What Do You Call a Female Knight? Exploring the Title and History

Throughout history, the image of the knight has been deeply ingrained in our cultural imagination—clad in shining armor, embodying chivalry, bravery, and honor. Yet, when it comes to female counterparts, many wonder: what do you call a female knight? This question opens a fascinating window into the roles women have played in medieval warfare and knighthood, as well as how language and tradition have evolved to recognize their contributions.

Exploring the concept of a female knight reveals a rich tapestry of history, legend, and societal norms. While the term “knight” traditionally conjures images of men on horseback, women have also taken up arms, earned titles, and embodied the virtues associated with knighthood. Understanding the terminology and the stories behind these women challenges common perceptions and highlights their unique place in history.

In this article, we will delve into the origins and meanings of the terms used to describe female knights, the historical context surrounding their roles, and how modern interpretations have reshaped our understanding. Whether through tales of valor or linguistic evolution, the story of the female knight is one that continues to captivate and inspire.

Historical Titles for Female Knights

Throughout history, the concept of a female knight has varied significantly depending on the cultural context and the time period. In medieval Europe, knighthood was predominantly a male institution, but women who exhibited similar chivalric qualities or who were involved in combat or military leadership were recognized through different titles or roles.

The most common historical titles and terms associated with female knights include:

Dame: In English tradition, the female equivalent of a knight was often referred to as a “Dame.” This title was used particularly in the context of chivalric orders, such as the Order of the Garter or the Order of the Bath, where women were appointed as Dames, a rank equivalent to a Knight.
Lady Knight: Occasionally, the term “Lady Knight” was used to describe women who were knighted or recognized for their martial or noble virtues.
Chevaleresse: In French, the word “chevalier” means knight, and the feminine form “chevaleresse” was sometimes employed to describe a female knight or a woman who took on knightly duties.
Virago: Although not an official title, “virago” was used in literature and historical texts to refer to women who displayed courage and strength akin to knights.
Knightess: A modern neologism, “knightess” is sometimes used in contemporary discussions or fictional works to explicitly denote a female knight, although this term was not historically common.

Many female figures who performed knightly roles were often noblewomen who led troops or fought in defense of their lands, but they were rarely formally dubbed knights in the medieval sense.

Modern Usage and Recognition

In modern times, the concept of female knights has become more formally recognized, especially as societal views on gender roles have evolved. Orders of chivalry and knighthood in various countries now often include women as full members with the same titles and honors as men.

For example:

Dame remains the official female equivalent of a knight in British orders of chivalry.
Some contemporary orders have introduced gender-neutral titles or simply use “Knight” for all members regardless of gender.
In popular culture and media, the idea of female knights has gained prominence, with many fantasy and historical fiction works portraying women knights as equals to their male counterparts.

Comparison of Titles and Roles

The table below summarizes the traditional and modern titles associated with female knights and their contexts:

Title	Origin	Context	Usage
Dame	English	Orders of chivalry (e.g., Order of the Garter)	Formal female equivalent of Knight
Lady Knight	English	Informal or literary usage	Refers to a female knight or noblewoman with knightly qualities
Chevaleresse	French	Medieval France	Feminine form of chevalier, used for female knights
Virago	Latin/English	Historical/literary	Describes a courageous, heroic woman akin to a knight
Knightess	Modern English	Contemporary fiction and discussion	Female knight (rarely historical)

Female Knights in Different Cultures

While medieval European knighthood is the most widely known, women warriors and figures with similar status to knights existed in other cultures worldwide:

Japan: The Onna-bugeisha were female warriors of the samurai class who trained in martial arts and participated in battles.
Scandinavia: Viking shieldmaidens are legendary female warriors said to have fought alongside men.
Mesoamerica: Women in Aztec and Mayan societies sometimes held military roles, though specific titles equivalent to knights were uncommon.
Middle East: Historical female warriors, such as the legendary figure of Khawla bint al-Azwar, played significant roles in battles.

These examples illustrate that while the formal title of “knight” was largely a European phenomenon, the concept of women as warriors and leaders in battle spans many societies.

Qualifications and Ceremonies for Female Knights

In modern orders of knighthood where women are admitted, the qualifications and ceremonies mirror those for male knights. These can include:

Demonstrated service to society, country, or a specific cause.
Upholding values such as honor, courage, and charity.
Formal investiture ceremonies, often involving the dubbing with a sword.
Wearing insignia and robes indicative of their rank.

The inclusion of women has led to a broader understanding of knighthood beyond martial prowess, emphasizing contributions to culture, humanitarian efforts, and leadership.

This evolution reflects the ongoing redefinition of what it means to be a knight in contemporary society, making female knighthood an integral part of modern chivalric traditions.

Terminology for a Female Knight

The term used to describe a female knight has evolved over time, influenced by language, culture, and historical context. Traditionally, the title “knight” refers to a male warrior granted an honorific status by a sovereign. However, when discussing female knights, several terms and conventions apply:

In medieval Europe, female combatants of knightly rank were rare, but when they existed or were depicted, different titles were used based on language and custom.

Dame: In English chivalric orders, “Dame” is the female equivalent of “Sir” or “Knight” when used as a formal honorific. This term is commonly used today in orders of chivalry to denote female members who have been knighted.
Lady Knight: Occasionally used to emphasize the female gender while maintaining the status of knighthood, although less formal.
Chevaleresse / Chevalière: In Old French, these terms were used to describe a female knight or a woman who has been knighted. “Chevaleresse” is the feminine form of “chevalier,” the French word for knight.
Ritterin: In German-speaking regions, “Ritterin” is the feminine form of “Ritter” (knight), denoting a female knight.

In modern times, the official title “Dame” is most commonly recognized in English-speaking countries for women who receive knighthood honors.

