when can you use 'esquire' after your name?

Answer 1

It's primarily used by lawyers today.

Additional:

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."

Answer 2

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 3

I understand that the title of Esquire may be used in the United Kingdom by “those who by long prescription can show their lineal ancestors were styled Esquires”.

Is this restricted to the first male of each generation line? Does the authority with which to use the title Esq. after one’s name require this to be confirmed with any official body? Are the regulations different in England and Scotland?
The answers to your three questions are:

1. In theory - no - but it should be noted that in the case of a knight (who of course outranks an esquire) it is only his eldest son who automatically, in respect of his father’s rank, is an esquire.

2. In theory - no - but it should be noted that a man’s style should accord with that indicated by the helmet on the arms approved for him by the appropriate body.

3. In theory - no - but the strictness of the disciplines at Lyon Court in Edinburgh may perhaps be greater than at the College of Arms in London.
However, in reality the use in Great Britain of Esq. after a man’s name is today usually haphazard and the title has no protection in law (unlike, for example, the equivalent Ecuyer in Belgium).

Answer 4

Like Mr, Mrs etc, Esquire (Esq) is a courtesy title, in other words it is a polite way in which other people may address you, or you may address others; it is not something you would ever put after your own name, unless you want to look either ignorant or pathetic.

Answer 5

When you are such a pretentious snob that you think you will die without believing you are some kind of "special" and you MUST MAKE others know it.

If you are so SPECIAL, then why not make your personal telephone number associated name be listed as ESQUIRE...?

(I bet you tried.....gottcha!)

Answer 6

Esquire denotes that you are an Attorney.

Get your JD and pass the bar, and then you can add Esq. to your signature if you like.

Answer 7

Reading through other replies it appears anyone can use esq. after their name these days, possibly only males.
Yes, at one time it was a mark of "the gentry" such as
"You are envited to attend a tea at Hoggsbottom Manner on....
R.S.V.P.

Cheeky Charles James, Esq."

Answer 8

To my knowledge, the only people that use "esquire" after their name are attorneys & the correct way to use it after a name is "Esq.". I hope that helps.

Answer 9

The only time I ever see it is with lawyers, and I'm pretty sure I have seen lawyers of both genders use it. I think it seems weird, though.

Answer 10

You would use it after your name if you were a lawyer. You would be more likely to see it in Britain however.