between 25 August and 31 October 1451, died 20 May 1506) was a ...

* Duke of la Victoria

Marquess/Marchioness (''Marqués''/''Marquesa'')

* Marquess of Almenara * Marquess of Altamira * Marquess of Alventos *

Marquess of Ardales Marquess of Ardales ( es, Marqués de Ardales) is an hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1559 by Philip II to Luis de Guzmán, 2nd Count of Teba and Marshall of Castile. The name refers to the town of Ardales in Málaga M� ...

Marquess of Astorga Marquess of Astorga ( es, Marqués de Astorga) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1465 by Henry IV to Álvar Pérez Osorio, 2nd Count of Trastámara and captain general of Galic ...

Marquess of Bolarque Marquess of Bolarque ( es, Marqués de Bolarque) is a noble title in the peerage of Spain, bestoweded on Estanislao de Urquijo, 3rd Marquess of Urquijo, by King Alfonso XIII on 24 May 1913. The title refers to the area of Salto de Bolarque, in ...

* Marquess of Borghetto *

Marquess of Camarasa Marquess of Camarasa ( es, Marqués de Camarasa) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1543 by Charles II to Diego de los Cobos y Mendoza (who was son of Francisco de los Cobos y Molina) ...

Marquess of Campotéjar The Marquessate of Campotéjar was created by Philip IV of Spain in 1643 for , son of the second . The title refers to the village of Campotéjar, in the province of Granada, Spain. Pedro de Granada, 1st Señor of Campotéjar was of a Mor ...

Marquess of Castel-Moncayo Marquess of Castel-Moncayo ( es, Marqués de Castel-Moncayo) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility, Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1682 by Charles II of Spain, Charles II to Baltasar de Fuenmayor, amba ...

* Marquess of Cañada Honda * Marquess of Cañete * Marquess of Casa Fuerte * Marquess of Del Bosque * Marquess of Fuster * Marquess of Griñón * Marquess of Iria Flavia * Marquess de los Jardines de Aranjuez * Marquess of Leganés * Marquess of Maratea *

Marquess of Moratalla Marquess of Moratalla ( es, Marqués de Moratalla) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1681 by Charles II to Francisco Luis Fernández de Córdoba, Lord of Belmonte and Moratalla.Hidalgos de España (2018). p. 582 The nam ...

* Marquess of Navamorcuende * Marquess of Novaliches *

Marquess of Larios Marquess of Larios ( es, Marqués de Larios) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility, Peerage of Spain, granted in 1865 by Isabella II of Spain, Isabella II to Martín Larios, Senate of Spain, senator of the kingdom and one of the most impor ...

Marquess of Laserna Marquess of Laserna ( es, Marqués de Laserna) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 2010 by Juan Carlos I to Iñigo Moreno, husband of his cousin Princess Teresa, Duchess of Salerno. It was conferred on him in compensation ...

Marquess of Laula Marquess of Laula ( es, Marqués de Laula) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1543 by Charles I to Adán Centurión Ultramarino, Lieutenant General of the Galleys of Spain. It was bestowed along with the titles of "Marques ...

* Marquess of Mohernando * Marquess of O'Shea * Marquess of Oquendo *

Marquess of Portago Marquess of Portago ( es, Marqués de Portago) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1744 by Philip V to José Gómez de Terán y Delgado, Finance Treasurer and Council Minister of Spain. ...

Marquess of Samaranch The Marquessate of Samaranch ( es, Marquesado de Samaranch) is a hereditary title of Spanish nobility. The title was bestowed by King Juan Carlos I of Spain on Juan Antonio Samaranch on 30 December 1991, honouring his efforts in support of the Ol ...

Marquess of San Damián Marquess of San Damián ( es, Marqués de San Damián) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility, Peerage of Spain, granted in 1606 by Philip III of Spain, Philip III to Alonso de Idiázquez, Viceroy of Navarra, viceroy of Navarre and knight ...

* Marquess of San Felices de Aragón * Marquess of Santa Cruz * Marquess of San Saturnino * Marquess of Silvela * Marquess of Terranova *

Marquess of Torre Soto de Briviesca Marquess of Torre Soto de Briviesca ( es, Marqués de Torre Soto de Briviesca), commonly known as Marquess of Torre Soto, is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1918 by Alfonso XIII to Pedro Nolasco, knight of the Order of Char ...

Marquess of Urquijo Marquess of Urquijo ( es, Marqués de Urquijo) is a noble title in the Spanish nobility, peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, Grandee of Spain, bestoweded on Estanislao de Urquijo y Landaluce by King Amadeo I of Spain, Amadeo I ...

* Marquess of Valdecarzana *

Marquess of Valdueza Marquess of Villanueva de Valdueza ( es, Marqués de Villanueva de Valdueza), commonly known as Marquess of Valdueza is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility, Peerage of Spain granted in 1624 by Philip IV of Spain, Philip IV to Fadrique Alvar ...

* Marquess of Vallado *

Marquess of Vargas Llosa Marquess of Vargas Llosa ( es, Marqués de Vargas Llosa) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility granted in 2011 by Juan Carlos I to Mario Vargas Llosa, renowned writer and Nobel laureate. His style of address is: ''Ilustrísimo Señor ...

Marquess of Villabrágima Marquess of Villabrágima ( es, Marqués de Villabrágima) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1693 by Charles II to Baltasar Enríquez de Cabrera, knight of the Order of Santiago and grandson of the Duke of Medina de Riose ...

* Marquess of Villaviciosa de Asturias *

Marquess of Villena Marquess of Villena ( es, Marqués de Villena) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1445 by John II to Juan Pacheco, Grand Master of the Order of Santiago and later also 1st Duke of Escalona. It was originally founded as a ...

Count/Countess (''Conde''/''Condesa'')

Count of Altamira Count of Altamira ( es, Conde de Altamira) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1455 by Henry IV to Lope Sánchez de Ulloa, Lord of the Fortress of Altamira. The title makes refer ...

Count of Barcelona The Count of Barcelona ( ca, Comte de Barcelona, es, Conde de Barcelona, french: Comte de Barcelone, ) was the ruler of the County of Barcelona and also, by extension and according with the Usages of Barcelona, usages and Catalan constitutions, of ...

held by

Don Juan Don Juan (), also known as Don Giovanni (Italian), is a legendary, fictional Spanish libertine who devotes his life to seducing women. Famous versions of the story include a 17th-century play, '' El burlador de Sevilla y convidado de piedra'' ...