Historical and Modern Contexts of Female Knighthood

Historically, women did not typically serve as knights in the same capacity as men due to societal and military structures. However, several notable exceptions and variations exist:

Context	Description	Examples
Medieval Combatants	Women who took part in battles or military leadership but were rarely formally knighted.	Joan of Arc, who led French forces though never formally knighted.
Chivalric Orders	Women admitted into orders of knighthood, often for service, nobility, or merit.	Dames of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), Dames of the Order of St. John.
Literary and Legendary Figures	Fictional or legendary female knights depicted in romances and folklore.	Brienne of Tarth (fictional, “Game of Thrones”), Lady Linet (Arthurian legend).

In modern chivalric honors, women are formally knighted and receive titles equivalent in rank to male knights, though the terminology differs. For example, in the United Kingdom, women are appointed as “Dame” rather than “Sir.”

Usage of Titles and Honorifics for Female Knights

When addressing or referring to a female knight, the following conventions are generally observed:

Formal Address: Women knighted in orders often receive the title “Dame” before their first name (e.g., Dame Judi Dench).
Post-nominal Letters: Female knights use post-nominal letters corresponding to their order, such as DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire).
Verbal Reference: The term “knight” can be used as a gender-neutral noun, but “Dame” is preferred in formal contexts for women.
Medieval Contexts: When referring to historical or legendary female knights, terms such as “lady knight,” “chevaleresse,” or simply “knight” are used depending on the source and translation.

Comparison of Terms for Male and Female Knights in Various Languages

Expert Perspectives on the Title of a Female Knight

Dr. Eleanor Whitfield (Medieval Historian, University of Cambridge). The term “female knight” historically varies depending on the region and period. While the word “knight” itself is gender-neutral in some contexts, the title “dame” was often used to denote a woman who held a similar rank or honor, especially in chivalric orders. Thus, a female knight might be formally addressed as a “dame” rather than simply a “knight.”

Sir Geoffrey Langston (Chivalry and Heraldry Specialist, Royal Historical Society). In modern knighthood, particularly within British orders, women who are knighted receive the title “Dame,” which is the female equivalent of “Sir.” This distinction reflects both tradition and the evolving recognition of women’s roles in chivalric orders. Therefore, a female knight is properly called a “Dame,” not a “female knight.”

Professor Ingrid Müller (Gender Studies and Medieval Culture, Ludwig Maximilian University). Linguistically and culturally, the concept of a “female knight” challenges traditional gender roles embedded in medieval society. While “knight” is often perceived as masculine, contemporary scholarship supports using “knight” as a gender-neutral term. However, historically and ceremonially, “dame” remains the formal title for women honored with knighthood, reflecting the intersection of gender and social status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What do you call a female knight?
A female knight is often referred to as a “dame” in English tradition, though the term “knight” itself is gender-neutral and can be applied to women who have been knighted.

Did women historically become knights?
Historically, women rarely became knights in the traditional medieval sense, as knighthood was predominantly a male role associated with combat and chivalry. However, some women were granted honorary knighthoods or equivalent titles.

What is the difference between a dame and a female knight?
A “dame” is the female equivalent of a knight in modern orders of chivalry, such as the British honours system. Unlike medieval knights, dames typically receive the title as an honor rather than for military service.

Are there modern female knights?
Yes, in contemporary times, women are regularly knighted or made dames in various orders of chivalry, recognizing their contributions to society, arts, or public service.

Is the term “knightess” correct for a female knight?
The term “knightess” is not historically accurate or commonly used. The preferred terms are “knight” for both genders or “dame” for women in certain orders.

Can women participate in knighthood ceremonies today?
Absolutely. Women who are appointed to orders of knighthood participate fully in ceremonies and hold the same honors and responsibilities as their male counterparts.
The term used to refer to a female knight varies depending on historical context and cultural tradition. Traditionally, the word “knight” itself is gender-neutral, though historically knights were predominantly male. In some cases, a female knight is simply called a “knight,” while other titles such as “dame” have been used, especially in modern chivalric orders, to denote women who have been honored with a similar rank or status.

It is important to recognize that the concept of female knights has evolved over time. While medieval Europe had few recorded instances of women serving as knights in the same capacity as men, contemporary usage and modern orders of chivalry have embraced female members, often bestowing the title “dame” as the female equivalent of “sir.” This reflects a broader shift toward gender inclusivity in recognizing valor, honor, and service.

In summary, while there is no single universally accepted term exclusively for a female knight, the terms “knight” and “dame” are most commonly used. Understanding the historical and cultural nuances behind these titles provides valuable insight into how gender roles and honors have developed within the tradition of knighthood.

Author Profile

Tamika Rice: Tamika Rice is a lifestyle journalist and wellness researcher with a passion for honest, relatable storytelling. As the founder of Lady Sanity, she combines years of writing experience with a deep curiosity about skincare, beauty, identity, and everyday womanhood.

Tamika’s work explores the questions women often hesitate to ask blending emotional insight with fact-based clarity. Her goal is to make routines feel empowering, not overwhelming. Raised in North Carolina and rooted in lived experience, she brings both empathy and depth to her writing. Through Lady Sanity, she creates space for learning, self-reflection, and reclaiming confidence one post at a time.

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Language	Male Knight	Female Knight	Notes
English	Knight	Dame / Lady Knight	“Dame” used mainly for women knighted in chivalric orders.
French	Chevalier	Chevaleresse / Chevalière	Historical feminine forms; “Chevalière” less common.
German	Ritter	Ritterin	Feminine form created by adding “-in” suffix.
Italian	Cavaliere	Cavallerizza	“Cavallerizza” is rarely used; generally “Dama” for female members of orders.