How do you get "esquire" after your name?

Question

Some of the top dogs in my company have it and was just curious. Tried googling it, but just get stuff 'bout the mag Esquire. Would be grateful if someone could tell me.

Answer 1

Esquire is a title of respect for a member of the English gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name.

The original title comes from the Middle Ages -- an esquire was the rank above a gentleman, and below a knight. The word derives from the Latin scutum (shield), and Middle English esquier (shield bearer). It was also generally applied to upstanding members of society: judges, sheriffs, lawyers, professors.

The title was eventually adopted almost exclusively by the British legal profession. There were still plenty of non-lawyer esquires (the title was often passed down to eldest sons), but it was very popular among barristers. The title was often shortened to "Squire."

Today in the United States, the title is mostly used as a sign of courtesy toward members of the legal profession. It also pops up in the stationery of lawyers who think of themselves highly. It's a formal address that has no specific meaning.

However, if you want to get, um, legal about it, the use of the title "esquire" could be downright treasonous. The U.S. Constitution forbids aristocratic titles. The Articles of Confederation state that: "nor shall the United States in Congress assembled, or any of them, grant any title of nobility."

It is possible for you to simply write it after your name. Don't believe me?
Watch Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure!
With Ted 'Theodore' Logan and Bill 'S' Preston Esquire!



:~}

Answer 2

Esquire began as a title used for people of higher social class than a mere "gentleman".
But, not as high as a nobleman. Perhaps the close relative of a nobleman would use esquire.

In America, "Esquire" has been adopted as a designation of an attorney, or member of the bar. Although typically a male term, women lawyers sometimes use it also.
In most places, anyone can use the term,--- as a honorable manner of addressing someone else! But, is usually not used when signing one's own name.

Here's one version of the definition:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esquire

Answer 3

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RE:
How do you get "esquire" after your name?
Some of the top dogs in my company have it and was just curious. Tried googling it, but just get stuff 'bout the mag Esquire. Would be grateful if someone could tell me.

Answer 4

It depends on what country you are in. In the United States "esquire" is used by lawyers of both genders. They will often have the abbreviation "Esq." following their name. It does not have any legal status, though. It is just a tradition carried over from the practice of British barristers using the title.

In the United Kingdom, "esquire" is used for men only. It ranks above the term "gentleman." Men who are sons of a noble or gentry family may use the term.

Answer 5

I'm getting a bit annoyed with the reference this is an "English" only thing - as far as I'm aware in BRITAIN (that includes Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland as well) "Esquire" or Esq. after a person's name (male) is a term of respect. Nothing else really.

For example - in my place of work, the Managing Director, who is not a descendant of a worthy peer or noble, quite often gets mail addressed to him with Esq. after it, simply I think because he is respected within the company.

Basically - if you feel you are worthy of respect (which everyone is) and you want to highlight it - use it.

Answer 6

All men in England are called esquire but its a bit outdated now.If you are a male anyone can address you as this on your mail (letters and envelopes) there is no qualification for this title at all. In America it is used for lawyers and men of the legal profession.Until recent years letters addressed to men always were addressed as esquire......e.g. John Smith, Esq.

Answer 7

Esquire was usually put after names in the past to indicate that the person, a man, was the owner of property. I was also used by navigators in the Royal and merchant navy who due to their job could not own property. That was the origin of the use.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

In the U.S. it typically refers to someone who is licensed to practice law (a lawyer having passed the state bar).