, heir of Alfonso XIII, father of Juan Carlos I *

Count of Baños Count of Baños ( es, Conde de Baños) is an hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1621 by Philip IV to Sancho Martínez de Leyva, ''iure uxoris'' Marquess of Leyva and knight of the Order ...

* Count of Batanes *

Count of Bornos Count of Bornos ( es, Conde de Bornos) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility, Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1642 by Philip IV of Spain, Philip IV to Diego Ramírez de Haro, captain of Arquebusier, arque ...

* Count of Cervera * Count of Covadonga * Count of Elda: belonged to the

House of Coloma Coloma or de Coloma or Colomba is an old important Spanish Noble House. A branch belongs to the Flemish nobility, and became the Counts of Bornhem. Other branches became the Counts of Elda, Marquesses of Espinar, Marquesses of Noguera and Marq ...

. *

Count of Empúries Count (feminine: countess) is a historical title of nobility in certain European countries, varying in relative status, generally of middling rank in the hierarchy of nobility. Pine, L. G. ''Titles: How the King Became His Majesty''. New York: ...

Count of Fontanar Count of Fontanar ( es, Conde de Fontanar) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1645 by Philip IV to Cristóbal Benavente, Ambassador in France, Venice and England England is a country that is part of the United Kin ...

Count of Fontao The County of Fontao is a title of Spanish nobility granted on January 8, 1840, by the Queen Isabella II to Don José María Moscoso y Quiroga, first President of the Senate of Spain after the creation of this upper chamber in 1837. His name refer ...

Count of Lemos Count (feminine: countess) is a historical title of nobility in certain European countries, varying in relative status, generally of middling rank in the hierarchy of nobility. Pine, L. G. ''Titles: How the King Became His Majesty''. New York: ...

Count of Lerín Count of Lerín ( es, Conde de Lerín) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and of Constable of Navarre, granted in 1424 by Charles III to Luis de Beaumont, grandchild of Louis of Évreux and a gr ...

Count of Lucena {{Use dmy dates, date=April 2022 Count of Lucena (''Condado de Lucena'') is a Spanish hereditary comital title conferred on General Leopoldo O'Donnell y Joris by Queen Isabella II of Spain, on 25 July 1847. It was granted to him after defeating ca ...

* Count of Maceda *

Count of Manila Count of Manila (Spanish: ''Conde de Manila'') is a Spanish hereditary title created in 1848 for Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa, Governor-General of the Philippines.

Count of Mansilla The title of Count of Mansilla (Conde de Mansilla) originates from the 17th century. The first Count of Mansilla was Antonio Campuzano y Riva Herrera in 1689. Successive Counts have been involved in Spanish politics, especially during the 20th cen ...

Count of la Maza Count of la Maza ( es, Conde de la Maza) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility, Peerage of Spain, granted in 1910 by Alfonso XIII of Spain, Alfonso XIII to Leopoldo Sainz de la Maza, one of his mayordomos de semana. The 1st Count won one ...

Count of la Mejorada Count of la Mejorada ( es, Count of la Mejorada) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1617 by Philip III to Antonio de Padilla, mayor of the fortresses of Martos and Alhama, two important enclaves of the Order of Calatrav ...

Count of Montijo Count of Montijo ( es, Conde de Montijo) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1599 by Philip III to Juan Portocarrero, Lord of Montijo, mayordomo mayor and a knight of the Order of Sa ...

* Count of Olocau *

Count of Roussillon This is a list of the counts of Roussillon ( ca, Comtes de Rosselló, , ) who ruled over the eponymous County of Roussillon. Carolingian counts These counts were nominated by the Carolingian kings of France, of whom they were vassals. *Gaucelm (81 ...

Count of Salvatierra Count of Salvatierra ( es, Conde de Salvatierra) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, accompanied by the dignity of Grandee and granted in 1613 by Philip III to Diego Sarmiento de Sotomayor, Lord of Salvaterra and of the Castle of ...

Count of San Esteban de Cañongo Count of San Esteban de Cañongo ( es, Conde de San Esteban de Cañongo) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1816 by Ferdinand VII to Agustín José Ramón Valdés, colonel of the cavalry militias of Habana Havana (; ...

Count of Teba Count of Teba ( es, Conde de Teba) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1522 by Charles I to Diego Ramírez de Guzmán, son of the 1st Lord of Teba. The name makes reference to the municipality of Teba, in Málaga Mála ...

* Count of Toreno * Count of Torre Arias *

Count of Urgell This is a list of the counts of county of Urgell, Urgell, a Catalan counties, county of the Principality of Catalonia in the 10th through 13th centuries. c. 798–870 Counts appointed by the Carolingians *798–820 Borrell, Count of Osona, Borre ...

* Count of Velayos * Count of Villacieros * Count of Villada *

Count of Yebes Count of Yebes ( es, Conde de Yebes) is a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility, Peerage of Spain, granted in 1649 by Philip IV of Spain, Philip IV to Juan Esteban Imbrea, Lord of Yebes and Valdarachas, knight of the Order of Calatrava. The ti ...

Count of Osorno Count of Osorno is a Spanish hereditary peerage which was granted on 31 August 1445 by John II of Castile to Gabriel Fernández Manrique, first Duke of Galisteo (1451), son of Garci Fernandez Manrique, first Count of Castañeda. On the death ...

Viscount/Viscountess (''Vizconde''/''Vizcondesa'')

* Viscount of la Alborada * Viscount of Altamira * Viscount of Banderas * Viscount of Cabrera * Viscount of la Calzada * Viscount of Castillo de Almansa * Viscount of Jala-Jala * Viscount of Mindanao * Viscount of Quintanilla de Florez * Viscount of Rocabertí

Baron/Baroness (''Barón''/''Baronesa'')

Baronies did not exist in the Kingdom of Castile nor the Kingdom of Navarre, and the subsequent kings of Spain did not confer any baronies attached to Castilian or Navarrese estates. However, they did exist in the Kingdom of Aragon, such as: * Baron of Polop

Lord/Lady (''Señor''/''Señora'') (''Don''/''Doña'')

The title of ''Señor'' is, together with that of ''Conde'', the oldest in seniority of the Spanish realms. Many of these lordships are among the oldest titles of nobility in Spain, and the ''señor'' usually exercised military and administrative powers over the lordship. Although some lordships were created by the kings of Spain, others existed before them and have not been created by any known king. For example, the

lord of Biscay The Lordship of Biscay ( es, Señorío de Vizcaya, Basque: ''Bizkaiko jaurerria'') was a region under feudal rule in the region of Biscay in the Iberian Peninsula between 1040 and 1876, ruled by a political figure known as the Lord of Biscay. On ...

held a great degree of independence from the king of Castile, to whom he could pledge or not pledge feudal allegiance, but of whom he was not automatically a

vassal A vassal or liege subject is a person regarded as having a mutual obligation to a lord or monarch, in the context of the feudal system in medieval Europe. While the subordinate party is called a vassal, the dominant party is called a suzerain. W ...

