Freiherr (German for "Free Lord") is a title of lower nobility in Germany, considered equal to the title Baron. When adressed, a German Freiherr is styled "Baron", although this is not the formal title.
The wife of a Freiherr is called Freifrau ("Free Lady"), a daughter of a Freiherr is called Freiherrin (often shortened Freiin).
Notice on the use: Noble titles have officially been abolished in Germany since 1918, they are now ordinary name-parts, and they may or may not be used. They do however have high prestige in some circles of society.
The same title is used in Sweden and to some extent in Denmark; in Scandinavian it is spelled friherre.
External link
- Nobility FAQ http://www.genealogienetz.de/misc/nobility_faq.html
Last updated: 04-30-2005 10:37:28