Does a man who is knighted sign his name with the title "Sir"?

Question

If John Smith is knighted by the Queen, people call him "Sir John" or "Sir John Smith." However, when he signs his own name on letters or other documents, does he ever write his name as "Sir John Smith" or does he just use "John Smith"? Did this also apply in the 1920s or has the practice changed?

Answer 1

He can, but they generally do not. I have received letters from dozens of knighted politicians and civil servants over the years, and asked for autographs from knights like Roger Moore, Ian McKellen and Elton John, and *none* of them used it. I have also read hundreds of letters from knights in various archives and record offices in Britain (including from the 1920s) and cannot remember seeing any who used their title or post-nominal letters. However, they often put it at the top of their personalised stationery.

Most people would think it looks pompous. Sir Ben Kingsley was mocked when the studio put his title on the poster for the movie Lucky Number Slevin, and his wife got tired of him insisting her friends call him Sir Ben.

Answer 2

It is probably based off of what you feel like doing. Paul McCartney for example, is a knight, but nobody calls him Sir Paul. It is mainly just an honor or an award to be knighted today. But for example Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, signs "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle."
I think that if you wanted to rub it in someones face that you would sign Sir. Now-a-days, you don't need a title for respect. You earn respect through your actions. And those with titles, President of the United States of America, George W. Bush for example, are insulted and made the center of laughs around many people. It is a shame. Regardless of whether or not you like Bush or agree with him, you should still show him proper respect.
If I ever get Knighted, then I will be called Sir.

Answer 3

We can all put our title in front of our name if we wish to, Sir, is a title, not a name. A man who has not got a knighthood is titled Mr, an unmarried woman as Miss, a vicar Rev. Saying, Sir John Smith, is simply distinguishing him from plain Mr John Smith. A vicar however may put letters after his name, as he is a doctor of philosophy, as may all university graduates.

Answer 4

Yes, it's just like a Doctor. They do, or should, be signing their names as Dr. John Smith. It works the same way.

Answer 5

He is unlikely to sign 'sir' as very few sign with their title included regardless of what it is.

The 'Sir John Smith' will simply be on either the letterhead or under the signature

Answer 6

The title Sir is the title. Their full title is either Unlanded Baron (also known as a Bart), Knight Commander of the Order of St George (KCMG) or Commander of the Order of St George (CMG) or (I think) General Commander of the Order of St George (GCMG) - sorry, I know the initials, but not sure of the full titles.

Whey they sign their names, they usually put "John Smith, KCMG" or something similar. Like when you have a degree.

The practice has been the same all throughout history.

If you have a title, like Duke of Cornwall, then you would usually sign "Cornwall" - your title.

Answer 7

It depends on which nation he is a knight of, and what order he is part of.

But in British Gentry it would be Sir John Smith

Answer 8

Very good answers. However, there is one time a Knight will never use the title - when he is still acting in a military capacity, such as Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton who never referred to his knighthood while still in the military. He proudly (and rightfully) preferred to be called "Captain".

Answer 9

It is up to the individual but I think it's not "correct form" to use any title in referring to oneself - not even "Mr" or "Mrs". If you are telephoning someone you should not say "This is Mr Smith" or "Mrs Smith" calling" - you should say "This is John Smith" or "Jane Smith". It is up to others to use courtesy titles when they address you, and that's a minefield in itself. I hate being called Ms, so I don't complain when people call me Mrs when I'm actually Miss.

Answer 10

Most decide what the want to be called and stick to it to avoid confusion. The title does have to be used if you as the title holder do not want it to be. Others should always use the given title though, until told not to by the title holder