: each new lord of Biscay had to renew his oath to the king. Ultimately, however, the kings of Castile inherited the lordship. Besides those held by the King, in Spain remain seven lordships that maintain the official consideration of Titles of the Kingdom according to the Official Guide of the Titles and Grandees of the Kingdom published by the Ministry of Justice: the Lordship of Solar de Tejada, the Lordship of Solar de Mandayona y Villaseca, the Lordship of Alconchel, the Lordship of Lazcano (with Grandee of Spain), the Lordship of Rubianes (with Grandee of Spain), the Lordship of Higuera de Vargas (with Grandee of Spain), the Lordship of Meirás (with Grandee of Spain) and the Lordship of Sonseca. Other lordships that were considered as Titles of the Kingdom in the past, have not been rehabilitated. *

Lord of Alconchel Lord of Alconchel ( es, Señor de Alconchel) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1445 by John II to Gutierre de Sotomayor, Grand master of the Order of Alcántara. The title makes reference to Alconchel, a town in Badajoz. ...

* Lord of Balaguer, held by the King of Spain *

Lord of Biscay The Lordship of Biscay ( es, Señorío de Vizcaya, Basque: ''Bizkaiko jaurerria'') was a region under feudal rule in the region of Biscay in the Iberian Peninsula between 1040 and 1876, ruled by a political figure known as the Lord of Biscay. On ...

, held by the

Spanish monarchy , coatofarms = File:Coat_of_Arms_of_Spanish_Monarch.svg , coatofarms_article = Coat of arms of the King of Spain , image = Felipe_VI_in_2020_(cropped).jpg , incumbent = Felipe VI , incumbentsince = 19 Ju ...

since 1378, when merged with the previously semi-independent lordship of Biscay *

Lord of Higuera de Vargas Lord of Higuera de Vargas ( es, Señor de Higuera de Vargas) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain accompanied by the dignity of Grandee, granted in 1390 by John I to Alonso Fernández de Vargas. The title makes reference to Higuera d ...

* Lord of Casa Lazcano * Lord of Meirás, ''señora de Meiras'', Carmen Polo wife of

* Lord of Casa Rubianes * Lord of Solar de Tejada *

Lord of Sonseca Lord of Sonseca ( es, Señor de Sonseca) is a hereditary title in the Peerage of Spain, granted in 1650 by Philip IV to Duarte Fernández de Acosta. Lords of Sonseca (1650) *Duarte Fernández de Acosta, 1st Lord of Sonseca *Luis Beltrán de Li ...

Other titles

Infante ''Infante'' (, ; f. ''infanta''), also anglicised as Infant or translated as Prince, is the title and rank given in the Iberian kingdoms of Spain (including the predecessor kingdoms of Aragon, Castile, Navarre, and León) and Portugal to t ...

: currently borne by royal princes, other than the

heir apparent An heir apparent, often shortened to heir, is a person who is first in an order of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting by the birth of another person; a person who is first in the order of succession but can be displaced by the b ...

to the throne, who are sons of a Spanish king. *Knight of the Order of Charles III ''caballero de la Orden de Carlos III'': the bestowal of the highest order of knighthood on an individual grants personal nobility and certain heraldic privileges such as a heraldic mantle. The King of Spain continues to bestow this honor. *Knight of the Royal Order of Isabella the Catholic ''caballero de la Orden de Isabel la Catolica'': the bestowal of the second highest order of knighthood on an individual grants personal nobility and certain heraldic privileges such as a golden heraldic mantle. The King of Spain continues to bestow this honor. *Ricohombre (fem. ''Ricahembra''): used during the ''

Reconquista The ' (Spanish, Portuguese and Galician for "reconquest") is a historiographical construction describing the 781-year period in the history of the Iberian Peninsula between the Umayyad conquest of Hispania in 711 and the fall of the Nasrid ...

''. By the 17th century, it was a synonym of nobleman. *Condestable: cognate with "

constable A constable is a person holding a particular office, most commonly in criminal law enforcement. The office of constable can vary significantly in different jurisdictions. A constable is commonly the rank of an officer within the police. Other peop ...

", it was a hereditary title used in the kingdoms of Castile and León for the official second in authority to the king. It became hereditary in the Velasco family which, however, gradually lost the powers once attributed to the ''Condestable'' of Castile. *Caballero: equivalent to

knight A knight is a person granted an honorary title of knighthood by a head of state (including the Pope) or representative for service to the monarch, the church or the country, especially in a military capacity. Knighthood finds origins in the Gr ...

, it was very rare in the kingdom of Castile, but common in the kingdom of Aragon, where there were four types of ''caballeros'': **Golden-spur ''caballero'': borne by those ''infanzones'' (descendants of one of the

cadet branch In history and heraldry, a cadet branch consists of the male-line descendants of a monarch's or patriarch's younger sons ( cadets). In the ruling dynasties and noble families of much of Europe and Asia, the family's major assets— realm, title ...

es of the kings of Aragon which did not inherit the throne) who had been knighted. They were the highest ranking knights. **Royal-privilege ''caballero'': a personal, non-hereditary title granted by the king to doctors of the law. It was rarely used by its holders, since the doctoral status enjoyed more privileges. **''Caballero Mesnadero'': borne by the

cadet A cadet is an officer trainee or candidate. The term is frequently used to refer to those training to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. Its meaning may vary between countries which can include youths in ...

sons of a ''Ricohombre''. It fell into desuetude during the 18th century, when the Bourbon kings purged the ranks of the nobility. **''Caballero franco'': borne by those of ''hijosdalgo'' or ''infanzone'' status, but who were commoner-born. *Potestad: borne only in the kingdom of Aragon, the equivalent of the Italian ''

podestà Podestà (, English: Potestate, Podesta) was the name given to the holder of the highest civil office in the government of the cities of Central and Northern Italy during the Late Middle Ages. Sometimes, it meant the chief magistrate of a city ...

