How to Become a Laird, Lord or Lady

In the United Kingdom, the titles of “Lord” and “Lady” are typically hereditary titles passed down through families.

To become a Lord or Lady, you generally need to be born into a family that already holds a Lordship title, or be granted a Lordship title by the monarch, King Charles III.

There are several other ways in which one can be granted a Lordship title, however, so long as you note the important differences between the options that follow and the traditional method noted above.

  1. Buy one: So long as don’t mind that the Lordship or Ladyship is a fun novelty, It is possible to purchase a Lordship title from companies like Highland Titles. These titles are not noble titles and you cannot sit in the House of Lords, but you can use our registered trademarks “Lord / Lady of the Glen”.
  2. Marriage: If you marry someone who already holds a Lordship or Lady title, you may be entitled to use the title as well.
  3. Appointment: It is also possible to be appointed to the House of Lords, which is one of the two chambers of the UK Parliament. Members of the House of Lords are typically appointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the Prime Minister or other senior officials.

The Origins of Laird, Lord, and Lady Titles

The term ‘Lord’ has been used in the UK since 1066 when William the Conqueror carved up the land into manors with titles which he bestowed on his loyal barons.

Many people associate being a Lord or Lady with land ownership. However, becoming a Lord and Lady is not always attached to owning or inheriting land. Let us explore some of the other ways.

Today we associate the term Lord with someone who holds a title of peerage or courtesy title, either inherited or granted.

The term ‘Lady or “Ladyship” is simply a term of reference used to address a lady who has a title and ladyship titles can be gained in exactly the same way as Lordship title.

How is Laird different from Lord or Lady?

“Laird” is a Scottish title usually reserved for those who own larger estates in Scotland.  It is still used today, and Laird’s houses are usually impressive and traditional.

It translates into Engilsh as “Lord” and the female equivalent of both is “Lady”.

What is a Lordship / Ladyship?

Historically, a Lordship was the name given to a territory or estate that was given to a Lord. “Lordship” can also be used in the UK as a polite and formal way of referring to a male peer without using his full title. For example, rather than saying “the Lord Voldemort of Slytherin is visiting London today”, one might say “His Lordship is visiting London today”.

“Ladyship” is simply the female equivalent.

What is a Lairdship?

The word “Laird” has never been associated with nobility and peerage, only the ownership of land in Scotland.

Becoming a Laird, Lord or Lady of the Glen couldn’t be simpler!

  1. Choose your plot
  2. Fill in your information and purchase the plot
  3. Receive your gift pack and permission to use our registered trademarks, Laird, Lord and Lady of the Glen.
  4. Enjoy your new style! Your personalised certificate is suitable for display.

If you choose the Highland Titles method, then becoming a Laird, Lord or Lady of the Glen couldn’t be simpler!

The Ability to Officially Change Your Name

If you choose to, you can use a deed poll service to change your name from e.g John Smith to Lord John Smith. You can then update various forms of ID.