In the English-speaking world, honorifics and titles are used to show respect and to indicate someone’s position, rank, or accomplishments. These can vary widely depending on the context, such as formal versus informal situations, professional versus personal relationships, and regional or cultural differences. Below is a comprehensive list of honorifics and titles commonly used in English.
Personal Honorifics
Formal
- Mr.
- Mrs.
- Miss
- Ms.
- Dr.
- Professor (Prof.)
- Sir
- Madam
Informal
- Dude
- Guy
- Gal
- Mate
- Buddy
- Pal
- Kid
- Chick
- Sir
- Ma’am
Professional and Academic Titles
Formal
- Dr. (Doctorate)
- Prof. (Professor)
- Mr. (Master of Arts, Master of Science, etc.)
- Mrs. (Master of Arts, Master of Science, etc.)
- Miss (Master of Arts, Master of Science, etc.)
- Ms. (Master of Arts, Master of Science, etc.)
- Sir
- Madam
- Lord
- Lady
- Dame
- Reverend (Rev.)
- Pastor
- Priest
- Rabbi
- Imam
- Justice (for judges)
- Judge
- Magistrate
- Sheriff
- Constable
- Detective
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Officer
- Commander
- Admiral
- General
- Colonel
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major General
- Brigadier General
- Commander-in-Chief
- Minister
- Secretary
- Ambassador
- Consul
- Diplomat
- Attorney
- Lawyer
- Advocate
- Solicitor
- Barrister
- Counselor
- Consultant
- Engineer
- Architect
- Doctor (of Philosophy, Medicine, etc.)
- Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Surgeon
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Professor (of a specific subject)
- Teacher
- Lecturer
- Instructor
- Professor Emeritus
- Dean
- Headmaster
- Principal
- Supervisor
- Manager
- Director
- CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
- CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
- COO (Chief Operating Officer)
- Chairman
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary-General
- Chancellor
- President Emeritus
Informal
- Dude
- Guy
- Gal
- Mate
- Buddy
- Pal
- Kid
- Chick
- Sir
- Ma’am
Titles Based on Accomplishments or Distinctions
Formal
- Nobel Prize Winner
- Academy Award Winner
- Pulitzer Prize Winner
- Olympic Gold Medalist
- World Champion
- Grandmaster
- Laureate
- Honorary
- Esteemed
- Renowned
- Esteemed
- Distinguished
- Eminent
- Preeminent
- Honorary
- Honored
- Celebrated
- Acclaimed
- Renowned
Informal
- Winner
- Champ
- Ace
- Pro
- Star
- Legend
- All-Star
- MVP
- Ace
Titles Based on Family or Ancestry
Formal
- Prince
- Princess
- Duke
- Duchess
- Earl
- Countess
- Marquis
- Marchioness
- Viscount
- Viscountess
- Baron
- Baroness
- Knight
- Dame
- Lady
- Sir
Informal
- Prince
- Princess
- Duke
- Duchess
- Earl
- Countess
- Marquis
- Marchioness
- Viscount
- Viscountess
- Baron
- Baroness
- Knight
- Dame
- Lady
- Sir
Titles in Specific Fields
Medicine
- Dr.
- Professor
- Surgeon
- Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
Law
- Attorney
- Lawyer
- Barrister
- Solicitor
- Judge
- Magistrate
Military
- General
- Admiral
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Officer
Business
- CEO
- CFO
- COO
- Chairman
- President
- Vice President
- Manager
- Director
Academia
- Professor
- Dean
- Lecturer
- Instructor
- Teacher
Arts
- Artist
- Author
- Actor
- Actress
- Director
- Producer
- Composer
- Conductor
Remember that the use of honorifics and titles can vary based on the context and the relationship between the individuals involved. It’s always important to be aware of the cultural norms and to use the appropriate title to show respect.