'', an administrative title. It disappeared with the

Nueva Planta decrees The Nueva Planta decrees ( es, link=no, Decretos de Nueva Planta, ca, Decrets de Nova Planta, en, link=no, "Decrees of the New Plant") were a number of decrees signed between 1707 and 1716 by Philip V, the first Bourbon King of Spain, during ...

in 1713.

Lower nobility

Lower nobility held ranks, without individual titles, such as (in Aragon, e.g. Latas Family), or . These did not, however, correspond to the status of a , a title unknown to Spanish nobility except in Catalonia. was the most common of these: Originally all the nobles in the Western Peninsular Christian Realms were and, as ("old Christians"), held nearly exclusive right to privileged status (although there were some Jews and Muslims recognized as , who shared their privilege to bear arms as knights in the ). The first of the kings of

Pamplona Pamplona (; eu, Iruña or ), historically also known as Pampeluna in English, is the capital city of the Chartered Community of Navarre, in Spain. It is also the third-largest city in the greater Basque cultural region. Lying at near above ...

and

Asturias Asturias (, ; ast, Asturies ), officially the Principality of Asturias ( es, Principado de Asturias; ast, Principáu d'Asturies; Galician-Asturian: ''Principao d'Asturias''), is an autonomous communities of Spain, autonomous community in nor ...

were originally elected and lifted up on a shield to assume status, by these otherwise untitled nobles. For approximately three hundred years the retained this privilege, only a few of them eventually being granted the non-heritable title of . Unlike Spain's later titled nobles, the early did not necessarily possess or receive any

fief A fief (; la, feudum) was a central element in medieval contracts based on feudal law. It consisted of a form of property holding or other rights granted by an Lord, overlord to a vassal, who held it in fealty or "in fee" in return for a for ...

land grant A land grant is a gift of real estate—land or its use privileges—made by a government or other authority as an incentive, means of enabling works, or as a reward for services to an individual, especially in return for military service. Grants ...

. Many were as poor as commoners, although they were tax-exempt and could join the civil service or the army. During the

Middle Ages In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire a ...

became a title granted by the kings of Castile as a reward for service done to the crown (or, as in Biscay, as a way of recognizing prior rights). In the same way was granted for military achievement when the ended. Being the most obvious proof of noble descent, came to be the only lesser title to remain among the modern ranks of Spanish nobility. From this ancient

estate of the realm The estates of the realm, or three estates, were the broad orders of social hierarchy used in Christendom (Christian Europe) from the Middle Ages to early modern Europe. Different systems for dividing society members into estates developed and ...

emerged Spain's nobility. All titled and untitled nobles are considered , but many of the modern titled nobility do not descend from the original . The term indicated membership in a family whose noble status was recognized in the earliest records of its existence; thus its immemorial nobility was acknowledged but not created by any monarch.

Succession

Dona-Maria-del-Rosario-Cayetana-Fitz-James-Stuart-y-de-Silva-352039306840

The evidence supporting one's claim to a title may be reviewed by the Council of Grandees and Titled Nobles of the Kingdom (''Diputación de Grandes y Títulos del Reino''). The body includes eight grandees, eight nobles who are not grandees, and a president who must hold both a grandeeship and a hereditary title unattached to a grandeeship. Succession to Spanish noble titles is hereditary, but not automatic. The original

letters patent Letters patent ( la, litterae patentes) ( always in the plural) are a type of legal instrument in the form of a published written order issued by a monarch, president or other head of state, generally granting an office, right, monopoly, titl ...

which created the title determine the

order of succession An order of succession or right of succession is the line of individuals necessitated to hold a high office when it becomes vacated such as head of state or an honour such as a title of nobility.Cortes Cortes, Cortés, Cortês, Corts, or Cortès may refer to: People * Cortes (surname), including a list of people with the name ** Hernán Cortés (1485–1547), a Spanish conquistador Places * Cortes, Navarre, a village in the South border of N ...

'', establishing the inheritance of hereditary noble titles by the firstborn regardless of gender. The law is retroactive to 27 July 2005. Following the death of a noble, the senior heir may

petition A petition is a request to do something, most commonly addressed to a government official or public entity. Petitions to a deity are a form of prayer called supplication. In the colloquial sense, a petition is a document addressed to some offici ...

the sovereign through the Spanish Ministry of Justice for permission to use the title. If the senior heir does not make a petition within two years, then other potential heirs may do so on their own behalf. There is a limit of forty years from the vacancy by death or relinquishment of a title within which that title may be claimed and revived by an heir. The petitioner must demonstrate that he or she is a child, grandchild or direct male line descendant of a noble (whether a grandee or not), or that he or she belongs to certain bodies or

orders of chivalry An order of chivalry, order of knighthood, chivalric order, or equestrian order is an order of knights, typically founded during or inspired by the original Catholic military orders of the Crusades ( 1099–1291) and paired with medieval concep ...

deemed noble, or that the father's family is recognized as noble. The amount of fees due depend on whether the title is attached to a grandeeship or not, and on whether the heir is a direct descendant or a

collateral Collateral may refer to: Business and finance * Collateral (finance), a borrower's pledge of specific property to a lender, to secure repayment of a loan * Marketing collateral, in marketing and sales Arts, entertainment, and media * ''Collate ...

kinsman of the previous holder. The petition is normally granted, except if the petitioner is a criminal. Titles may also be ceded to heirs other than the senior heir, during the lifetime of the main titleholder. Normally, this process is used to allow younger children to succeed to lesser titles, while the highest or principal title goes to the senior heir. Only subsidiary titles may be ceded; the principal title must be reserved for the senior heir. The cession of titles may only be done with the approval of the monarch. The late

Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart, 18th Duchess of Alba María del Rosario Cayetana Fitz-James Stuart y Silva, 18th Duchess of Alba GE (28 March 1926 – 20 November 2014) was one of the most senior aristocrats in Spain, as well as the most titled aristocrat in the world, a distinction now held by ...

(1926–2014) holds the

Guinness World Record ''Guinness World Records'', known from its inception in 1955 until 1999 as ''The Guinness Book of Records'' and in previous United States editions as ''The Guinness Book of World Records'', is a reference book published annually, listing world ...

for number of titles with over 50 titles. Before her death, she ceded some of her titles to each of her six children; otherwise, all but the eldest would have been excluded from succession.

Alternative nobility

The pretender

branch of the

Bourbons The House of Bourbon (, also ; ) is a European dynasty of French origin, a branch of the Capetian dynasty, the royal House of France. Bourbon kings first ruled France and Navarre in the 16th century. By the 18th century, members of the Spani ...

created its own titles for its supporters, unrecognized by the ruling Christinos branch. When General Francisco Franco became head of state with the support of, among others, Carlist troops, Carlist titles became officially recognized.

Titles created during the reign of King Juan Carlos

From the beginning of his reign in November 1975,

King Juan Carlos King is the title given to a male monarch in a variety of contexts. The female equivalent is queen, which title is also given to the consort of a king. *In the context of prehistory, antiquity and contemporary indigenous peoples, the ti ...

created new titles for about 51 people (as of April 2011), among others recognizing the merits of politicians and artists. Some of these dignities have been hereditary. Examples include: * Carmen Franco y Polo, daughter of dictator

, created ''1st

Duchess of Franco Duke of Franco ( es, Duque de Franco) was a hereditary title in the Spanish nobility. The title was created in 1975 by Juan Carlos I of Spain, King Juan Carlos and bestowed upon Carmen Franco, the daughter and only child of Spain's ''Caudillo'', ...

'' and Grandee of Spain in 1975 *

Carlos Arias Navarro Carlos Arias Navarro, 1st Marquis of Arias-Navarro (11 December 1908 – 27 November 1989) was one of the best-known Spanish politicians during the Francoist regime. Arias Navarro was a moderate leader in the last phase of Francoism and the be ...

, Prime Minister, created ''1st Marquess of Arias Navarro'' and Grandee of Spain in 1976 *

Torcuato Fernández-Miranda Torcuato Fernández-Miranda y Hevia, 1st Duke of Fernández-Miranda (10 November 1915 – 19 June 1980) was a Spanish lawyer and politician who played important roles in both the Spanish State of Francisco Franco and in the Spanish transition ...

, Prime Minister, created ''1st Duke of Fernandez-Miranda'' and Grandee of Spain in 1977 *

Adolfo Suárez Adolfo Suárez González, 1st Duke of Suárez (; 25 September 1932 – 23 March 2014) was a Spanish lawyer and politician. Suárez was Spain's first democratically elected prime minister since the Second Spanish Republic and a key figure in th ...

, Prime Minister, created ''1st

'' and Grandee of Spain in 1981 *

Andrés Segovia Andrés Segovia Torres, 1st Marquis of Salobreña (21 February 1893 – 2 June 1987) was a Spanish virtuoso classical guitarist. Many professional classical guitarists were students of Segovia or their students. Segovia's contribution to the m ...

, classical guitarist, created ''1st Marquess of

Salobreña Salobreña (, < Phoenician ''Salambina Salawbiniya'') is a town on the ''

Costa Tropical

'' in

'' in 1981 *

Salvador Dalí Salvador Domingo Felipe Jacinto Dalí i Domènech, Marquess of Dalí of Púbol (; ; ; 11 May 190423 January 1989) was a Spanish Surrealism, surrealist artist renowned for his technical skill, precise draftsmanship, and the striking and bizarr ...

surrealist Surrealism is a cultural movement that developed in Europe in the aftermath of World War I in which artists depicted unnerving, illogical scenes and developed techniques to allow the unconscious mind to express itself. Its aim was, according to l ...

painter, created ''1st Marquess of Dalí de Púbol'' in 1982 *

Joaquín Rodrigo Joaquín Rodrigo Vidre, 1st Marquess of the Gardens of Aranjuez (; 22 November 1901 – 6 July 1999), was a Spanish composer and a virtuoso pianist. He is best known for composing the ''Concierto de Aranjuez'', a cornerstone of the classical gui ...

, composer and pianist, created ''1st Marquess of los Jardines de Aranjuez'' in 1991 *

Juan Antonio Samaranch Juan Antonio Samaranch y Torelló, 1st Marquess of Samaranch (Catalan: ''Joan Antoni Samaranch i Torelló'', ; 17 July 1920 – 21 April 2010) was a Spanish sports administrator under the Franco regime (1973–1977) who served as the seventh Pre ...

, President of the

International Olympic Committee The International Olympic Committee (IOC; french: link=no, Comité international olympique, ''CIO'') is a non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland. It is constituted in the form of an association under the Swiss ...

, created ''1st

'' and Grandee of Spain in 1991 *

Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado Manuel Gutiérrez Mellado, 1st Marquess of Gutiérrez Mellado (30 April 1912 – 15 December 1995) was a Spanish Army officer and politician who played a relevant role during the Spanish transition to democracy especially with regard to de ...

, officer and politician, created ''1st Marquess of Gutiérrez-Mellado'' in 1994 *

Camilo José Cela Camilo José Cela y Trulock, 1st Marquess of Iria Flavia (; 11 May 1916 – 17 January 2002) was a Spanish novelist, poet, story writer and essayist associated with the Generation of '36 movement. He was awarded the 1989 Nobel Prize in Literat ...

, author and

Nobel laureate The Nobel Prizes ( sv, Nobelpriset, no, Nobelprisen) are awarded annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Swedish Academy, the Karolinska Institutet, and the Norwegian Nobel Committee to individuals and organizations who make out ...

, created ''1st Marquess of Iria Flavia'' in 1996 *

Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo Leopoldo Ramón Pedro Calvo-Sotelo y Bustelo, 1st Marquess of Ría de Ribadeo (; 14 April 1926 – 3 May 2008), usually known as Leopoldo Calvo-Sotelo, was Prime Minister of Spain between 1981 and 1982. Early life and career Calvo-Sotelo was b ...

, Prime Minister, created ''1st Marquess of the Ría of Ribadeo'' and Grandee of Spain in 2002 * Margarita Salas, scientist, created ''1st Marchioness of Canero'' in 2008 *

Paloma O'Shea Paloma O'Shea Artiñano, 1st Marchioness of O'Shea (born 19 February 1936) is a pianist, patron of the arts, founder and current president of the Reina Sofía School of Music, and founder and president of the Albéniz Foundation, which organizes ...

Artiñano, pianist, created '' Marchioness of O'Shea'' in 2008 * José Ángel Sánchez Asiaín, an international banker, created ''1st Marquess of Asiaín'' in 2010 *

Antoni Tàpies Antoni Tàpies i Puig, 1st Marquess of Tápies (; 13 December 1923 – 6 February 2012) was a Catalan People, Catalan painter, sculptor and art theorist, who became one of the most famous European artists of his generation. Life The son of Jo ...

, painter, created ''1st Marquess of Tàpies'' in 2010 *

Vicente del Bosque Vicente del Bosque González, 1st Marquess of Del Bosque (; born 23 December 1950) is a Spanish retired football manager and former player. He is regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time and is to date the only football manager to ha ...

, football manager, created ''1st Marquess of Del Bosque'' in 2011 *

Mario Vargas Llosa Jorge Mario Pedro Vargas Llosa, 1st Marquess of Vargas Llosa (born 28 March 1936), more commonly known as Mario Vargas Llosa (, ), is a Peruvian novelist, journalist, essayist and former politician, who also holds Spanish citizenship. Vargas Ll ...

, author and

, created ''1st

'' in 2011. King Juan Carlos also exceptionally confirmed the title of ''Count of Barcelona'', a title historically attached to the

Crown A crown is a traditional form of head adornment, or hat, worn by monarchs as a symbol of their power and dignity. A crown is often, by extension, a symbol of the monarch's government or items endorsed by it. The word itself is used, partic ...

, but used as a title of pretence by his father, ''

Juan ''Juan'' is a given name, the Spanish and Manx versions of ''John''. It is very common in Spain and in other Spanish-speaking communities around the world and in the Philippines, and also (pronounced differently) in the Isle of Man. In Spanish, t ...

, during the

dynasty A dynasty is a sequence of rulers from the same family,''Oxford English Dictionary'', "dynasty, ''n''." Oxford University Press (Oxford), 1897. usually in the context of a monarchical system, but sometimes also appearing in republics. A ...

's 20th century exile and the subsequent reign of his son.

Titles created during the reign of King Felipe VI

King

Felipe VI Felipe VI (;, * eu, Felipe VI.a, * ca, Felip VI, * gl, Filipe VI, . Felipe Juan Pablo Alfonso de Todos los Santos de Borbón y Grecia; born 30 January 1968) is King of Spain. He is the son of former King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía, and h ...

has not yet created any new titles of nobility. He has, however, revived the dukedom of Fernandina, the marquisate of Murillo, and the county of Torre Alegre; and has reverted to the

crown A crown is a traditional form of head adornment, or hat, worn by monarchs as a symbol of their power and dignity. A crown is often, by extension, a symbol of the monarch's government or items endorsed by it. The word itself is used, partic ...

the dukedom of Palma Mallorca, formerly belonging to his elder sister,

Infanta Cristina of Spain Infanta Cristina of Spain (Cristina Federica Victoria Antonia de la Santísima Trinidad de Borbón y de Grecia, born 13 June 1965) is the younger daughter of the former King and Queen of Spain Juan Carlos I of Spain, Juan Carlos I and Queen So ...

, over a corruption enquiry. "The King revokes the title of Duchess of Palma used by his sister doña Cristina". Europapress (15-06-11).
(Accessed on 12 June 2015).

Gallery

File:Alvaro de luna.jpg,

Álvaro de Luna, Duke of Trujillo Álvaro (, , ) is a Spanish, Galician and Portuguese male given name and surname (see Spanish naming customs) of Visigothic origin. Some claim it may be related to the Old Norse name Alfarr, formed of the elements ''alf'' "elf" and ''arr'' "warrio ...

(1390–1453) File:Sopetran-santillana.jpg,

Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, 1st Duke of the Infantado Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza y Figueroa, 1st Duke of the Infantado, or Diego Hurtado de Mendoza y Suarez de Figueroa (Guadalajara, Castile, 25 September 1417 – Manzanares el Real, Spain, 25 January 1479) was a Spanish noble. Biography ...

(1417–1479) File:El gran capitán (Museo del Prado).jpg,

Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba (1 September 1453 – 2 December 1515) was a Spanish general and statesman who led successful military campaigns during the Conquest of Granada and the Italian Wars. His military victories and widespread po ...

, Duke of Terranova and Santangelo, Andria, Montalto and Sessa (1453–1515) File:Tizian (Umkreis) - Bildnis eines Edelmanns - WAF 1085 - Bavarian State Painting Collections.jpg,

Pedro de Toledo y Zúñiga Pedro Álvarez de Toledo y Zúñiga (13 July 1484 – 21 February 1553) was a Spanish politician. The first effective Spanish viceroy of Naples, in 1532–1552, he was responsible for considerable social, economic and urban improval in the ...

, 2nd Marquis of Villafranca del Bierzo (1484–1553) File:Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, III Duque de Alba, retratado por Antonio Moro.jpg,

Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba Fernando Álvarez de Toledo y Pimentel, 3rd Duke of Alba (29 October 150711 December 1582), known as the Grand Duke of Alba (, pt, Grão Duque de Alba) in Spain and Portugal and as the Iron Duke ( or shortly 'Alva') in the Netherlands, was a Sp ...

(1507–1582) File:Giovanni Battista Moroni - Portrait of Don Gabriel de la Cueva, later Duke of Alburquerque - WGA16256.jpg,

Gabriel de la Cueva, 5th Duke of Alburquerque Gabriel de la Cueva y Girón, 5th Duke of Alburquerque, 2nd Marquess of Cuéllar, 5th Count of Ledesma, 5th Count of Huelma (ca. 1515 – 1571) was a Spanish nobleman and military leader who served as Viceroy of Navarre from 1560 to 1564 and Go ...

(1515–1571) File:ÁlvaroDeBazánRafaelTegeo1828.jpg,

Álvaro de Bazán, 1st Marquess of Santa Cruz Álvaro (, , ) is a Spanish, Galician and Portuguese male given name and surname (see Spanish naming customs) of Visigothic origin. Some claim it may be related to the Old Norse name Alfarr, formed of the elements ''alf'' "elf" and ''arr'' "warrior ...

(1526–1588) File:LuisdeVelascoII.jpg, Luis de Velasco, Marquess of Salinas (1534–1617) File:Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza 2.jpg, García Hurtado de Mendoza, 5h Marquess of Cañete (1535–1609) File:Alonso Pérez de Guzmán.jpg, Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, 7th Duke of Medina Sidonia (1550–1615) File:El Greco, Portrait of Juan Alfonso de Pimentel y Herrera.jpg, Juan Alonso Pimentel de Herrera, 5th Duke of Benavente (c. 1550–1621) File:Retrato ecuestre del duque de Lerma (Rubens).jpg,

Francisco Gómez de Sandoval, 1st Duke of Lerma Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas, 1st Duke of Lerma, 5th Marquess of Denia, 1st Count of Ampudia (1552/1553 – 17 May 1625), was a favourite of Philip III of Spain, the first of the ''validos'' ('most worthy') through whom the later H ...

(1552–1625) File:Ambrogio Spinola (Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt, 1633).jpg, Ambrogio Spínola, 1st Marquess of Balbases (1569–1630) File:Álvaro de Bazán y Benavides (Antoon van Dyck).png,

Álvaro de Bazán, 2nd Marquess of Santa Cruz Álvaro de Bazán, 2nd Marquess of Santa Cruz, a.k.a. Álvaro de Bazán y Benavides, a.k.a. Alvaro II de Bazán, (12 September 1571 in Naples, Italy – 1646), was the son of Álvaro de Bazán, 1st Marquess of Santa Cruz. Career Not as fa ...

(1571–1646) File:Pedro Téllez-Girón y Velasco.jpg,

Pedro Téllez-Girón, 3rd Duke of Osuna Pedro Téllez-Girón, 3rd Duke of Osuna (17 February 1574 – 20 September 1624) was a Spanish nobleman and politician. He was the 2nd Marquis of Peñafiel, 7th Count of Ureña, Spanish Viceroy of Sicily (1611–1616), Viceroy of Naples (1616–16 ...

(1574–1624) File:Conde-Duque de Olivares.jpg,

Gaspar de Guzmán, Count-Duke of Olivares Gaspar de Guzmán y Pimentel, 1st Duke of Sanlúcar, 3rd Count of Olivares, GE, known as the Count-Duke of Olivares (taken by joining both his countship and subsequent dukedom) (6 January 1587 – 22 July 1645), was a Spanish royal favourit ...

(1587–1645) File:DiegoLopezPacheco,CabrerayBobadilla.jpg,

Diego López Pacheco, 7th Duke of Escalona Don Diego Roque López Pacheco Cabrera y Bobadilla, 7th Duke of Escalona, 7th Marquess of Villena and 7th Count of Xiquena (16 August 1599, La Mancha, Spain – 27 February 1653, Pamplona, Spain) was a Spanish nobleman who was viceroy of New S ...

(1599–1653) File:Luis de Benavides Carrillo.jpg, Luis de Benavides Carrillo, Marquess of Caracena (1608–1668) File:PedroNugnoColondePortugal.jpg,

Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal, 6th Duke of Veragua Pedro Nuño Colón de Portugal y Castro, 6th Duke of Veragua, 6th Marquess of Jamaica, 6th Count of Gelves (Madrid, Spain, 13 December 1628 – December 8, 1673, Mexico City) was viceroy of New Spain from December 3, 1673 to December 8, 1673. ...

(1628–1673) File:InigoMelchorVelasco.JPG,

Íñigo Melchor de Velasco, 7th Duke of Frías Íñigo Melchor Fernández de Velasco, 7th Duke of Frías, Grandee, GE, Order of Santiago, KOS (16 April 1629 – 27 September 1696), was a Spanish nobleman and Governor-General of the Spanish Netherlands.In full, es, Don (honorific), Don Í� ...

(1635–1696) File:Retrato del Cardenal Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero.jpg, Cardinal

Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero Luis Manuel Fernández de Portocarrero y de Guzmán, (8 January 1635, Palma del Río – 14 September 1709, Toledo, Spain) was a Spanish prelate, who was cardinal archbishop of Toledo. Uncle of Luis Antonio Tomás de Portocarrero y Moscoso, 5th ...

(1635–1709) File:Claudio Coello - Juan Francisco de la Cerda, VIII Duke of Medinaceli - Google Art Project.jpg,

Juan Tomas Enriquez de Cabrera, 7th Duke of Medina de Rioseco Juan Tomás Enríquez de Cabrera y Ponce de Leon, VII Duque de Medina de Río-Seco (Genoa, Italy, 1646 – Estremoz, Portugal, 1705), was a Spanish noble and military leader. Biography He belonged to the important Enríquez family, whose tit ...

(1646–1705) File:Juan Carreño de Miranda - Duque de Pastrana.jpg,

Gregorio María de Silva y Mendoza, 9th Duke of the Infantado Gregorio de Silva y Mendoza (1649 in Pastrana – 1693 in Madrid) was a Spanish noble from the House of Mendoza. He was the 5th Duke of Pastrana, 9th Duke of the Infantado, 7th Duke of Lerma, 6th Duke of Francavilla, 5th Duke of Estremera, a ...

(1649–1693) File:BaltasardeZugniga.jpg, Baltasar de Zúñiga, 1st Duke of Arión (1658–1727) File:Voet-duque de medinacelli-prado.jpg,

Luis Francisco de la Cerda Luis Francisco de la Cerda y Aragón, 9th Duke of Medinaceli (2 August 1660, in El Puerto de Santa María – 26 January 1711, in Pamplona), 9th Duke of Medinaceli, was a Spanish noble and politician. Biography Eldest son of Valido Don Jua ...

, 9th Duke of Medinaceli (1660–1711) File:FranciscoFernandezdelaCueva.jpg,

Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, 8th Duke of Alburquerque Francisco Fernández de la Cueva y Enriquez de Cabrera, 8th Duke of Alburquerque, 6th Marquess of Cuéllar, 8th Count of Ledesma, GE, KOS (1619 – March 27, 1676) was a Spanish military officer and viceroy of New Spain from August 15, 165 ...

, (1619–1676) File:PedroCebrianyAgustin.jpg, Pedro Cebrián, 5th Count of Fuenclara (1687–1752) File:Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, Count of Aranda.jpg,

Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea, 10th Count of Aranda Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea y Jiménez de Urrea, 10th Count of Aranda (1718 in Siétamo, Huesca – 1798 in Épila, Saragossa), was a Spanish statesman and diplomat. Early life He began ecclesiastical studies in the seminary of Bologna but ...

(1718–1798) File:Pompeo Girolamo Batoni - Don José Moñino y Redondo, Conde de Floridablanca - 1974.386 - Art Institute of Chicago.jpg,

José Moñino, 1st Count of Floridablanca José Moñino y Redondo, 1st Count of Floridablanca (October 21, 1728 – December 30, 1808) was a Spanish statesman. He was the Reform movement, reformist chief minister of King Charles III of Spain, and also served briefly under Charles IV of ...

(1728–1808) File:Duchess Countess of Benavente by Goya.jpg,

María Josefa Pimentel, Duchess of Osuna Doña María Josefa Alonso-Pimentel y Téllez-Girón ''iure uxoris'' Duchess of Osuna, ''suo jure'' 12th Duchess of Benavente (26 November 1752 – 5 October 1834), was a Spanish Salonnière, famous as a patron of artists, writers and scientist ...

(1752–1834) File:Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón y Pacheco by Guillermo Ducker.jpg,

Pedro Téllez-Girón, 9th Duke of Osuna Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón, 9th Duke of Osuna, Grandee of Spain (in full, es, Don Pedro de Alcántara María Cayetano Ciriaco Rafael Domingo Vicente Téllez-Girón y Pacheco, noveno duque de Osuna, décimo marqués de Peñafiel, conde ...

(1755–1807) File:Duchess of Alba by Ducker.jpg,

María Cayetana de Silva, 13th Duchess of Alba María del Pilar Teresa Cayetana de Silva y Silva-Bazán, 13th Duchess of Alba, GE (10 June 1762 – 23 July 1802), was a Spanish aristocrat and a popular subject of the painter Francisco de Goya. Biography María Teresa, as she was called in he ...

(1762–1802) File:Anonymous_portrait_of_Pedro_de_Alcántara_Alonso_Pérez_de_Guzmán,_14th_Duke_of_Medina_Sidonia_(1724-1779).jpg,

Pedro de Alcántara Alonso Pérez de Guzmán, 14th Duke of Medina Sidonia Pedro de Alcántara Alonso Pérez de Guzmán y Lopez-Pacheco, 14th Duke of Medina Sidonia (Madrid, 25 August 1724 – Vilafranca del Penedès, 6 January 1779) was a Spanish noble who became Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1739. Biography His pare ...

(1724–1779) File:José Álvarez de Toledo, Duque de Alba.jpg,

José Álvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba Don José Álvarez de Toledo Osorio y Gonzaga, 11th Marquess of Villafranca, Grandee of Spain, '' jure uxoris'' Duke of Alba de Tormes, Grandee of Spain (16 July 1756 – 9 June 1796) was a patron of the artist Francisco Goya. Biography Álvarez ...

(1756–1796) File:Unknown_Portrait_16th_Duke_of_Medina_Sidonia.jpg,

Francisco de Borja Álvarez de Toledo, 12th Marquis of Villafranca Francisco de Borja Álvarez de Toledo y Gonzaga, 12th Marquis of Villafranca (9 June 1763 – 12 February 1821) inherited the title of Marquis of Villafranca from his elder brother José Álvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alba in 1796, as well as 14th ...

(1763–1821) File:Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo y Salm Salm, XIII duque del Infantado (Museo del Prado).jpg, Don

Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo, 13th Duke of the Infantado '' Don'' Pedro de Alcántara Álvarez de Toledo y Salm-Salm, 13th Duke of the Infantado (20 July 1768, in Madrid – 27 November 1841, in Madrid), was a Spanish politician and general. Life and career He held the following titles: 13th Duke of ...

(1768–1841) File:Duque de San Carlos.jpg,

José Miguel de Carvajal-Vargas, 2nd Duke of San Carlos José Miguel de Carvajal-Vargas y Manrique de Lara Polanco, 2nd Duke of San Carlos, (8 May 1771 in Lima, Perú – 27 September 1828 in París), 6th conde de Castillejo and 9th conde del Puerto, 10th "Correo Mayor de las Indias", was the son of ...

(1771–1828) File:Condesa de chinchon.jpg,

María Teresa de Borbón, 15th Countess of Chinchón María Teresa de Borbón y Vallabriga, 15th Countess of Chinchón (María Teresa Carolina; 6 March 1779some say 26 January 1780 – 23 November 1828), was a Spanish noblewoman and grandee. She was a patrilineal granddaughter of Philip V of Spain ...

(1779–1828) File:José Rafael de Silva Fernández de Híjar, duque de Híjar (Diputación Provincial de Zaragoza).jpg, José Rafael de Silva Fernández de Híjar, 12th Duke of Híjar (1776–1863) File:José María Queipo de Llano, conde de Toreno (Museo del Prado).jpg, José María Queipo de Llano, 7th Count of Toreno (1786–1843) File:El capitán general Francisco Serrano, duque de la Torre.jpg,

Francisco Serrano, 1st Duke of la Torre Francisco Serrano Domínguez Cuenca y Pérez de Vargas, 1st Duke of la Torre, Grandee of Spain, Count of San Antonio (17 December 1810 – 25 November 1885) was a Spanish marshal and statesman. He was Prime Minister of Spain in 1868–6 ...

(1810–1885) File:El duque de Rivas (Federico de Madrazo).JPG,

Ángel de Saavedra, 3rd Duke of Rivas Don Ángel de Saavedra y Ramírez de Baquedano, 3rd Duke of Rivas ( es, Ángel de Saavedra y Ramírez de Baquedano, Duque de Rivas; 10 March 179122 June 1865) was a Spanish poet, dramatist and politician born in Córdoba. He is best known for ...

(1815–1854) File:Francisco Javier Azlor de Aragón portrait.jpg, Francisco Javier Azlor de Aragón, 6th Duke of Granada de Ega (1842–1919) File:Infante_Juan_by_Laszlo.jpg,

Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona (Juan Carlos Teresa Silverio Alfonso de Borbón y Battenberg; 20 June 1913 – 1 April 1993), also known as Don Juan, was a claimant to the Spanish throne as Juan III. He was the third son and designated heir o ...

(1941–1977)

Notes

References

*Atienza, Julio de. ''Nobiliario Español: Diccionario Heráldico de Apellidos Españoles y de Títulos Nobiliarios''. Madrid: Aguilar, 1948. *Figueroa y Melgar, Alfonso de. ''Estudio Histórico Sobre Algunas Familias Españolas''. 6v. in 12 parts. Madrid: Editions Dawson & Fry, 1965.
Noble Titles in Spain and Spanish Grandees
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spanish Nobility

Spanish nobility today

Legal situation

Classification of Spanish nobles

Form of address

Ranks

Princes

Duke/Duchess (''Duque''/''Duquesa'')

Marquess/Marchioness (''Marqués''/''Marquesa'')

Count/Countess (''Conde''/''Condesa'')

Viscount/Viscountess (''Vizconde''/''Vizcondesa'')

Baron/Baroness (''Barón''/''Baronesa'')

Lord/Lady (''Señor''/''Señora'') (''Don''/''Doña'')

Other titles

Lower nobility

Succession

Alternative nobility

Titles created during the reign of King Juan Carlos

Titles created during the reign of King Felipe VI

Gallery

See also

Notes

References